Todos os capítulos de ICE BETWEEN US: BREAK ME: Capítulo 1 - Capítulo 10

The locker room was buzzing with noise as players stormed in straight from practice. Their hockey sticks clatter against benches while other gadgets hit the floor carelessly. Steam was already curling out from the shower areas as curses and laughter echoed off the tiled walls. “Coach Finn talks too damn much,” Nath groaned while yanking his jersey over his head. “We’re literally gonna miss Professor Hale’s lecture if we don't make it snappy.” “Tell that to Captain Noa and Leon,” another teammate laughed. “Those two nearly started another war on the rink.” The atmosphere remained rowdy, but beneath it lingered the tension Coach Finn had warned them about all week. Rivalries were ruining team chemistry, especially the one between Noa and Leon. Noa entered the locker room last, and his shoulders were damp with sweat. His light blond hair stuck slightly to his forehead while his expression screamed irritation. Every shower stall was occupied as water splashed. Guys shouted

The moment Professor Hale dismissed the class, the lecture hall erupted with noise. Chairs scraped against the floor. Students hurried to pack their bags and rushed out to the cafeteria. Leon had barely zipped up his bag when Sebastian hooked an arm around his immediately. “You must be starving,” Sebastian said brightly. “Come to lunch with me.” Leon stiffened slightly at the sudden closeness. “Sebastian, you…” “Oh no.” Sebastian gasped dramatically. “Sweetheart, please, make the name sound a little romantic. Call me Sab, hmm.” He told Leon, making a funny face. Leon nearly winced. Damn it, this guy is trouble. He seriously had no shame. Noa thought, yet he sighed in defeat. “Okay…" Sab.” He forced a smile as he gently unhooked Sebastian’s arm from his. “Please stop making me uncomfortable. I’m not your boyfriend.” Sebastian clutched his chest like he’d been stabbed. “Ouch. You keep hurting my feelings.” Leon rolled his eyes. “Leon, I know I’m not your

The sudden burst of loud voices outside the stall instantly snapped both of them back to reality. The restroom door slammed closed. Students who walked in moved around noisily, laughing and talking over each other. Leon’s eyes flew open fully. At the same time, Noa jerked back slightly. His hand slid away from Leon's cheek. His head pulled back just enough to create breathing space between them. Neither of them moved further, and neither spoke. They stood frozen inside the cramped stall. They stared at each other while their hearts pounded violently. Outside, the students remained completely unaware, talking at the top of their voices and moving around. Water ran from one of the sinks while loud chatter bounced around the restroom walls. “Bro, Coach Finn nearly killed us today.” “I swear my legs are gone.” Another muttered. “You still coming tonight?” The other asked. “I think I will take an excuse, my legs ache badly from that fall.” The guy responded.

As Noa turned to leave, he smirked faintly. “Try it. I just blocked two guys this morning. No distractions.” He started toward the door, then paused, glancing back. “Max, it works, so try blocking them.” He almost screamed it. And just like that, he was gone.The silence returned, but it felt heavier. That instant Max’s phone buzzed, startling him. “Damn it,” he cursed and stared at it for a moment. It was a message. He unlocked it. It was from Elias. “You have until tomorrow morning. Don’t forget, I’m the one who is handling your signing into the BIH Club.” Max’s fingers curled slightly as he read on. “And your captain? Noa? He’s a very good defender too. So decide fast. “Damn it…” Max muttered under his breath. His stomach tightened.He shoved the phone into his pocket. “What the fuck should I do about this?” He squatted, his thoughts spiralling. “Losing is bad but losing just once isn't that bad.” He told himself. The practice later that day was a disaster.

His jaw tightened as he headed out. His mind told him that it might be to remind him, but he was going to tell Elias off. The evening air was cooler outside, but it did nothing to calm him. A yellow cab idled by the street. The door swung open before he could hesitate. Coach Elias stepped out.Sharp suit, with a hat on. Then, a calm smile as if everything was already settled. “Max,” he greeted, like this was just another casual meeting. “Right on time.” Max didn’t move closer. “Why are you here, coach?” Elias didn’t answer immediately. He reached back into the car and pulled out a duffel bag, tossing it lightly toward Max. Max caught it out of instinct. It was heavier than it should’ve been.“What’s in it?” Elias’s smile widened just a fraction. “A part payment.” Silence dropped. Max’s eyes remained on Elias’s smiling face. His fingers tightened around the strap. “After the match tomorrow,” Elias continued smoothly, “you get the balance, and your contract si