Page 27 of Expose on the Ice

This feels like a needle in a haystack.

A pig soaring through the sky.

It’s a side of Knox I’d never expected to see in the open. The arrogant, powerful, aggressive and dismissive man I’d been battling with seems miles away from this person – someone who cares deeply, who carries burdens I don’t understand.

I make my decision.

I hurry after Isla, my heart racing. This could be the breakthrough I need. Or it could bring a whole flaming mess down on me, compromising my position with the team and therefore my job. But I have to take this shot because who the hell knows if I’ll get another.

YOLO.

As she steps outside, I call out, “Excuse me! Isla?”

She turns, surprise flickering across her face. “Yes?”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart as I approach her. As she stands and looks at me, curious, I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. Holy crap, she’s gorgeous. Like, stop-traffic, make-you-question-your-sexuality gorgeous.

Long, silky dark hair frames a face that belongs on magazine covers. Her eyes are a striking shade of green that put my own to shame. And don’t even get me started on her body. She has curves that would make both men and women do double-takes.

I swallow hard, trying to regain my composure. Isla is stunning, yes, but as I take a closer look, I notice the subtle signs of exhaustion etched into her features. There are faint shadows under those captivating eyes, and a weariness in her posture that speaks of bone-deep fatigue.

“May I help you?” Isla asks, her voice tinged with wariness. “I’m really in a hurry…”

I realize I’ve been staring and quickly snap out of it. “Sorry, I’m Lily Grant. I’m a journalist working on a story about the Frost Giants.” I hesitate, unsure how to broach the subject without seeming like a complete creep. “I, uh, couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Carter Knox.”

Isla’s expression immediately shutters. “I’m not interested in talking to the press,” she says firmly, already turning away.

I nod, trying to look as non-threatening as possible. “I get that. But I’m not looking for dirt or scandal. I’m trying to write an honest profile of who he really is, behind the tough guyexterior. And, because he won’t talk to me, I’m desperate to find someone who will…”

The undertone in my words is clear: if you care about this guy, give me the scoop, or I’ll find someone who might not be as kind. It’s a dirty trick, but it’s the only one I have, and I’m done playing nice with this guy and the people who know him.

Something in my tone must have resonated with Isla because her stance softens slightly. She runs a hand through her hair in a gesture that reminds me eerily of Knox. She thinks in silence for a long few seconds, then lets out a long sigh.

“Look, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but Carter’s got his reasons for keeping people at arm’s length. It’s not my place to spill his secrets.”

“I’m not asking for secrets,” I assure her quickly. “Just… a glimpse of the real man. The one who offers to pay bills for another person without hesitation.”

Isla’s posture stiffens. “Carter and I are… friends. He’s been generous with helping my son and me. But I shouldn’t discuss his personal matters.”

I press on, my journalistic instincts kicking into high gear. “Not many athletes would help a one-night stand’s medical bills, and few women who sleep with athletes and end up pregnant keep quiet about it…”

My words land like a blow to her chin. Isla’s eyes flash with a mixture of anger and protectiveness, and it’s clear I’ve struck a nerve. I feel like a real bitch, being so aggressive with this clearly vulnerable woman, but she offers the best chance I’ve had yet to crack the hard shell that surrounds Knox.

“Hey, fuck y—” she starts, then catches herself. “Look, it’s not what you think. Carter isn’t Liam’s father, and I’m not some money grabbing whore.”

The strength of her tone surprises me. Isla has landed a blow back on me, after all. “Go on, please” I say.

“Off the record?” She raises an eyebrow. “Or I walk.”

I nod.

Isla hesitates, clearly wrestling with how much to reveal. “We separated before he got drafted. Right after…” she trails off, a shadow passing over her face.

My heart races. There it is. The hint of something more. “Right after what?”

Isla shakes her head, seeming to catch herself. “His sister died. But Carter’s a good man, and when I approached him, alone and in trouble, he helped.”

“He was close to his sister?” I press, a little. “I know she died in an accident…”

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