Page 28 of Icebound Hearts

“Your attention? You think too highly of yourself.” He smirks, finally stepping back.

“Maybe. But you did look at me first.”

“So did you!” I counter, raising my voice. Aiden nods, pressing his lips together.

“Yes, I did. The dare said kiss someone I’d never expect to kiss.” He takes a couple of steps towards me, lowering his head, cold lips grazing the top of my ear.

“I very much so expect to kiss you.” My heart plummets at his words, but before I can argue, he disappears into the crowd.

I let out a slow breath, my grip tightening around my cup.

Infuriating.

Absolutely infuriating.

And yet, I know exactly who I’ll think about when I sleep tonight.

Chapter fourteen

KATERINA

The following morning comes too fast.

My alarm blares, and I slap my phone, turning the alarm off groaning as sunlight spills through the blinds. I roll out of bed, my head only slightly pounding. It could’ve been worse. Alina is already up when I shuffle into the kitchen. She leans against the counter, scrolling through her phone, sipping coffee like the image of ease.

She glances up. “Morning, sunshine,” I grunt, grabbing a mug and pouring myself coffee. “Don’t start.” She grins.

“Start what? Talking about the fact that Aiden was practically eye-fucking you all night?” I freeze mid-sip.

“He was not.”

She shrugs, unbothered. “Maybe not in an obvious way, but I noticed,”I scowl, sinking into a chair.

“It was just the game. He was being his usual arrogant, annoying self. Nothing new.”

Alina hums in amusement. “Sure, Kat. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Before I can argue, my phone buzzes on the table. I unlock it to see a message from the devil himself.

Grumpy Hockey Player

I glare at the screen like it personally offended me. “Unbelievable.”

Alina peeks over. “Oooh, texting already? Cute.” I shove my phone into my hoodie pocket. “It’s not cute. It’s torture.”

She grins. “Same thing.”

An hour later, I’m lacing up my skates, my irritation growing when I spot Aiden already on the ice, casually stretching like he didn’t spend last night making my life difficult. He looks up as I step onto the rink, smirking.

“You’re late.”

I scowl. “By one minute.”

“Still late.” He twirls his stick. “Gonna make me regret having you teach with me?”

I tighten my ponytail, rolling my shoulders back. “You will regret it.”

His grin is slow, teasing as he says. “Prove it.”

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