Hands Off The Ice King novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Hope’s POV

35 vouchers

“Damn, you’re really good at this,” Forest groaned, his voice low and satisfied as my fingers worked carefully over his knee, easing out the stiffness that had settled overnight.

“I find it hard to believe this is your first time working as a sports team physical therapist. You’re a natural.”

A small smile tugged at my lips, warmth blooming in my chest at the praise.

“I’ve been doing this for my dad for years,” I said, keeping my hands steady, applying just the right amount of pressure. My co-workers usually come to me too when something hurts. I guess I just got better over time.”

Even if I never landed a job that matched my degree, I still found ways to use what I knew-helping Freya, the janitor with the chronic back pain, my landlady who insisted on lifting things twice her weight, even the fruit vendor down the street who refused to rest his shoulders.

Seeing the tension leave someone’s body, watching pain fade, even just a little, always made something in me feel right.

“Well, you’re all done,” I said, giving his knee a light pat. “We don’t want to overstimulate the area. You’ve got that practice game coming up, right?”

Forest hopped off the bed, testing his weight, then bounced side to side. His face lit up.

“Yo, I feel light as a feather.”

“Yo, cap. I need more footage. Big boss wants more Levi con-”

We both turned as the door swung open.

A tall, lanky guy stepped in, wearing a beanie, his arms covered in tattoos, piercings catching the light with his movement. He stopped mid-step when he saw me, brows lifting.

“New PT?”

“Yup,” Forest said easily. “Aiden, this is Hope. Hope, this is Aiden-our photographer, videographer, social media manager… basically everything concerning that realm.”

“Sup,” Aiden said with a small nod.

I gave a quick wave. “Nice to meet you.”

He studied me for a second, then smirked slightly. “Let me guess. You’re here for Desmond? Or the twins? Actually… nah. You’re probably here for Levi, right? Most of the past PTs were.”

“What?”

“Don’t try to get into his pants,” he added casually. “It gets messy. I still remember that red-haired girl who almost pulled it off.” He shuddered like he’d witnessed a crime scene. “The entire team couldn’t practice well for an entire week!”

“Wait,” I cut in quickly, shaking my head. “I’m not here for anyone. I’m here for myself and my family.”

The words came out firmer than I expected, backed by years of putting my life on hold for Connor.

Aiden’s expression shifted, surprise seen across his face. “Huh. That’s… new.”

Before things could get awkward, Forest slung an arm over my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

1/4

15

O

m

2

O

11:41 Wed, Jul 15 A

Chapter 6

“Hope’s not like the others,” he said, grinning. “And she’s really good too.”

35 vouchers

Aiden’s lips curved into a more genuine smile this time. “I like you already, Hope. I just hope you survive the wrath of Levi Reeve.”

I shrugged lightly, flexing my fingers. “Trust me. I’ve probably dealt with worse.”

Forest chuckled, digging into his pocket before pulling out a voucher and handing it to me.

“Go grab yourself a drink,” he said. “There’s a place nearby.”

I glanced down and nearly did a double take.

“Aurum?”

The name alone felt expensive. They were known for their absurdly overpriced drinks, catered to people who didn’t blink at spending twenty dollars on coffee. I’d never even stepped foot inside that place.”

“Oh, you don’t have to-”

“Come on,” Forest insisted. “You earned it after surviving Levi yesterday. Plus, the team’s sponsored by Aurum. We’ve got unlimited vouchers.”

“…Thank you.”

Getting a smoothie from Aurum felt less like ordering a drink and more like attending a presentation. They told me where the berries came from, how they were harvested, even the altitude of the farms they were grown on.

By the time I got my drink, I wasn’t sure if it tasted better or if I was just trying to justify the fact that it cost twenty-eight dollars for a sixteen-ounce cup.

Either way, it was good.

I was already walking through the parking lot, heading back toward the rink, a small smile on my face as I savored the rich blend of berries.

Just then, a hard shove slammed into my back. I stumbled forward, my grip loosening just enough for the smoothie to slip from my hand and crash onto the pavement.

“No!”

My twenty-eight-dollar smoothie.

Okay, it was technically free-but still. The tragedy stood.

I spun around, ready to call someone out, only to freeze at the sight of a crowd rushing past me-girls and guys alike, cameras in hand, voices overlapping in frantic excitement.

“Don’t waste the chance. We have to find him!”

“His car’s still here! He didn’t go inside yet!”

“Where the hell is he?!”

They scattered like a pack on a hunt, scanning every corner, every shadow.

I opened my mouth, trying to get their attention, but I got nothing, not even a glance.

15

O

2

m

|||

O

11:41 Wed, Jul 15 A

Chapter 6

35 vouche

With a sigh, I looked down at the fallen cup, then picked it up, holding it for a second longer than necessary before heading to the dumpsters behind the rink.

A moment of silence for my drink.

However, as I turned away, I caught sight of a figure behind the dumpster.

“Levi?” I called cautiously.

His head snapped up, eyes locking onto mine instantly, sharp and irritated.

“What are you doing there?”

For someone rumored to be a full-blown germaphobe, hiding behind a dumpster felt wildly out of character.

“Be quiet,” he snapped.

“I heard him!” a voice shrieked nearby. “He’s this way!”

“Shit,” Levi muttered under his breath.

And just like that, everything clicked.

They were looking for him.

Before I could overthink it, I grabbed his hand-cold and firm–and pulled him along with me, moving fast, weaving through the lot.

But the moment we turned the corner, more fans appeared. Levi cursed behind me, immediately shifting directions, dragging me this time.

“What the hell is security doing?” he muttered, glaring toward the entrance where the crowd was thickening.

“The back entrance,” he decided, pulling me with him again.

I glanced at him, really looked this time.

Was this what his life was like? Constant chasing. No space to breathe. No room to just exist.

It honestly felt… exhausting.

My gaze dropped briefly to our hands, still clasped together. He hadn’t pushed me away like he did yesterday. Maybe necessity overrode his preference.

When we reached the back entrance, it was empty but locked.

“Fuck,” he snapped, already pulling out his phone, calling someone.

“Beth. Open the back entrance.”

A faint voice crackled through the speaker. “We’re on it! Sorry, Levi!”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify