Whispers in the Ice: Defying Despair Series, #1

By R.M. de Loera

In the icy rink of "Whispers in the Ice," a forbidden love blooms between Alexander Price and Cecilia Payne. Despite their families' strict rules, the two share a bond that cannot be broken. But when a sinister betrayal threatens to tear them apart, Alexander must choose between his heart's true desires and his family's expectations. The tension between them builds as his loyalties are tested, and the chilling whispers beneath the icy surface threaten to consume their love forever.

 

"Whispers in the Ice" is a gripping tale of sacrifice and love, taking readers on a journey through the power of secrets, loyalty, and the unspoken whispers of the heart. If you're a fan of "The Cutting Edge" and "Powerless," you won't be able to put down this captivating story. Are you ready to be swept away by the unbreakable bond between Alexander and Cecilia and their fight for love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.M. de Loera
• Release date: Apr 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224419081

Book preview

Título: Whispers in the Ice

Whispers in the Ice

Defying Despair Series / Book 1

© 2024 R. M. de Loera

Published by R.M. de Loera

Editor: Butterfly Editorial

Cover: Butterfly Editorial

Printed in the United States

Imprint: Independently published

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, incorporated into a computer system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright holders. Infringement of such rights may constitute an intellectual property crime.

Although reference is made to the World Juniors and names of some professional skaters, all names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are figments of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any living or dead person or past events is purely coincidental.

This book is set in a town that existed in reality and references are made to real people and businesses. When they are mentioned, it is fictitious, and should be taken as such.

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Epilogue

Unseen Hearts

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Acknowledgments

About the author

With great respect to all people

that are going through some point in time

difficult in their lives.

For the entire disabled community

because I learned from you:

that the limitations

only exist inside me.

For those who

are invisible to justice.

1

Cecilia

Alexander Price was a special man. Only he would think of being late for his own wedding rehearsal dinner.

I shielded my steps in the restaurant until I reached the waiting room. I needed a few moments to recover from the overload of sensations. Besides, there was too much noise and people around me, which threw my concentration off balance. I raised my trembling hands to my cheeks and tapped my eyes, being careful not to ruin my makeup. I took a deep breath to calm myself, because there was no reason to behave like that. Countless times have I faced that kind of situation. Maybe my overreaction was because Alex was not next to me.

Goodbye, Cecilia.

I recognized the monotone in Mrs. Price’s voice and raised my hand in farewell. I understood perfectly why she left. Once again, I wondered what was taking Alex so long.

Alex was absent because when we were in the middle of the wedding rehearsal - at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Ottawa - we got a call from the ice skating rink, our place of work. The donation of skates for disabled children had been moved up and one of us was supposed to be there to receive them; they were supposed to be delivered two days later. As much as I repeated he should stay for the rehearsal, he insisted I head for the restaurant and that he would receive the order, as it wouldn’t take long.

The rehearsal was a success. Somehow I found a way not to fall down the aisle of the church and Isa, Alex’s sister, was clapping and laughing. Her heart was bursting with happiness. To me, she was like my sister. The little girl found a way into your heart with the joy and lust for life she conveyed. Although she was only twelve years old, she was her brother’s terror, because she managed him as she pleased.

Alex always complained, but there was that tinge in his voice that gave away how happy she made him. For Isa and me, Alex being happy was the most important thing in the world.

Even though we wanted to squeal with happiness, we both moved with elegance and decorum. Except when the father asked up to four times if anyone objected to the wedding, but everyone laughed at the joke and no one minded if we joined in the merriment. I felt Isa’s hand in mine, infecting me with her joy. Afterwards we took pictures for the press, who covered every aspect of the event.

That was three hours ago, while I tried to keep the smile on my face and endure the torture of the shoes I would wear to the wedding. Plus, I hadn’t been to that restaurant before, which exacerbated my discomfort.

I smiled and sighed as I recognized the muffled but hurried footsteps. Alex must have been less than a meter away from me because the lemon, basil and woody notes of his exquisite perfume mingled with the local onion, garlic and seafood.

The murmur of people, the clinking of glasses and the clash of spoons on plates subsided. My gesture widened as the surrounding air became warm as my feet lifted off the ground and those familiar, muscular arms wrapped around me.

It’s me.

Even though at that instant there was a certain gasp, as if he had run to get there -which he probably did-, a delicious tingling took over my skin at the deep and rough voice that always accompanied him.

You’re in trouble, I said in my sing-song tone.

I could still smell the ice on his skin; it was familiar and pleasant, as our life always revolved around the rink. And even though he was wearing a suit, it wasn’t the right one: the fabric was worn and the gloves still covered his hands. A week earlier I had picked him a wool one that was very soft. The shirt was linen, and the tie had an interesting weave. He had to look neat in front of everyone.

I put on my skates. I bit the inside of my cheeks to contain my laughter. For him, that was always a mistake. Which was confirmed when he added, I just wanted to do a lap.

Slowly, he lowered me until my feet touched the ground and he kept his hands on my hips, his characteristic warmth always present. Instinctively, I put my arms around him. It was normal for us to talk like this. And not that we were breathing the same air, because there were several centimeters between the two of us: our arms were outstretched, yet relaxed.

But it was the only moment when I allowed my senses to relax, because I didn’t have to be so aware of my surroundings because I was certain that he was doing it for me.

I waited for him to explain himself better. However, he remained silent, which was uncharacteristic of him. I did not understand what was happening. He had seemed withdrawn for months, as if he longed for solitude. I wanted him to trust me again, to confess what was troubling him. I refused to believe that the reason was the wedding. Alex was the best companion in the world, attentive, funny. He was a man who touched you as if you were going to vanish in front of him, but who was certain you were made of steel. If I was honest with myself, I was terrified of him. You always fear failing someone who holds you in such high esteem.

I scolded myself. They were ravings. The love that existed was immense. I had no reason to doubt it. Maybe I was just tired. Planning a wedding was exhausting.

You should look radiant today. I even ordered your favorite colors.

His body vibrated. He lost his balance for a few seconds, so I understood he took a step towards me. Perhaps I heard a weary sigh. The subtle fragrance of his perfume was already beginning to mingle with his skin.

As soon as I saw the suit, I knew you were involved.

I cocked my head to one side, my lips pressed into a straight line. I could only know his thoughts and feelings if he expressed them. I felt lost, and that had never happened to me before. Maybe the second rink was in trouble and he didn’t want to tell me. But he had nothing to worry about. We would get through it. We had done so since we were thirteen years old.

What’s going on?

Alex removed his hands from my hips and intertwined them with mine. The fluffy gloves transmitted his warmth to me.

Eli, come with me to buy two suits and three casual outfits for the honeymoon.

As Alex held my hands, I couldn’t hide how I opened my mouth. For a second, my body demanded to get away from him. That was not my best friend.

You haven’t packed your suitcase yet?

My darling!

I frowned, as I always found Ashley’s tone stentorian, but in that instant, it was insufferable. Alex’s hands and mine disengaged so quickly that I lost my balance and hit the wall.

I wrinkled my nose as Ashley’s sweet vanilla scent took over my senses. I forced myself to straighten up immediately, as I never liked to appear weak in front of her.

Ashley continued to say,

If it hadn’t been for my cousins, I would never have found out that my boyfriend had arrived.

2

Alexander

Ibroke free from Ashley’s grip. I hated that condescending tone she always used with my best friend; although I recognized it too late, when I had already asked her to marry me.

The one you should greet first is me. That’s not your girlfriend. Ashley was clenching her jaw so tightly that I barely understood the words.

I forced myself to swallow my frustration as I recognized the defiance in her gaze. If I dared to say a single word, she would make a scandal in front of her family and the press. She would end up in tears, complaining about how I never understood her and they would label me the worst man in the world. In fact, her cousins already did.

He reached up and stroked my face tenderly. I mimicked her gesture by tucking a lock of her blond hair behind her ear. A flash dazzled me. She looked beautiful in a silver mini-dress covered with sequins and long puffed sleeves. Her legs seemed endless in the nude heels she wore. Her height set her apart from Eli, who was only five-foot-five; unlike me, who stood at five-foot-eight, and Ashley, at five-foot-seven.

She gave me a disarming smile, tilted her head to one side and placed her lips on mine. The vanilla of her perfume dulled my senses as another flash accompanied us. For a long second, I didn’t answer her. We talked about it countless times. She owed Eli respect. Ashley turned her face away just a few inches, the beautiful smile curving her lips again.

I’m sorry, okay? She turned her voice into a whisper so Eli wouldn’t hear her.

I looked away as an unpleasant flavor overwhelmed my palate. There was too much noise in the place and the lights were flashing. Ashley clenched her fists over mine jacket and pulled me in. Her fruity breath mingled with mine. I saw a mischievous glint in her eyes as her hand slid down my chest and stopped on my manhood. It was the instant our lips met and that expert tongue tore a moan from me. Our relationship remained chaste for a year and a half, though she showed me that there was much more under that angelic gaze.

Ashley pulled away from me and winked. I closed mine when she pressed her lips to my ear and murmured,

Be a good boy.

I put my head down and took a deep breath. Why was I always wrong? I glanced to the side and smiled as I recognized Eli’s psychedelic boots. She looked gorgeous in a classic jumpsuit, this time in black in combination with her hair, so her ice-blue eyes stood out.

It had been over five minutes since I had spoken to her, and perhaps she was even wondering if I had left her alone. I shook my head and pulled myself together. My decisions brought me to this point. I had to accept them and face them.

I turned to my best friend, even though Ashley was pulling me; apparently she was trying to get me to leave her alone.

I’m still here, honey.

I know. Eli’s lips formed a smile that was somewhere between amused and mocking.

Shall I accompany you to the table?

Eli nodded, and for a second I could discern relief at my words. She was uncomfortable, though she would never tell me.

Please.

It was only until I got her permission that I intertwined my hand with hers and gently pulled her to walk.

Alex...

The city lights streamed through the glass windows. On the side of the restaurant that was reserved, the tables formed a diamond with cream-colored tablecloths and, on them, the finest glasses. I immediately understood why Eli felt out of place.

Yes?

Isa and Mrs. Price...

Ashley pushed me at that instant and said,

Hurry, they are waiting for us.

I nodded and glanced at Eli for a few seconds, but she remained silent. We arrived at our table and I frowned when I couldn’t find my family. Only my friend was there, next to me. I ran my thumb across her palm again and again. With that minimal gesture, I thanked her for not leaving me alone with them. I let out a breath of air. I never intended to take so long, but when I arrived at the rink, homesickness took over me.

And I was right. My presence was so unnecessary that the meal was perhaps on its second or third half. I clutched Eli’s hand in mine, because around us were fifty people. The lights dimmed, curtains covered the windows and, for a second, everything went black. Every muscle in my body tensed as they laughed and talked to each other. Ashley pulled me, forcing me to walk fast. A play of blue shades covered us. A flash appeared to the left and immediately another flash to the right. Ashley wouldn’t stop. Suddenly I lost Eli.

My heart was hammering in my chest, and I slammed on the brakes. Ashley let out a squeal, but my eyes were trying to get used to the changes in lighting.

Look at you! Are you stupid?

I turned suddenly and hurried to get to the jerk who insulted Eli. He must have been a friend of Ashley’s, because I didn’t know him.

That’s hundreds of dollars down the drain! sobbed, who I assumed was his partner.

The man insisted,

You couldn’t be more moron!

For a millisecond, I froze. The family and friends of the woman who would become my wife surrounded me, and this was how they were treating my best friend. Fury gripped every nerve ending. In a last-ditch move, I lunged at him and punched him in the chest. He responded to me. Feeling Eli’s delicate, unmistakable fingers on my side, I was forced to let go of the jerk. I took Eli’s hands between mine and left a fleeting kiss on them.

I’m blind. She contained the tremor in her voice. I’m sorry.

Silence reigned in the place, and pitying glances fell on her. The hollowness in my chest prevented me from breathing normally. Her condition was no secret, but I knew how hard it was for her to say those words. She hated that, being the first thing others knew about her. People rarely introduced themselves to others as, Hi, I’m Asian, North American, or African.

We started walking again and as I looked ahead, I could swear Ashley had a smirk planted on her pretty face. I squinted to focus my eyes, but Mrs. Smith, her mother, stood in front of her and I couldn’t be sure.

I wrapped my arms around Eli’s waist and clutched her tiny body to mine. She gave me a smile and rested her head on my chest for a few seconds, so the familiar, fresh scent of tangerine and lilies enveloped me with its aroma and warmth.

I stopped in front of our seats and frowned as I found hers occupied. At that very moment, Ashley stopped talking to her mother and turned to me. On her appetizing lips was a radiant smile.

I opened my eyes and nodded at these people I didn’t know, either. She approached me with innocence painted on her face. Ashley reached out to hug me, and the connection with Eli broke.

Honey, you remember my dad’s boss? This is Samantha, his wife.

I smiled and greeted them politely, however I whispered in Ashley’s ear,

That’s Eli’s place.

Ashley placed her hands on my jacket, slid them around the back of my neck, and pulled me in. Her lips found mine and didn’t pull away until I was doubled over.

Honey, you don’t expect me to throw them out, do you?

The only reason I had accepted that noisy, dimly lit place was because Ashley assured me that Eli would remain in the chair at my right hand. That was my only demand. Everything else was done exactly as Ashley wished.

Eli, dear, how about keeping my cousin company? Ashley said in a sweet tone.

Eli gave her a smile, though she was startled when said cousin took her hand without speaking to her first.

I followed them with my eyes until they sat at the opposite end of the table. My knuckles were pale from the way I was clenching my fists.

That was not what we agreed.

Ashley lifted a shoulder and dropped it, downplaying how I felt. She took a seat and elegantly placed the napkin on her lap. She smiled at the maid of honor, who was on her left side, and they chatted. As the minutes passed and I continued to stand, she raised her head with defiance painted on her face.

Maybe next time you’ll be on time.

3

Alexander

Itook a sip of my scotch, eager for the meal to be over. The other jerk, Ashley’s cousin, left, saying nothing to Eli, so she continued to chat animatedly for long minutes before realizing she was alone. I took a deep breath of air to calm myself. My anxiety was