Page 88 of Icebound Hearts

Roman flops onto the armrest, sipping his beer with a lazy grin. “That’s what they all say, Hart.”

Aiden smirks, clearly enjoying this way too much. “She’s stubborn.”

I scowl at him. “And you’re infuriating.”

He leans in slightly, voice dropping just enough for only me to hear. “You love it.”

My breath catches in my throat because he’s not wrong. I do love it—the push and pull, the tension that’s always simmering between us, the way he challenges me, the way he sees me.

Instead of responding, I steal his beer right out of his hand

and take a long, slow sip as Aiden watches me, his lips curving into something dangerous.

Chapter thirty - eight

KATERINA

Practice today was different. Coach has been ruthless. “Straighten up your leg, Katerina. Push up.” I sigh at the coach’s words and lift my foot higher, ensuring my leg is perfectly straight.

“Just like that. Keep it going.” Alexei lowers me down and skates beside me, perfectly in sync, as Lover by Taylor Swift plays in the background.

I’m proud of how effortlessly we move together, each step

and movement flowing like second nature. I also know we’re doing well because our coach has stopped yelling at us… well, mostly.

I reach for Alexei’s hand, and he grips mine firmly, pulling me toward him before lifting me into the air. His strong hands hold me securely at my lower back as I extend gracefully, reaching for the blade of my skate while he spins us around.

As he lowers me down, I wrap my calves around his neck, letting him spin us four times before he gently sets me back on the ice.

“Alright, take a break. Good job.” I high-five Alexei before wrapping my arms around his neck, and he playfully lifts me up in response.

My gaze drifts to the edge of the ice rink, where my handsome hockey player stands. His eyes are already locked onto mine. My lips curl into a soft smile, and he grins, pushing off and skating toward me.

My heart starts thudding against my chest—so hard I swear it might break free.

Come on, heart. I thought we got over this. He’s already mine. I know that. But it doesn’t change the way he still makes me feel. It’s infuriating.

“Angel face, that was freaking phenomenal,” Aiden says as he reaches me. I beam at his praise, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“Low-key, I got anxious that you’d slice Alexei’s face with your skate, but thank God you didn’t.” I giggle at his comment, and he takes my hand in his, rubbing slow circles against my palm.

“That would’ve been a bloody scene,” I joke, watching as Aiden chuckles and nods.

He tilts his head slightly, his expression softening. His grip

tightens around me, as he presses a gentle kiss to the side of my head.

“How did I get so damn lucky to score you?” he murmurs, tapping my nose playfully.

I grin, my cheeks heating up as I look away. Before I can say

anything, a sharp voice catches my attention. Aiden and I both turn our heads toward the rink, where we see Alina and Roman arguing. My heart clenches. Oh no. Not again. Alina’s hands fly up in

frustration.

“It’s your fucking fault, Roman! I try and try and try, while all you do is shut down and push me away!” Roman’s jaw tightens.

“Then leave.” His voice is raw, broken. “That’s all I know how to do, Lina. So just leave. Save yourself from me. You don’t need me.” Alina takes a shaky step back, defeated. Her voice trembles.

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