Page 119 of Born of Ice

“I’m proud of you, Exton. I watched you with her the whole game. I’ve watched you with her in Iris Lake. I’ve seen what you’ve done and I’m proud of you.”

My throat clogs up at his words and there is a definite sting in my eyes right now and I take a deep breath to will the moisture away.

Fucking hell, I can’t cry. I won’t.

But I’ve never been told someone’s proud of me. Never. And to hear it from my coach. The one who’s been more like a father to me, is doing shit to me.

“Iris Lake? You were out there?”

“Of course,” he says like it was a given. “I’d never leave you all alone, Exton. You are more than just a player to me. You are my own and I kept an eye on you at all times.”

Oh hell…he just had to say that…had to make me all emotional.

“I’ve also seen what she’s done to you and I’m even more proud for the man standing in front of me right now. You are different. Whatever you two went through, it wasn’t just for her. She wasn’t the only broken one. And she healed you just as much as you healed her. I see it, Stella sees it. Severin can’t fucking shut up about it.” He grumbles the last part with annoyance, and I huff out a small laugh, despite my clogged throat.

Coach claps my shoulder as a father would. I imagine. “Practice is tomorrow at four. To get into playoffs we need a very clean win in two days.”

“I don’t—” I start but Coach squeezes my shoulder.

“Think about it, okay? But we need you.”

Electra

It wasn’t until the game was over and the arena almost empty that Exton decided to go see Coach Hill.

The whole walk toward his office, I could feel the radiating tension from him. I could see his thoughts bouncing in every direction as he gripped my hand for dear life. For that calm he needs from me.

Now, I’ve been standing in this hallway for about twenty minutes, my own shoulders filling with worry.

I’ve seen the look in his eyes today and it’s one he should always have. That thirst to be out there, to snatch that stick from Fooley—or whatever his name is—and show them how it’s done. He needs this. God, he needs this, but he is too stubborn for his own good and he doesn’t see his worth like I do. Like I’m sure the rest of the team does.

The door creaks open as somber Exton steps out. His brows are furrowed, his mouth in a thin line and his eyes. God, his eyes are misty.

“Exton?” I ask, but he just paces up and down the hallway.

“Practice is at four tomorrow.”

I let out a shuddering breath, and without a second thought I run to him, jumping into his arms as he catches me, holding me tight to his trembling body. I wind my legs around him, hugging him as hard as I can to lend him whatever calm he needs.

“You’re back?” I whisper into his neck.

“I don’t know.” His answer makes me pull away slightly so I can look at his face.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m finally at peace, Electra. I’m at peace and I’m afraid I’ll lose myself again on that ice. I’m afraid I’ll lose you. Once you see that side of me…I’ll lose you.” The fear in his eyes is so palpable I can taste it, and I lift my hand to his cheek cupping it gently as I press my lips to his.

“You’ll never lose me. And you won’t lose yourself. You know why?”

“Why?”

“Because I won’t let you, baby. I’ll be right there. Every time. I’ll be your calm. Let me carry your soul for a bit, you’ve done all the heavy lifting up to this point. Now, it’s my turn.”

His deep brown eyes watching mine for a long beat before a gram of tension leaves his body.

“I love you.” Exton’s hand cups the back of my head, holding me as his lips find mine and I return his fevered kiss. “The things Coach said…” he trails off, showing me with his body what he feels instead of saying it and I mumble.

“Give it all to me. I’ll be there with you. You’re not alone, Exton. Hurt with me.” And with a low whimper, he does, pushing me against the opposite wall, his lips trailing over my jaw, neck as I arch it to give him better access until he settles in the crook of my neck. Inhaling my scent while sending wild shivers over my body, waking up my blood, waking up the desperate need for him from one simple touch.

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