Chapter 7
A few days later
I extended my right leg backward and pushed myself into a new jump. The lights played around me, creating patterns on the ice as I continued my choreography. This was the one I’d prepared with Bryce for the ending gala, and it was more relaxed and, at the same time, more spectacular than the one in the competition.
I didn’t have to worry about the points or how many times I could do a movement, or how to spread them so that I could maximize my result. I loved the competition, but I always loved the ending show a little more.
It always felt more like me, from the music to the elements.
While spinning along the ice rink, I glanced at the public, easily finding him. Bryce was following my movements, his eyes glued to me, and that was enough to feel warmth spreading through my body.
The pride in his eyes heightened my confidence, and when I glided in front of him in the eagle position and he mouthed to me, “I love you,” I almost melted on the ice.
I couldn’t have done any of this without him. A few days ago, when I’d won the gold medal, all I wanted was to run to him and throw myself into his arms. I’d needed all my willpower to behave and act professionally.
Well, at least until we were alone in our hotel room and he had fucked the living soul out of me. Over and over again.
Damn, knowing that he loved me, that I was his and he was mine, was making my heart do zoomies in my chest.
He was going to announce his retirement tomorrow. We’d both decided that the official declaration was going to be that we fell in love after that, but honestly, I didn’t think it was hard for anyone to see through the lie.
But it didn’t matter. No one could prove it, and I wasn’t even sure if anyone actually cared. Maybe some competitors could have used the information against me, but right now, without any tangible proof that anything had happened while he was my official coach, we were both safe.
I glanced again at him as I made the step sequence and lifted my leg in an Arabesque spin. I didn’t dare to mouth anything to him given all the cameras I had on me at the moment, but I was sure he knew how much I loved him.
And we’re going to be together. Always.