Page 97 of Icebound Hearts

“Are you guys ready for the Omega Phi Christmas Bash?” she asks, abruptly changing the subject. I frown. “I was not informed about a bash.”

“Apparently, it’s supposed to be the biggest party of the year. Everyone is going,” Alexei chimes in, giving us his best puppy- dog eyes.

“I need to get wasted and dance,” Maddie says as she joins us. “If Maddie’s going, so are we,” Alina declares, pointing

between herself and me. I sigh. The things I do for my friends.

“It’s already eleven,” Alexei says. “Parents are about to leave. The second they go, we get ready and head out.” I nod, pressing my lips together before glancing at Aiden, who’s deep in conversation with my dad. As if he feels me staring, he turns, and the second his eyes lock onto mine, my heart leaps out of my chest. He grins.

I wink before turning back to Alexei.

“Stop eye-fucking each other across the room and just get a damn room,” Alexei mutters. I slap his chest, irritated at his comment.

Just as predicted, the parents leave fifteen minutes later, and we all race upstairs to get ready.

Since my hair and makeup are already done, all I have to do is find an outfit. I settle on a blue jean mini skirt—folding the zipper for an even shorter fit—a black short-sleeve crop top, and black knee-high leather boots. I refresh my red lipstick, drown myself in perfume, grab my black fluffy coat, and head downstairs.

“Why are you always trying to send me to jail?” I look up from my phone and grin at Aiden.

“Gotta keep you on your toes somehow.” He chuckles, pulling me into his arms.

“Fuck, you look so beautiful, angel.” I smile, pulling away.

“Kit Kat, you’re gonna give my brother a heart attack,” Will says, laughing as he walks past. I watch him disappear upstairs sighing.

“I miss Will. I feel like I haven’t spent any time with him lately. He’s like the big brother I never had.” Aiden places a soft kiss on top of my head.

“I’ll plan something for all of us next week. I haven’t seen him

much either. And I don’t know if you noticed, but he barely spoke to Maddie tonight.” I nod, my heart sinking for them both.

“Let’s go, bitches,” Alexei calls, coming down the stairs hand- in-hand with Graysen. I smile, clapping my hands together as we all head out

It takes twenty minutes to find parking, and by the time we step inside the massive frat house, Bad Bunny is booming through the speakers. I hand my coat to Aiden and rush to the dance floor, squealing when I see Maddie and Alina already dancing.

“You look gorgeous, oh my God,” Maddie exclaims, spinning me around.

“So do you guys!” I grin, pointing at their outfits.

Aiden appears a second later, handing me two shots. I chug them both and kiss him right after.

Then, he heads toward the kitchen where Will and Roman are, while I stay on the dance floor with my girls.

Alina notices Roman watching us and flips him off. I press my lips together to hold in my laughter, but she giggles, and I can’t help but join in. After a while, we take a break and head to the kitchen for more shots and that’s when I see it.

A blonde girl’s, touching Aidens arm, laughing at whatever he just said.

And the worst part? Aiden is laughing too. I will fucking kill him.

Alina’s eyes glaze over when she sees Roman with another blonde wrapped around his waist. I clench my jaw and march straight toward Aiden.

“Shot, please, babe,” I say, holding out my cup. Aiden glances between her and me.

The blonde has the nerve to snap her fingers in front of my face.

“Excuse me? Don’t you see we’re talking?” I ignore her. I only look at Aiden, daring him to try.

“Sure,” he says, filling my cup with tequila. The blonde pouts. “Aiden, is she your girlfriend?” He hesitates. Looks at me. Then back at her. And shakes his head.

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