All Chapters of Skating on Thin Ice : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Roland’s POV I stood outside the campus hockey arena, lights blazing everywhere for the opening night of the European Championships qualifiers. The crowd noise buzzed like a hive ready to explode, with fans yelling chants and laughing in big groups. Jeffery shifted next to me in his button-up shirt, looking sharp but tense as hell. His shoulders were hunched up, and his hands kept flexing at his sides. We were supposed to be the big “couple” debut tonight, and my stomach was in knots. Not because of the game or the pressure from coaches breathing down my neck about the qualifiers. No, it was all because of him. This guy had me twisted up in ways I never saw coming when we first made our deal. “Ready?” I asked quietly, flashing what I hoped was a relaxed grin to try and loosen things up between us. He nodded, but his jaw was tight. “Let’s get this over with.” Cameras flashed before we even reached the red carpet. Photographers swarmed like sharks smelling blood, pushing forward

Roland’s POV I sat in the back of the fancy car, staring out at the city lights blurring past. The luxury hotel ballroom was waiting for us, this big sponsorship dinner with team executives and the sponsors who forced this whole fake relationship mess. My stomach twisted tight. Pressure felt heavy tonight, like one slip and everything crashes. Jeffery sat next to me, quiet, picking at his suit sleeve. He looked good in it, but nervous as hell. We walked into the ballroom together, chandeliers sparkling, tables set with fancy plates and flowers. People in suits and dresses turned to look. The sponsors sat at the main table, eyes sharp like hawks. I put on my best captain smile and kept Jeffery close, hand on his lower back. "Just breathe," I whispered. "We got this." He fidgeted the second we sat down. Leg bouncing under the table, fingers tapping his glass. The executives asked questions right away—how we met, how serious it was, if it helped team focus. Sponsors watched every mov

Jeffery’s POV I was chilling on the couch scrolling my phone when Roland brushed against my shoulder. That quick touch sent electricity shooting through my whole body. I froze, with my heart slamming. “You’re blushing,” Roland said, amused as hell. “I’m not,” I lied fast, face blushing so hard. He climbed on top of me quick, straddling my hips. His weight pressed me deep into the cushions. My hands shot to his bare chest, trying to push him off. But my fingers stayed there, feeling his warm skin and hard muscles. What the fuck was wrong with me? “What are you doing?” I demanded. My voice cracked like a total loser. Roland looked down at me, dark eyes locked on mine. The moment was very awkward, I felt his thighs squeezing my hips, his chest rising and falling fast, his breath warm on my face. For a second I thought he’d kiss me. I wanted him to. Badly I hated myself for wanting it so much. “Just messing with you,” he said finally, voice teasing. “What?” I blinked, confu

Jeffery’s POVI stood in Roland’s bedroom, lights dim. My hands shook a little. We’d been building up to this all night after the game, stealing touches in the car and kissing in the elevator. Now it was just us. No team yelling, no friends watching, no fake boyfriend stuff. Roland stepped close, eyes soft. He pulled me in slowly, hands warm on my waist like he was scared I’d pull away. When his lips met mine, it wasn’t rushed or rough. Just gentle pressure, warm and careful. My body lit up anyway, heart racing, skin tingling everywhere.I kissed back, scared and excited crashing together. Terrified he’d stop and leave me wanting more, excited he might keep going and give me everything. His mouth moved softly against mine, tongue teasing just a bit. I melted into him, hands grabbing his shirt tight. He tasted like mint and the drink from earlier. My omega instincts surged hard, that warm safe feeling spreading through my whole body. I felt wanted. Really wanted for once.Roland pulled

Jeffery’s POVI stood there staring at Roland, my chest tight like someone punched me. “Who was that?” I asked again, voice shaking. “The person on the phone. Tell me.”Roland rubbed the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at me. “It was nobody from my past. Doesn’t matter, Jeffery. Drop it.”“It does matter,” I shot back, stepping closer. My hands were fists at my sides. “We just made love. You were inside me, holding me, saying all that stuff. And then you’re telling someone else you love them? What the fuck, Roland?”He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “It was just a one-night fling. Nothing personal. You shouldn’t be thinking because I fucked the shit out of you that we’re serious now. Come on, man.”His words hit like ice water. I felt my stomach drop. So that’s it? Just sex?Roland shrugged, face kind of blank. “This is still a fake relationship. You shouldn’t get too comfortable. I can still see who I want to see. That’s how it is.”My heart shattered right t