Page 56 of Icebound Hearts

The problem? I took too long. I feel it.

A prickle at the back of my neck. That unmistakable heat of being watched.

Because the second I turn around, Aiden is right there, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, gaze dark, smirk lazy and unmistakably focused on me, more specifically, on my legs, which were utterly bare beneath his stolen shirt. His jaw flexed like he was forcing himself to stay put instead of stalking toward me. I freeze.

A slow smile curved my lips as my heart pounded out of my chest. Fuck, I just got caught red-handed. I have to play it cool.

“Like what you see, Captain?” Really? I ask myself, that’s what you consider cool? Aidens eyes drag over me, slow and deliberate, his smirk deepening.

“Well, well, well…Didn’t realize my closet doubled as your wardrobe.”

I clear my throat, tugging the hem of the hoodie down like that’ll make this situation less humiliating.

“I—”

“You breaking into my closet, Angel Face?” I cross my arms, pretending I don’t feel my face heating. “It’s not breaking in if the door was open.”

Aiden chuckles, stepping inside and closing the space between us in two slow strides.

“That’s what you’re going with?” I lift my chin.

“You have too many hoodies. I’m doing you a favour.” Then, tilting my head, I add, “You’ve been staring an awfully long. Should I pose, or do you want to take a picture?” His lips twitch, and instantly, he pushes off the doorframe, closing the space between us. My breath hitches, but I refuse to back down, even as he stops a mere inch away.

Aiden reaches up, brushing his fingers along my jaw before tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

“I don’t need a picture,” he murmurs, voice low, teasing. “I’ve already memorized every detail.” Damn.

Heat curls in my stomach, but I keep my expression playful, raising a brow.

“That so? Sounds like an obsession, Knight. Should I be concerned?” His gaze drops briefly to my lips before meeting my eyes again.

“Maybe,” he says, the smirk in his voice evident. “But you don’t look too worried.”

I roll my eyes, stepping past him—deliberately brushing against his chest as I do.

“Well, if you’re done gawking, I’ll be keeping this shirt. Consider it a tax for all the times you’ve annoyed me.” His gaze flickers to my bare legs beneath the hem of the hoodie, and something tightens in the air between us. His tongue swipes along his lower lip like he’s thinking about something, and my entire body burns.

I hate him. I hate how easily he can make me feel like this— like I’m seconds away from completely falling apart. Before I can break first, he exhales through his nose and shakes his head.

“Fine. Keep it. But I am collecting payment.” I narrow my eyes. “Payment?”

Aiden’s smirk returns, slow and dangerous. “You owe me a skate.”

It’s stupid. I know it’s silly. But the second I step onto the rink my body remembers precisely why this is home. I exhale, letting my blades carve into the ice, feeling the familiar resistance beneath me. It’s been weeks since I last skated, and even though my shoulder is still healing, the rest of me misses this—the glide, the rhythm, the freedom. Aiden skates up beside me, his movements easy, and effortless. Show-off.

I give him a look.

“I can do this myself you know.” Aiden ignores me and continues lacing my skates, much to my dismay.

“I know,” he says as I stand up, his hands settling on my waist, steadying me, his touch just enough to remind me that he’s there.

“But humor me.” I huff but let him guide me, his grip firm but careful, making sure not to strain my shoulder. We move together easily and in sync, and the worst part? It feels good. The best part? I know it’s killing him just as much as it’s killing me. His fingers flex against my waist, his breathing shallow as I lean into him, letting him support my balance as I push into a slow glide. The rink is empty, the air cold, but everything between us is too hot.

I smirk, tilting my head up at him. “You sure you can handle this, Aidy? His jaw tightens.

“Call me that again, Angel Face,” he murmurs, his voice deep, “And see what happens.”

I arch a brow. “Aidy.” His grip tightens, and he moves. Before I can react, he spins me, his hands keeping me steady, and suddenly, I’m pressed against the boards, my back hitting the cool surface, my breath catching as he cages me in. The tension snaps. His mouth is on mine before I can even think.

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