Page 59 of Icebound Hearts

“Go get her, tiger. Stop acting like a little bitch and get your girl.” Roman shoots him a glare before turning to me.

“Please tell him to shut the fuck up. He just ruined a great bonding moment.”

I glare at Aiden, who raises his hands in mock innocence, taking a step back. I swear Aiden has no filter whatsoever.

“We’re here if you need to talk. Bye!” Aiden snaps, grabbing my hand and dragging me upstairs to my room. He shuts the door behind us and locks it, slamming me against the door. I gasp as his hands trap me on both sides.

“God, he talks too much,” Aiden mutters, his lips brushing against mine.

“All I wanted was to have you all to myself.” His mouth trails down my collarbone, his lips grazing the sensitive skin. I tilt my head, giving him more access, and he takes it.

“Aiden…” I whisper, my breathing erratic. A deep sound rumbles from his chest, and I feel it everywhere. My left-hand sneaks into his hair, fingers curling as I pull. I force his head back and meet his gaze with a teasing smile.

“Are you going to fuck me?” I ask my voice barely a whisper. Aiden’s pupils dilate. His eyes flick to my lips, dark and dangerous, as if I’ve just awoken

something untamed inside him.

“Do you want me to?” Aiden asks, as his eyes analyze my face for any sign of hesitation. A whimper escapes me when he pulls me to his front, our bodies meshed together.

“Y-Yes.” I manage to get out as his hand slides up, cupping my breast, squeezing just enough to make me arch into him. Then he grips my thighs, lifting me against him. I wrap my legs around his waist, crashing my lips against his, swallowing the groan he lets out. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, claiming, devouring—

“Guys, I need to talk to you.” That was no Aiden. Fuck. I groan, hitting my head against the door at the sound of Roman’s voice.

“No,” Aiden whispers. “Pretend you’re sleeping.” I laugh softly, shaking my head. “Aiden, he’s your best friend,” I whisper, pulling his bottom lips between my thumb.

“I don’t care. I want you. Right now.”

“Please.” Roman pleads, his voice cracking at the end.

Aiden lifts his fist to his mouth and bites it in irritation, his entire body stiff with frustration. His eyes are dark, still clouded with desire, and I don’t miss the way his jaw clenches, his patience running razor-thin. I chuckle, amused despite the heatstill coursing through my veins. My heart is racing from what almost happened— what would have happened if we hadn’t been interrupted.

With a sigh, I turn and open the door. Roman practically barrels into my room, not even waiting for an invitation.

“Oh, thank God,” he mutters, running a hand through his hair before dropping onto my bed, shoulders slumping forward. His whole body screams exhaustion like he’s been carrying the weight of something heavy for far too long.

“I need help,” he admits, his voice rough and strained. I exchange a glance with Aiden, who still looks like he’s debating whether or not to kick Roman out. Roman exhales sharply and leans forward, elbows on his knees.

“I can’t lose Ali... She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m—” His voice cracks, and he shakes his head in frustration.

“I’m self-sabotaging and don’t even know how to stop. I don’t know how to love her, right. I’ve never known how to love someone right, Kat.” My chest tightens—my poor friends. You can see how much they care about each other. Maybe this is a right person, wrong time situation. Roman doesn’t do vulnerable. He doesn’t let people see him break. But right now? He’s breaking. I step closer, sitting on the bed beside him.

“Roman,” I say softly, “Just talk to her. You know what Alina has been through. She needs communication. She needs honesty. You can’t keep shutting her out.” Roman lets out a hollow laugh, rubbing his hands over his face.

“And how do I even do that? Open up about what?” He looks up at me, eyes guarded yet desperate for an answer. I hold his gaze.

“Your past. Your fears. Why you act the way that you do. She doesn’t need perfection, Roman—she just needs the truth.” His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows.

“I don’t want to hurt her. What if I say the wrong thing? What if I get angry? What if—”

“You won’t,” I interrupt.

“Not if you go into this remembering that she’s on your side. She just wants to know you.” Roman stands, pacing the room, dragging a hand through his hair.

“I don’t want to blow up on her. Especially when she asks questions I don’t want to answer. I want to be able to talk without—” His hands tighten into fists.

“Without shutting down.” I stand, too, trying to place myself before him so he stays grounded in the conversation.

“Then start small. Tell her that it’s hard for you, but you’re trying. She’ll understand.” Roman stares at me for a long moment before nodding.

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