Page 61 of Icebound Hearts

“To get coffee.”

Aiden makes a low noise in his throat as if he doesn’t believe me, but after a moment, he sighs and loosens his hold.

“Fine. But I’m stealing some.” I roll my eyes as I finally escape, tugging the hem of his hoodie over my thighs before making my way to the kitchen.

The second I step into the main room, Alina is already there, sipping coffee, arms crossed, waiting.

I pause.

She tilts her head. “So, you’re wearing his hoodie again.” I

scowl.

“Good morning to you, too.”

Alina smirks. “Didn’t answer the question.”

I groan, grabbing a mug and pouring my coffee like I can ignore her.

“It’s comfortable.”

“Mhm,” she hums. “And not because you two are screwing.”

I choke on my coffee. “Alina!” She laughs, propping her chin on her hand.

“Relax, Malyshka. Your secret is safe with me. For now.” I

glare.

“There’s no secret. Nothing is going on.” Alina gives me a look.

“Kat.”

“Alina.” She sighs, rolling her eyes.

“Fine. Pretend all you want. But just so you know, you’re the worst liar I’ve ever met.”

I groan. “You’re the worst.” Alina grins before answering.

“I know.”

Before I can come up with a comeback, the source of my problems walks in the kitchen—shirtless, messy hair from sleeping in and looking like he owns the place. Which, technically, he does. But still. Aiden steps behind me, his chest brushing my back as he reaches over my head to grab a mug. I tense. He leans down, his breath warm against my ear.

“Told you I was stealing some.” I glare at him over my shoulder.

“You’re insufferable,” Aiden smirks, taking a slow sip.

“And yet, you keep ending up in my bed.” My face burns while Alina chokes on her coffee, cackling. I can’t believe he said that in front of Alina.

By the time I get to class, my morning irritation has doubled.

Mostly because Aiden insisted on driving me to school as if I was some fragile thing that couldn’t handle the walk. We arguedabout it, but somehow, I still ended up in his car, listening to his annoying music, trying to ignore how my stomach flipped whenever he smirked at me. I grab his phone and lift it towards his face to unlock it. Aiden glares at me, but I ignore him. Clicking his music app, I search for Cigarettes After Sex and shuffle their playlist.

“What’s with the sad music?” Aiden asks, glancing at me and then back at the road.

“It’s not sad. It’s just calm, soft music.” Surprisingly, Aiden doesn’t say anything back and lets me be until we get to campus.

And now? Now, I’m stuck next to him in class because our professor switched seating arrangements for a stupid “collaborative learning experience.”

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