Chapter 20
Iwake up after what seems like minutes of sleep with a flutter of excitement in my chest.
Today is the day.
The day I’ve been waiting for my entire life.
The culmination of years of hard work, sacrifices, and relentless training. And to make things even more special, I won’t be alone. Rock will be accompanying me on this incredible journey. I didn’t expect him to actually leave the club to Brick and come with me but I’m excited as a baby in a candy shop.
I turn to look at his angelic face before waking him up. I lean over and brush my lips with his but before I can even get that close, he flips on my back and kisses me. “Morning Princess.”
“Since when you’re awake?”
“Dunno, a few hours.” He grins before getting up and pulling my legs. “shower and then we need to hit the road.”
“Rock!” I scream while he throws me over his shoulder.
As we make our way to the airport, I can’t help but feel a mix of nerves and anticipation. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, and steal a glance at Rock sitting beside me. His presence alone gives me a sense of calm and reassurance.
He takes my hand and kisses it. “Are you always that nervous?”
“Yeah,” And I’m afraid to mess everything up. To forget the choreographies and fall facedown. But I’m also nervous to show him the last outfit Mac worked so hard to get it done in time.
The plane finally touches down in Engadin Airport, the excitement in the air palpable. We collect our luggage and make our way to the taxi stand. The city is shrouded in darkness, but the lights that dot the landscape create a magical atmosphere.
As we step into the taxi, the driver greets us with a warm smile. “Good evening, where can I take you tonight?”
I provide the address of our hotel, and the taxi begins its journey through the streets toward St. Moritz. The night air is crisp and cold, but the warmth of Rock’s hand in mine keeps me grounded.
We pass by the frozen lake glistening under the moonlight, and the grand hotels that line the streets. The city breathes elegance and sophistication, a perfect backdrop for the prestigious event that awaits us.
With each passing minute, the excitement builds within me. My heart races as we approach our hotel, its grandeur evident even in the dimly lit street.
The taxi comes to a halt, and we step out onto the cobblestone pavement. The hotel, an architectural marvel, stands tall before us. Its lights glimmer like stars, inviting us into its embrace.
I turn to Rock, his eyes reflecting the same awe and wonder as mine. “Can you believe we’re here?”
He smiles, his hand gently cupping my face. “It took us a lifetime, but this is just the beginning of an amazing journey.”
I lean into his touch, my heart swelling with love and anticipation.
As we enter the hotel, the warmth of the lobby envelops us, and the sound of laughter and excitement fills the air. “You’re here!” Raven’s voice startles me. “Rock.” She nods at him before pulling me away from his arms. “We have a few agents who want to talk to you.”
“Now?” I whine, dragging my feet while looking back to Rock. You’re moving faster than I predicted, Rave.
The morning sun casts a warm glow through the curtains as I wake up. Ashley is already awake, her vibrant energy filling the space. The knock on the door makes me get up and open it.
“Room service, Sir.” The waiter eyes my tattoos and I move away to make him come in. “Have a great day.”
I hand him a tip. “You too.”
I close the door behind him. “Breakfast is here, Princess.”
“Have it, I’m okay.”
Leaning against the door frame I watch her wear her makeup. “you won’t skip breakfast. Raven said you’ll spend the whole day on ice.”
“Don’t remind me.” She sighs heavily.
I take a croissant and bring her to her lips. “Your way or mine?”
She hums while a smile plays on her lips. “Fine.”
As we finish our breakfast, I watch Ashley gather her skating gear, her determination evident in every movement. I can’t help but feel nervous while I take her duffle and follow her downstairs. The Olympic arena is not far away from where we’re staying and seeing the massive building intimidates me.
The buzz around us is defending and I don’t know how she can hear what Raven’s telling her. As Ashley steps onto the ice, a wave of anticipation washes over me. I find a seat in the stands, my eyes fixed on her graceful form as she begins her routine. Her movements are fluid and precise, each jump and spin executed with a level of skill that leaves me in awe and I’m not the only one who’s watching her.
In between her figures, I ruminate on the surprise I have for her. A smile tugs at my lips as I recall the moment I found the tattoo and the joy it brought to Ashley’s face. It’s a reminder of the deep connection we share, a bond that grounds us in the love we have for each other.
As Ashley’s routine nears its end, the little crowd gathered near me and Raven erupts in applause, their admiration for her evident. I join in, clapping and cheering for her with all my heart. She skates toward me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. Raven approaches her but Ash ignores her. “You ready?”
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. “Always for you, Princess,” I whisper on her lips.
The pat on my shoulder makes me turn my head and meet Raven’s eyes. “You need these.” I can’t sense her nervousness. What’s her problem?
Ash smiles, her cheeks flushed. “Move, Prez, I don’t have the entire day.”
I do my best to wear them faster and when I get on my feet I stand by the edge of the ice rink, feeling a knot of nervousness twisting in my gut. Ashley”s already on the ice, skating effortlessly, her smile inviting and warm.
“Princess, I”m not sure about this. It”s been a while since I tried this skating thing,” I confess, eyeing the smooth, glimmering surface with apprehension.
She glides over to me, radiating confidence. “You”ll do fine, Rock. Just take it slow.”
Nodding tentatively, I step onto the ice, tightly holding Ashley”s hand. As I start to move, fear grips me, and I falter, almost losing my balance.
“I”m probably gonna end up flat on my back, huh?” I chuckle, trying to ease my nerves.
Ashley laughs, a melodious sound that soothes my nerves. “Not a chance. Just follow my lead and trust me,” she skates by my side.
I grip her hand tightly, feeling uncertain. “I don”t want to accidentally hurt you. I”m not exactly the most graceful skater.”
“You won”t. I promise,” she guides me forward slowly. “Relax and let yourself feel the rhythm.”
Drawing in a deep breath, I attempt to steady myself as I cautiously glide forward. But anxiety claws at me again, and I abruptly release Ashley”s hand falling on my ass.
“Rock, what”s wrong?” worry etches into her voice as she skates back to me.
“I... I don”t know if I can do this,” I confess, frustration evident in my tone.
“You can. Trust me.” She places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Just skate at your own pace. There”s no rush and don’t leave my hand until you feel at ease.”
I nod hesitantly, pushing off once more. I wobble a bit but manage to find my balance. Ashley leads me around the rink slowly, adjusting her pace to match mine. Watching her, observing the fluidity of her movements and the joy shining in her eyes, I start to feel the rhythm of the ice.
“It”s like riding a bike, huh? Once you get into it, it”s freedom.”
“Yeah, something like that,” I feel a sense of exhilaration as I begin to relax. I attempt a few simple movements, taking hesitant steps and sensing the ice beneath my feet.
Gradually, with Ashley”s gentle guidance and reassuring words, I gain a bit more confidence. I start to move with slightly more ease, albeit clumsily, around the rink. The ice becomes less daunting, and with her right there beside me, I feel a sense of unity, like we”re in harmony.
Skating transforms from a mere activity into a shared moment. As I glide, I experience a feeling of liberation, the cold air against my face and the warmth of Ashley”s presence by my side. It”s a sense of freedom, of being in sync with someone special to me.
I cautiously pick up the pace, following Ashley’s lead as she continues to guide me around the rink. Her movements are graceful, effortless, and I find myself mesmerized by the elegance with which she navigates the ice.
“See, you’re doing great,” she flashes me an encouraging smile. “Just keep breathing and relax your shoulders. Let the skates glide.”
I try to heed her advice, attempting to mimic her motions and find my rhythm. My movements remain rigid, but with each turn I feel a bit more at ease.
As we continue, she skillfully executes a few spins and glides backward, her movements exuding confidence. Her passion for this sport is contagious, and it starts to seep into my own tentative attempts.
“Come on, Rock. Try a little turn,” her voice a blend of cheer and gentle guidance.
Taking a deep breath, I attempt to maneuver a simple turn, bracing myself for the inevitable wobble. Surprisingly, I manage to execute it, albeit with an awkward tilt, but I remain upright.
“That’s it!” Ashley cheers, her eyes lighting up. “You’ve got it!”
Encouraged by her praise, I muster the courage to try another move. Each movement becomes less daunting, less foreign, and more like an extension of my intentions.
“Thanks, Princess,” I feel a surge of gratitude for her patience and support.
“Anytime. You did great,” she turns and leans on me wrapping my arms around her. “Relax babe, and follow me, okay?”
“Okay.”
“At my three we’ll move the left leg first and then right.”
Is she kidding me? “I’m not sure.”
“One, two…” fuck. “three” we move in unison holding my breath. The more we skate the faster we go. Left, right, turn, and again. I like it and feeling her so close it’s amazing. “Relax,” we slow down, her back pressed on me, she raises our arms and moves a little forward while starting to spin inches from me. The fresh air makes me feel chills, but her smile is worth it. She stops and my heart races in my chest. “I love you.” The flashes catch our attention while I notice people are filming us. I grab her hand and guide her toward the edge. It’s time for us to leave.
We spend the rest of the day exploring St. Moritz, taking in the sights and immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of the city. After tons of pictures, food, and FaceTime with her dad and Denise, we make our way back to the hotel. The city takes on a different charm at night, with twinkling lights illuminating the streets and a sense of quiet tranquility settling in.
Hand in hand, we walk through the streets, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the stillness. The crisp winter air fills our lungs and the anticipation of what’s to come lingering in the air.