Page 12 of Icebound Hearts

“Oh my god, this bitch is trying to fucking murder us,” Alexei mutters, collapsing beside me. I laugh softly, throwing my head back.

“She is, isn’t she? But I like her. She knows what we need to work on and doesn’t make us starve ourselves.” Alexei glances toward the rink, where Alina is practicing her quads.

“Are you okay?” He asks, his tone softer now, laced with concern. I pause, then nod, placing my hand on his. “I’m alright. I think. I’m just tired.”

Alexei doesn’t ask questions, thankfully. He’s a great friend like that—one who listens without prying, accepting my answers for what they are.

“What’s up with Alina and that creepy guy?” Alexei asks, shaking his head.

I laugh softly. “You mean Roman? The scary-looking tattooed guy who’s obsessed with her?”

“Yeah, him.” Alexei’s voice is a mix of disbelief and humour.

“She was chewing him out the other day,” I say, smirking. “That guy is crazy.”

“Crazy for her,” Alexei adds, laughing. I nod, my smile softening.

“Definitely.” We watch Alina finish her routine, and when Coach gives us the all-clear, we head out to the parking lot.

“Guys, Roman invited us to their first hockey game of the season this Friday,” Alina says, slowing her pace.

“Did Roman invite you, and you just don’t want to go alone?” Alexei teases.

Alina glances down at her feet, then looks up at us, nodding slowly.

“He intimidates the shit out of me, but I want to go. I’ve never been to a hockey game.” I glance at Alexei, who rolls his eyes but nods in agreement.

“Yeah, babe, we’ll go with you.” Alina squeals, wrapping her arms around us in a tight hug.

Alexei plops down next to me, nudging my shoulder. “Drink tonight?” I shake my head. “Too tired.”

“Come on, Kit-Kat. One drink. You need to unwind.” Alina says, wrapping her arms around my left one. I hesitate. Maybe a drink wouldn’t be the worst idea: anything to take my mind off skating and my ongoing war with Aiden.

“Fine,” I sigh.

“One drink.” Alexei grins and Alina claps in excitement.

“That’s my girl.” Alexei says wrapping his arms around my shoulder, as we walk out of the rink.

The bar is packed. Loud music. Laughter. The scent of alcohol was thick in the air. I lean against the counter, waiting for our drinks, when a voice behind me sends a shiver down my spine.

“Didn’t take you for the drinking type, Angel Face.” I don’t even have to turn around. I already know who the voice belongs to. My body is always aware of his presence. I blame him for his stupid looks.

Aiden.

I scowl as I twist to face him. He’s standing there, drink in hand, looking like he owns the damn place. His dark eyes flick over me, amusement dancing in them.

“I didn’t take you for the talking type,” I shoot back.

Aiden smirks. “That’s funny, considering how much you enjoy arguing with me.”

I grip my glass tighter. “Trust me, I don’t enjoy anything about you.” He leans in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make my pulse stutter.

“Then why are you so obsessed with proving me wrong?”

I open my mouth, ready to rip into him, but Alexei appears out of nowhere, throwing an arm around my shoulders.

“Problem here?” Aiden’s expression cools.

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