Page 86 of Icebound Hearts

He smirks at me, bitting his bottom lip. “Careful, Hart. I never back down from a challenge.”

Before I can respond, Roman’s voice booms across the yard. “ALL RIGHT, WHO WANTS TO DO STUPID SHIT?”

The crowd cheers. Aiden sighs, rubbing his temple. “I already regret this.” I grin. “Come on, Captain, live a little.”

His eyes flick to mine, something undeniable burning there. “Oh, I am, Angel Face. Trust me.”

The bonfire burns high, casting flickering shadows across the backyard as the celebration reaches full swing. Laughter echoes, beer bottles clink together, and the smell of smoke lingers in the crisp night air. The boys are still hyped from their win, the energy so contagious that even I can’t stop smiling. But Aiden?

Aiden is watching me.

I can feel his gaze like a physical touch, searing across my skin, making my heart race. He’s leaning against the porch railing,arms crossed, eyes dark and unreadable. He’s been watching me all night, ever since I stole his hoodie and refused to give it back.

And I love it.

“So,” Roman claps his hands together, stumbling slightly as he steps forward. “Let’s play a game.” A chorus of cheers erupts around us, and I can’t help but laugh. Roman is three drinks in, which means whatever idea he’s about to propose is either genius or insane.

Alina smirks, arms crossed. “Is this the kind of game that gets

people arrested?”

Roman gasps, hand to his chest. “Baby, I am offended. I would never—”

“Last time we played one of your games, Will had to bribe campus security to let us go,” Aiden drawls, finally pushing off the railing and making his way over.

Roman waves him off. “That was a misunderstanding.”

Will sighs. “You tried to convince them we were part of an undercover mission.”

“I almost had them fooled,” Roman argues.

I shake my head, grinning. “Okay, so what’s the game?” Roman’s face lights up. “Truth or Dare.”

Aiden groans. “Absolutely not. We have played this game too many times, these last couple of months.”

But it’s too late. The group is already cheering in agreement, and before I know it, everyone is settling into a makeshift circle near the fire.

Alina nudges me as we sit down. “This is going to be a disaster.” I smirk. “I know.”

The game starts off mild. A few easy truths, a dare that forces

one of the guys to shotgun two beers back-to-back, another that makes Maddie run a lap around the yard in nothing but Roman’s jersey. But then—

Roman turns to me.

“Hart,” he drawls, smirking. “Truth or dare?” I roll my eyes. “Dare.”

The group oohs, and Roman grins. “I love that answer. I dare you to kiss someone in this circle.”

I pause, my pulse spiking.

My gaze flickers—without thinking—to Aiden. And he knows.

His smirk fades, his jaw tightening, his entire body going still as he watches me. Daring me to do it.

The tension is thick.

I stand and make my way to Aiden. I lean when i reach him and smile. “Hi baby.” I whisper. Aiden grins and smashes his lips with mine, giving me a consuming kiss. My brain shuts down, as i bring my arms around his neck. Aiden pulls me into his lap, as his tongue dances with mine.

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