Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 68

Ria's POV:

I pulled my jacket closer to my body as the air of the ice rink nipped at my body as I settled into the bleachers, pulling my beanie tighter on my head. The arena was mostly empty, save for a few die-hard fans, friends and I'm assuming girlfriends and boyfriends. I had become somewhat of a regular here, sneaking into the stands to catch Nik's practices whenever I could.

From my vantage point, I had a perfect view of the ice where Nik's team was running drills. The players moved with precision, their skates gliding effortlessly across the ice, sticks clutched firmly in their gloved hands. The rink echoed with the sound of pucks slamming against the boards, the crack of sticks as they met the ice, and the barked commands from Coach Gibson, who was pacing along the bench, his Texan drawl cutting through the air.

But my attention was solely on one player, number 22-the captain of the team, Nikolai.

Nik skated across the ice with a speed and power that made my heart skip a beat. He was in his element out there, leading his team with a confidence that was impossible to ignore. His jersey, marked with the bold 'C' on his chest, clung to his broad shoulders as he weaved through the other players, calling out plays and directing the flow of the practice. Even from a distance and his helmet, I could see the focus in his eyes.

His hair, damp with sweat, stuck to his forehead as he pushed himself harder, his movements fluid and controlled. Every now and then, he'd glance over at the bench, where Coach Gibson was barking out orders, his thick Texan accent carrying across the rink. "Move your asses! I want to see speed, not a damn parade!"

Nik responded with a nod, leading his teammates in a sprint down the ice. The way he commanded the rink, the way the other players instinctively followed his lead, was mesmerizing. There was something about seeing him like this-so in control, so powerful-that sent a thrill through me. He wasn't just any player out there; he was their captain, and he wore that responsibility with pride.

I couldn't help but smile, my heart swelling with affection as I watched him. There was something intoxicating about seeing someone you care about excel in something they're passionate about. I had always known Nikolai had talent, but watching him on the ice, leading his team, was something else entirely. It was a reminder of just how incredible he really was, both on and off the ice.

As I watched him skate, a memory from earlier that day floated to the surface, making my smile widen. My morning lecture had been one of those early ones that left everyone groggy and barely functioning, but when I arrived at my usual seat, I had found something waiting for me-a small packet of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. My favorite. And he knew.

The sight of my favorite snack sitting there, neatly placed on the desk I usually sat at, had instantly brightened my mood. I hadn't even needed to guess who it was from. Nik had a way of surprising me with little things like that, knowing exactly what would make me smile. I had immediately pulled out my phone and sent him a kiss emoji, a silent thank you for the sweet gesture. He hadn't responded with anything more than a winking emoji, but that was enough. We had our movie night planned for tonight, and I was already looking forward to it.

My smile grew as I thought back to that moment, the simple joy of finding something as small as a piece of candy, knowing it came from someone who cared. It was the little things with Nik that always got to me-the way he'd bring me my favorite snack, the way he'd pull me close when we were walking together, the way he'd always make sure I was comfortable before he was. It was in those small gestures that I felt his love, even when he wasn't saying anything at all.

But as I watched him now, effortlessly leading his team, I felt a pang of something deeper-something that made me want to run down to the ice and wrap my arms around him, just to remind him how much I appreciated him. He was so focused, so determined to be the best, and it made me proud, but it also made me want to protect him, to be there for him the way he was always there for me.