Page 57 of Icebound Hearts

It’s desperate. Rough. His hands gripping my waist, pulling me flush against him, his body solid and warm. I melt, fisting thefront of his hoodie—deepening the kiss like I need this just as badly as he does.

Aiden groans against my lips, his fingers pressing into my sides, everywhere but where I want them, and it’s infuriating, it’s exhilarating, it’s—

“Fucking finally!”

We jerk apart at the sound of our friends' voices. I whip around just in time to see Will, Roman, and Alina standing at the rink's entrance, grinning like idiots.

Oh my God. Aiden growls, running a hand down his face. “You guys have the worst timing.” Fuck can’t a girl get some in peace around here.

Alina crosses her arms, smirking. “Or the best.”

I groan, covering my face with my hands. “I hate all of you.”

Will snorts. “No, you don’t.”

Roman winks at the both of us with a grin on his face as he says. “So, when’s the wedding?”

Aiden flips him off while I groan louder. And somewhere beneath the embarrassment, beneath the sheer mortification of being caught, there’s something else. Something warm.

Chapter twenty - eight

KATERINA

I knew this morning was going to go to shit when I woke up and found out Grayson drank my coffee. I was late for practice because I couldn’t find my damn leg warmers, and the first thing I saw at the rink was Alina yelling. She is fuming. Roman stands across from her, arms crossed, jaw clenched, while Alina paces before him like she’s seconds away from losing it.

“I don’t get you,” she snaps, throwing her hands in the air. “One second, you’re fine, and the next, you shut down like I’m some stranger.”

Roman exhales through his nose, visibly restraining himself.

“Alina—”

“No,” she cuts him off, her voice shaking. “I don’t understand why you can’t just talk to me.” His expression hardens, but beneath it, I see it—hesitation. Fear. My best friend likes Roman. She’s scared to lose him. The look in her eyes, I’ve seen it before on her.

“This is getting ugly,” Aiden mutters, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I nudge him on the ribs to get him to be quiet. “Stop talking. I can’t hear.”

Roman shakes his head, exhaling harshly. “Because it’s not that simple, Alina.” She scoffs at Roman, rolling her eyes.

“No, Roman. It is. You just don’t want it to be.” A heavy silence stretches between them. Roman’s fingers flex at his sides like he wants to reach for her but doesn’t dare. Alina’s eyes shine with frustration, lips pressed tight like she’s holding back something deeper than anger.

She steps back. Not much. But enough for Roman to notice. His jaw ticks, his entire body stiffening, but he doesn’t say anything. Alina nods once like she’s just made a decision.

“I can’t keep doing this, Roman.” She walks away before he can respond, her shoulders tense, her hands balled into fists. I don’t realize I’m holding my breath until she’s gone.

Aiden blows out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Damn.” I elbow him.

“Not the time.” I spat at Aiden through gritted teeth.

Roman stands there momentarily, staring at the spot where Alina disappeared, his fingers tightening into fists before he turns and storms off in the opposite direction. I sigh, rubbing my temple.

“That’s gonna be a mess.” Aiden nudges my side, wiggling his brows, while he rubs his hands together in anticipation.

“Wanna make a bet?” I glare at him, annoyed at his reaction.

“You’re insufferable.”

He smirks. “And yet, you love spending time with me.” I roll my eyes but don’t argue. Because he’s right. Ever since my shoulder injury, my thoughts have shifted. Don’t get me wrong—I still want to be a gold medalist in the upcoming Olympics. Scratch that. I will be.

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