Page 76 of Icebound Hearts

He stops when he sees me awake, his expression flickering

with something unreadable. “You heard that?” I nod slowly. “Yeah.”

Aiden rubs a hand over his face, letting out a rough sigh. “It’s fine.”

I raise an eyebrow. “That didn’t sound fine.”

He exhales through his nose, shaking his head. “It’s nothing I didn’t already know.”

I hesitate, watching the way his muscles are tensed, like he’s holding everything inside, refusing to let himself feel it.

So, I stand up, crossing the room before I can talk myself out of it, and wrap my arms around his waist. Aiden stiffens. For a second, he doesn’t react at all, but then his arms wrap around me, his body sinking into mine as he exhales slowly, his breath warm against my hair. We don’t speak. We don’t need to. He just holds onto me, and I let him.

And for once, Aiden Knight doesn’t have to be strong alone.

Chapter thirty - four

KATERINA

It’s been a week since the surgery and Aiden is feeling better. He was cleared by his doctor yesterday, so he is good to get back on ice. We’re currently at our house right now, having dinner with Roman and Graysen. I’m mad at him. Roman. He keeps hurting my best friend, but he is also my best friend. I know he is not doing it intentionally, but it doesn’t make it hurt less.

Truth is, I had missed sitting down with all the boys. With everything that’s been happening, we haven’t had a proper meal in a a good minute.

“How’s Sophia doing?” Roman asks as he stabs his steak. I grimace at the sight of his almost raw meat. I don’t know how he eats that.

“Something wrong, Kat?” Roman smirks, cutting his steak and chewing a piece.

“I think I’m going to throw up. That is raw. I can see it moving.” I gag a little, covering my mouth with my hand as I look away from him.

Aiden, who’s sitting next to me, laughs, wrapping his large hand around my left thigh.

“Breathe, Angel Face.”

I shake my head and look away from Roman, straight into Aiden’s beautiful eyes. God, I’m obsessed with this man. He is so selfless and kind.

Aiden looks away from me and returns his attention to Roman.

“To answer your question, she is doing great. Her numbers are improving, and it seems like her body is accepting my cells.” I bring my left hand over Aiden’s and give it a squeeze.

“Will is with her right now. That’s why he isn’t here,” Aiden adds, taking a bite of his steak. I see Roman roll his eyes, and I giggle.

“Is that where he is? I thought he was with my sister, eating each other’s faces.” I laugh at his dig against Will. I know Roman loves Will, but I also know he hates seeing them both, kiss around him.

“Why are you so mad, Roman?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “Are you mad because you blew it with Ali? I keep telling you to give it time, but you won’t listen to me.” Roman stabs his food, clearly angry at my comment, but I don’t care. Aiden and I tried to help him see reason, but with Roman, that word doesn’t exist in hisvocabulary. So, what does he do? Hurt my best friend over and over again with his stupid decisions.

“Stay out of it, Kat. That’s between Alina and I.”

I press my lips into a thin line and nod. “Whatever.”

Aiden squeezes my thigh again to reassure me, and I take a deep breath.

“Are you guys coming to Alexei’s birthday bash tomorrow night?” I ask, taking a bite of my salad. Graysen chuckles, shaking his head.

“If I don’t kill him beforehand, yes, I’ll be there.” I let out a chuckle as Graysen’s phone goes off.

“Speak of the devil. Why is your friend such a diva?” I laugh, and Aiden joins in.

Alexei is definitely a diva. He is the loudest person in the room but the one person who will never make you feel alone. If he sees you by yourself, he will make sure to introduce you to everyone and stick by your side. A great friend.

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