Page 34

KATERINA

It’s been a week since the surgery and Aiden is feeling better. He was cleared by his doctor yesterday, so he is good to get back on ice. We’re currently at our house right now, having dinner with Roman and Graysen. I’m mad at him. Roman. He keeps hurting my best friend, but he is also my best friend. I know he is not doing it intentionally, but it doesn’t make it hurt less.

Truth is, I had missed sitting down with all the boys. With everything that’s been happening, we haven’t had a proper meal in a a good minute.

“How’s Sophia doing?”

Roman asks as he stabs his steak. I grimace at the sight of his almost raw meat. I don’t know how he eats that.

“Something wrong, Kat?”

Roman smirks, cutting his steak and chewing a piece.

“I think I’m going to throw up. That is raw. I can see it moving.”

I gag a little, covering my mouth with my hand as I look away from him.

Aiden, who’s sitting next to me, laughs, wrapping his large hand around my left thigh.

“Breathe, Angel Face.”

I shake my head and look away from Roman, straight into Aiden’s beautiful eyes. God, I’m obsessed with this man. He is so selfless and kind.

Aiden looks away from me and returns his attention to Roman.

“To answer your question, she is doing great. Her numbers are improving, and it seems like her body is accepting my cells.”

I bring my left hand over Aiden’s and give it a squeeze.

“Will is with her right now. That’s why he isn’t here,”

Aiden adds, taking a bite of his steak. I see Roman roll his eyes, and I giggle.

“Is that where he is? I thought he was with my sister, eating each other’s faces.”

I laugh at his dig against Will. I know Roman loves Will, but I also know he hates seeing them both, kiss around him.

“Why are you so mad, Roman?”

I ask, raising an eyebrow. “Are you mad because you blew it with Ali? I keep telling you to give it time, but you won’t listen to me.”

Roman stabs his food, clearly angry at my comment, but I don’t care. Aiden and I tried to help him see reason, but with Roman, that word doesn’t exist in his vocabulary. So, what does he do? Hurt my best friend over and over again with his stupid decisions.

“Stay out of it, Kat. That’s between Alina and I.”

I press my lips into a thin line and nod. “Whatever.”

Aiden squeezes my thigh again to reassure me, and I take a deep breath.

“Are you guys coming to Alexei’s birthday bash tomorrow night?”

I ask, taking a bite of my salad. Graysen chuckles, shaking his head.

“If I don’t kill him beforehand, yes, I’ll be there.”

I let out a chuckle as Graysen’s phone goes off.

“Speak of the devil. Why is your friend such a diva?”

I laugh, and Aiden joins in.

Alexei is definitely a diva. He is the loudest person in the room but the one person who will never make you feel alone. If he sees you by yourself, he will make sure to introduce you to everyone and stick by your side. A great friend.

“He keeps asking my opinions about how clothes look on him. They are clothes. They all look good on him,”

Graysen grumbles.

Roman starts laughing, shaking his head.

“He wants your opinion, dude. He knows he looks good. He just wants you to say it. YOU.”

I turn my head toward Aiden, tilting it in Roman’s direction.

This guy gives great advice, but I wish he would take it himself.

I think Roman is a great person. A little childish, of course, but I know he loves my best friend. He just doesn’t know how to love her right. Unfortunately for him and Maddie, their family life wasn’t the best. Giving out their love to someone is something foreign for them.

“God, I’m so stupid. That’s why he keeps pouting.”

Roman pats Graysen’s back, pressing his lips together. After dinner, I follow Aiden upstairs into his room.

I jump onto his bed and lay down with a smile. Aiden joins me, resting his head on my tummy.

“I know you’re mad at Roman about Alina, but please talk to him about it.”

I huff as Aiden lifts his head and turns to look at me. “Roman’s dad used to beat his mom in front of him and then move on to Roman.”

A gasp leaves my mouth at the information.

“Roman would sleep in front of Maddie’s door, just in case his dad ever decided to hurt her. That’s the kind of person he is. It’s hard for him to open up and let people in. He doesn’t trust easy and has been through a lot. I understand Alina’s frustration, but he has a lot of trauma.”

I nod, pressing my lips together as memories flood my mind. “Max used to drop me on purpose whenever he was mad at

me and then apologize, saying it was an accident.”

Aiden wraps his arms around my hips, pulling me closer to him.

“You don’t have to tell me.”

I shake my head. “I want to. I really want to.”

Aiden nods, placing small kisses on the top of my thighs. “Whenever guys would talk to me at school or the academy,

he would get jealous. He hated that I was a better skater than him, so he would always pick at my insecurities.”

A tear drops down my cheek as I continue talking.

“You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I still hear him in my head. Even now. Whenever something important is happening, or my anxiety kicks in, I hear his voice telling me I’m not good enough.”

“He did a number on me for sure. Fucked with my head so bad. But it wasn’t that what ruined us. Before our last qualifier for the Olympics, he saw me talking to one another skater and he started arguing with me, yelling me and telling me i was a cheating bitch.”

I let out a scoff at the memory.

“For talking with a fucking guy who, by the way, was on our team.”

“We started our routine and he dropped me on my head. I ended up in a coma for almost 3 weeks because of that fall. I guess I hit the ice so bad, that I fractured my skull.”

Aiden uses his thumb to rub shapes on my thigh over and over, the gesture calming me down.

“When I woke up at the hospital, he was the first person I saw. He told me that he wished I had died. That was the day he tried to rape me, while I was in a fucking hospital bed.”

I gulp, still hearing the screams I let out until a nurse heard.

I feel Aidens thumbs rub away tears, I didn’t know had escaped.

“Did the bastard hurt you?”

I shake my head staring at his pretty brown eyes.

“No. Thankfully one of the nurses heard me scream and he stopped. After that whole mess, I told my coach I quit. She ended up yelling at me, and told me, I was ruining everything and that Max didn’t do anything, I just overreacted and tried to ruin his life, cause he didn’t want to be with me.”

“I opened up to her and she stepped all over my feelings, not caring. I fucking hate her so much.”

Two arms circle around me as Aiden pulls me towards his chest. Aiden rubs circles into my skin, grounding me.

“At first, it was just scratches or bruises, nothing bad. He made me feel awful about my hips and weight, saying I needed to be under a certain number.”

Aiden tightens his grip around me. “You are enough, Kat. You are perfect.”

I take a deep breath, letting his words sink in, giving him a small smile.

“When we filed the lawsuit, the news spread everywhere. Everyone called me names, saying I just wanted a big payout.”

Aiden’s eyes burn with anger, but he stays quiet, letting me speak.

“That’s when my dad found me, and the rest, well… you know the rest. Here I am.”

Aiden gives me a smile before bringing his lips to mine. His kiss is slow, reassuring, and filled with something I’ve been searching for my entire life.

Love.

“He deserves all the punches I gave him. Next time, I won’t stop until it’s him in a coma.”

I shake my head, wrapping my arms around him.

“If you do that, you’ll end up in jail. I hate him but he is not worth your future.”

Aiden nods placing a kiss on the top off my head. I take a deep breath feeling relieved. I have been holding this in for so long. My friends are the only people that know. It feels so good to tell Aiden.

“You are so strong, Angel Face. Don’t let an ugly, cowardly bastard bring you down.”

I laugh, throwing my head back cause Aiden is right. Max is a fucking coward.

“I wish instead of hearing him, you could hear me or your friends telling you how proud we are of you.”I stare into Aiden’s eyes, brushing his hair from his forehead. “Thank you for telling me.”

He whispers, pressing his lips to mine again, and this time, I let myself get completely lost in him.

“Thank you for listening to me.”

I say pulling away.

“Always Angel Face. Let’s get some sleep.”

I nod laying down next to him and drift into a deep sleep feeling safe in Aidens arms.

I wake up to Aiden’s alarm blaring, the sound cutting through the early morning stillness. His face is nestled in the crook of my neck, his arms wrapped securely around me, his steady breaths warming my skin.

A slow smile tugs at my lips as I run my hand up and down his back, savouring the feel of him so close.

“Baby, if you keep doing that, I’m going to be late for practice,”

he murmurs, his deep, sleep-laced voice sending shivers down my spine.

So hot. Yep, I’m never sleeping in my own bed again if it means waking up to this.

“I wish you didn’t have practice. I just want to stay in bed with you all day.”

I tighten my arms around him, pressing my face against his chest.

“Me too,”

he sighs, pressing a kiss to my hair. “But unfortunately, we both have to be responsible adults.”

I groan, but when he pats my back playfully, I roll away, reluctantly slipping out of bed.

After a quick shower, I braid my hair, leaving a few loose strands to frame my face, and apply some mascara, blush, and a soft pink lipstick. I pull on my Lululemon leggings, a fitted long sleeve top, and my thick jacket before grabbing my backpack and gym bag. I double-check that I have everything I need, before heading downstairs.

Roman is leaning against the kitchen island, chatting with Aiden when I walk in. The moment he sees me, he grabs a coffee from the cupholder and holds it out to me like a peace offering.

“Truce? Don’t hate me, please. You’re my best friend.”

I can’t help but smile as I take the cup from him. “You’re lucky I love coffee.”

“Hey, what about me?”

Aiden protests, raising his hands in mock outrage.

I glance at him with a smirk.

“You already know I love you.”

Roman says to Aiden with chuckles, shaking his head before his expression turns serious.

“I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday, Kat. I know relationships are hard, especially when you’re not used to understanding the love you’re getting.”

His words soften my irritation, and I reach out, squeezing his arm.

“I don’t hate you, Roman. I just want you to stop running from something that could be good for you.”

He nods before wrapping me in a quick hug. Aiden clears his throat loudly.

“You have two seconds, Roman. Yep, time’s up. Hands off.”

Roman groans, stepping away. “I really don’t like you sometimes. You won’t even let me hug her.”

Aiden shrugs unapologetically. “Hug the wall, not my girl.”

I laugh, sipping my coffee as Aiden strides toward me. He bends down and presses a lingering kiss to the top of my head before wrapping his arms around me.

“My girl, Roman. Only I can give her hugs.”

My heart stutters.

My girl.

We haven’t talked about labels, but something about the way he says it makes warmth bloom in my chest.

Aiden’s lips move, but I realize I’m too distracted to process his words.

“What did you say, babe?”

I ask, squeezing his arm. “Let’s go before we’re late.”

I nod, waving goodbye to Roman as Aiden and I head out to his car. We make it to the arena just in time. Aiden and I go our separate ways, but not before he pulls me in for a quick kiss.

As soon as I step into the locker room, I’m immediately tackled into a group hug.

“Morning, pookie! Are you excited for my party tonight?”

Alexei grins, practically bouncing.

I chuckle and nod. “Of course. Wouldn’t miss it.”

Alexei launches into a dramatic rant about his outfit choices, and Maddie joins in. I turn toward Alina, noticing the way she forces a smile, nodding at the conversation but not really engaging. It’s fake. I’ve seen that look before.

As Alexei and Maddie head toward the ice, I linger behind with her. “Are you okay?”

I ask, squeezing her arm.

She hesitates before shaking her head. “I’m not. I fucking am not. I keep thinking about him, Kat. I care about him so much, and I’m scared to lose him.”

I sigh, pulling her into a hug as she buries her face in my shoulder. “You won’t lose him, Ali. He cares about you, too. He just needs help figuring it out. Give it time, please. That guy is wrapped around your finger, I promise you.”

She wipes her tears away. “I don’t know how to give it time. I’m scared. The way he shuts down and runs from questions scares me.”

I nod, rubbing her arm. “I get it. Sometimes men don’t know how to be vulnerable. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you. He had a really hard life, Ali. He’s never had someone try to be there for him. Give it time.”

She exhales shakily, tightening her ponytail. “Okay. I’ll try. I just… miss you. I need you to move into the figure skating house already so I can crawl into your bed when I’m sad.”

I smile, linking my arm through hers. “I miss you, too.”

We head onto the ice, where Alina delivers a flawless routine. I catch Roman sneaking glances at her every five seconds. Every time their eyes meet, they both look away.

These two, I swear.

My own gaze searches the ice until it lands on Aiden. The moment he looks up, our eyes lock. My heart stumbles, my breath catching in my throat. He grins and winks at me. My knees nearly buckle, and I clutch Alina’s arm for support. I grin back and blow him a kiss, which he pretends to catch.

“You guys are so cute, it makes me sick,”

Alina teases.

I laugh, turning toward her. “You deserve this too, Ali.”

She squeezes me tight, and I hug her back.

Hours later, I find Aiden on the phone. The second he says my name, a squeal erupts from the speaker. “Kit-Kat, can you come see me?”

I grab the phone, my face lighting up when I see Sophia’s tiny, excited expression. “Hi, pretty girl! How are you feeling?”

Aiden wraps his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder as I talk to his sister.

“I’m doing so much better. My superhero healed me,”

she says, pointing to Aiden. My cheeks ache from smiling.

“Do you want us to bring you anything?”

She shakes her head. “Just my favorite person.”

Aiden feigns offense. “Me, right?”

Sophia giggles. “I was talking about Kat, but you’re okay too, I guess.”

Aiden gasps in mock betrayal.

“I’ve been replaced?”

Sophia grins. “Can you blame me?”

Aiden glances at me, his gaze softening.

“No, I can’t blame you at all. She’s my favorite person, too.”

My breath catches.

“We’ll head out there now and see you in a little, okay?”

Sophia nods eagerly before saying goodbye and hanging up.

As soon as the call ends, I turn to Aiden with pleading eyes, and he smirks like he already knew this was coming.

“Fine, Angel Face,”

he murmurs, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead before grabbing his keys. We gather our things, tossing them into the backseat of his car before heading out. The drive is easy, familiar, filled with quiet conversations and Aiden’s hand resting on my thigh. Halfway there, he makes a quick stop at the store to grab Sophia’s favorite ice cream, and I can’t help but smile at how effortlessly thoughtful he is.

Twenty minutes later, we arrive at the hospital. The second Sophia sees me, she throws herself off her bed and into my arms.

“Oh my gosh, I missed you so much!”

she squeals, wrapping her tiny arms around my neck.

I laugh, holding her close, careful not to squeeze too tight. “I missed you too, pretty girl. Are you ready to get your hair braided?”

Sophia gasps, nodding rapidly, excitement buzzing off her in waves.

“I see how it is—you don’t care about your brother at all,” I tease.

She giggles mischievously before turning and rushing over to Aiden. He effortlessly scoops her up, spinning her in the air as she squeals.

“Where’s Auntie Maria?”

Aiden asks, glancing around the room as he sets her down gently.

“She went to grab some food,”

Sophia answers, still grinning.

Aiden nods before pulling out the small ice cream tub and placing it inside her small mini fridge. “Alright, I take it back—you’re my favorite person, Aiden.”

I burst out laughing as Aiden gapes at her in mock betrayal. “Ice cream bribery works so fast with you,”

I say, shaking my head. Sophia shrugs, completely unbothered.

The three of us play uno, while chatting about the skating class Aiden and I teach. Sophia’s eyes light up as she declares that she’s going to join once she’s cleared, and the excitement in her voice makes me smile so hard my cheeks ache.

Once we finish, I settle in beside her on the bed, carefully braiding her hair as we watch a movie. Her tiny fingers relax against the blanket, and before long, she drifts off to sleep. The steady rhythm of her breathing fills the room, and I take a moment to watch her, feeling a warmth settle deep in my chest. Just as I tuck the last strand of hair into place, the door opens,

and Maria steps inside, her face lighting up when she sees us. “It’s so good to see you both,”

she says, her eyes filled with gratitude.

“You too,”

I reply, standing to greet her. We chat for a while, catching up as she glances between Sophia’s peaceful form and Aiden, who looks completely at ease beside me.

Eventually, we say our goodbyes and head back to the house to get ready for Alexei’s party.

Spending time with Sophia always fills me with so much energy. She’s a burst of light in my life, and being with her and Aiden feels so right.