Page 116 of Icebound Hearts

I thought pushing him away would make things easier. That if I kept running, I wouldn’t have to deal with the weight of him—of us. But instead, it just feels like I’m drowning.

By the time night falls, Alina still isn’t back, which means I have no one to stop me when I do something stupid. Like go back to the hockey house.

I tell myself I just need to grab the rest of my things. That I’m not looking for him. That I don’t care. But the second I step inside, the air shifts.

Because he’s there. Sitting on the couch, watching a game on mute, his body relaxed in a way that’s too forced, too careful. I swallow hard, gripping the strap of my bag as I move toward the stairs. I don’t look at him. I don’t acknowledge him.

“Running away again?” His voice is quiet, but it hits.

I stop, my fingers tightening around the railing. “I’m not running.”

Aiden scoffs, standing up. “Right. Because avoiding me at practice, moving out of the house, and refusing to even look at me isn’t running.”

I exhale sharply, turning to face him. “What do you want me to say, Aiden?”

His jaw clenches. “I want you to stop lying to me.”

I lift my chin, trying to steady my breathing. “I’m not lying.”

Aiden takes a step closer. “No? Then look me in the eye and tell me you don’t love me.”

My stomach twists violently. “Aiden—”

“Say it.” His voice is rough, almost pleading. “Say it and I’ll drop it. I’ll leave you alone. You’ll never have to deal with me again.”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Because I can’t say it.

Aiden’s gaze darkens, his fingers flexing at his sides. “That’s what I thought.”

I shake my head, my throat burning. “It doesn’t matter.” His brows pull together. “How does it not matter?”

“Because love isn’t enough!” I snap, my voice cracking. “Not for me! Not for you! Not for this!”

Silence.

Aiden exhales slowly, stepping even closer, his presence overwhelming. “That’s the biggest load of bullshit I’ve ever heard.” I shake my head, swallowing hard. “I can’t lose skating.”

“And you think you have to lose me to keep it?” His voice is softer now, raw at the edges. “That’s not how this works, Kat.”

I clench my jaw, looking away. “I don’t know how else to do this.”

Aiden lifts a hand, hesitating for a second before brushing his fingers against my cheek. “Then let me show you.”

My breath catches, my heart slamming against my ribs. But before I can say anything—before I can think—Aiden leans in, his lips hovering just over mine, his breath warm against my skin.

“You can push me away all you want,” he murmurs.

“But I’m not going anywhere.” Aiden steps back, leaving me standing there, breathless, heart aching, wanting more.

And I realize, with a sinking feeling in my chest— I might have already lost the battle.

Chapter Forty - seven

KATERINA

I wish I could say ignoring Aiden gets easier. It doesn’t.

Every time I step into the rink, every time I pass him in

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