ICE HEARTS

CHAPTER 6: SECRET MOMENTS

The world kept turning, but everything had changed.

For the rest of the week, Liam and Noah existed in two different worlds.

On the ice, they were Captain and Rookie. Professional. Focused. They passed the puck, they shouted instructions, they high-fived after goals like everything was normal.

But the moment they were alone... the masks came off.

It was in the quiet corners of the locker room, in the dark hallways behind the stadium, in the few precious minutes before practice started.

"Come here."

Liam pulled Noah into a narrow storage room, closing the door and locking it quickly. Before the echo faded, he had the younger man pinned against the shelves, his mouth crashing down on his.

Noah sighed happily, wrapping his arms around Liam’s neck, pulling him closer. "Someone is eager today."

"I can't help it," Liam murmured against his lips, kissing down his jawline and along his neck. "You drive me crazy. Walking around looking like that. Smelling like that."

He bit gently at Noah’s skin, making the younger man gasp and arch his back.

"Liam... what if someone finds us?" Noah whispered, though he made no move to push him away.

"Let them," Liam growled, his hands roaming over Noah’s waist, pulling their bodies flush together. "Let them see that you're mine."

It was dangerous. It was risky. Their relationship was a secret, a beautiful forbidden fruit. But that secrecy only made it hotter, more intense. Every touch felt like electricity. Every kiss felt like a rebellion.

Liam pulled back slightly, looking at Noah’s flushed face and swollen lips. He brushed a strand of messy hair away from his forehead.

"You're so beautiful," Liam said softly, his voice full of awe. "I still can't believe you're here with me."

Noah smiled, that bright, blinding smile that lit up Liam’s whole world.

"I'm not going anywhere," he promised. He reached up and traced Liam’s sharp cheekbone with his finger. "I like this side of you. You're so soft when no one is watching."

Liam snorted, but he leaned into the touch. "Don't get used to it. I'm still the Ice King, remember?"

"Not anymore," Noah whispered. "You're just my Liam."

The nickname made Liam’s heart ache in the best way possible. His Liam. Yes. That was exactly who he wanted to be.

Suddenly, footsteps passed right outside the door. Voices.

"Have you seen Stone?"

"Probably brooding somewhere."

Liam and Noah froze, staring at each other with wide eyes. Then Noah covered his mouth to stifle a giggle.

Liam glared at him playfully, then pressed his finger to his own lips. Shh.

He rested his forehead against Noah’s, breathing in the same air, sharing the same heartbeat.

"I have to go," Liam whispered reluctantly. "Coach is looking for me."

"Later?" Noah asked, his eyes hopeful.

"Later," Liam promised. He gave Noah one last, hard kiss, tasting him one more time, memorizing it. "I'll pick you up. We'll go for dinner. Away from here. Just us."

"Yes," Noah beamed.

Liam unlocked the door and checked the hallway. Clear.

He stepped out, instantly transforming back into the cool, composed Captain. He adjusted his jersey, his face returning to that stern mask.

But before he walked away completely, he glanced back over his shoulder.

Noah was still standing there, leaning against the doorframe, looking at him with so much love and adoration that Liam almost turned back around right there.

God help me, Liam thought as he walked away. I am so completely and utterly screwed.

But it was the best feeling in the world.