Page 78 of Icebound Hearts

“When we filed the lawsuit, the news spread everywhere. Everyone called me names, saying I just wanted a big payout.”

Aiden’s eyes burn with anger, but he stays quiet, letting me speak.

“That’s when my dad found me, and the rest, well… you know the rest. Here I am.”

Aiden gives me a smile before bringing his lips to mine. His kiss is slow, reassuring, and filled with something I’ve been searching for my entire life.

Love.

“He deserves all the punches I gave him. Next time, I won’t stop until it’s him in a coma.” I shake my head, wrapping my arms around him.

“If you do that, you’ll end up in jail. I hate him but he is not worth your future.” Aiden nods placing a kiss on the top off my head. I take a deep breath feeling relieved. I have been holding this in for so long. My friends are the only people that know. It feels so good to tell Aiden.

“You are so strong, Angel Face. Don’t let an ugly, cowardly bastard bring you down.” I laugh, throwing my head back cause Aiden is right. Max is a fucking coward.

“I wish instead of hearing him, you could hear me or your friends telling you how proud we are of you.”I stare into Aiden’s eyes, brushing his hair from his forehead. “Thank you for telling me.” He whispers, pressing his lips to mine again, and this time, I let myself get completely lost in him.

“Thank you for listening to me.” I say pulling away.

“Always Angel Face. Let’s get some sleep.” I nod laying down next to him and drift into a deep sleep feeling safe in Aidens arms.

I wake up to Aiden’s alarm blaring, the sound cutting through the early morning stillness. His face is nestled in the crook of my neck, his arms wrapped securely around me, his steady breaths warming my skin.

A slow smile tugs at my lips as I run my hand up and down his back, savouring the feel of him so close.

“Baby, if you keep doing that, I’m going to be late for practice,” he murmurs, his deep, sleep-laced voice sending shivers down my spine.

So hot. Yep, I’m never sleeping in my own bed again if it means waking up to this.

“I wish you didn’t have practice. I just want to stay in bed with you all day.” I tighten my arms around him, pressing my face against his chest.

“Me too,” he sighs, pressing a kiss to my hair. “But unfortunately, we both have to be responsible adults.”

I groan, but when he pats my back playfully, I roll away, reluctantly slipping out of bed.

After a quick shower, I braid my hair, leaving a few loose strands to frame my face, and apply some mascara, blush, and a soft pink lipstick. I pull on my Lululemon leggings, a fitted long sleeve top, and my thick jacket before grabbing my backpack and gym bag. I double-check that I have everything I need, before heading downstairs.

Roman is leaning against the kitchen island, chatting with Aiden when I walk in. The moment he sees me, he grabs a coffee from the cupholder and holds it out to me like a peace offering.

“Truce? Don’t hate me, please. You’re my best friend.”

I can’t help but smile as I take the cup from him. “You’re lucky I love coffee.”

“Hey, what about me?” Aiden protests, raising his hands in mock outrage.

I glance at him with a smirk.

“You already know I love you.” Roman says to Aiden with chuckles, shaking his head before his expression turns serious.

“I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday, Kat. I know relationships are hard, especially when you’re not used to understanding the love you’re getting.”

His words soften my irritation, and I reach out, squeezing his arm.

“I don’t hate you, Roman. I just want you to stop running from something that could be good for you.”

He nods before wrapping me in a quick hug. Aiden clears his throat loudly.

“You have two seconds, Roman. Yep, time’s up. Hands off.”

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