Page 51 of Fractured Faceoff

She stood up abruptly, arms crossed over her chest like a shield against whatever was gnawing at her insides. "You bet I am! I could use some food that isn’t leftovers from last week."

"Well, I'm buying," I said, forcing a grin.

Her expression softened for just a moment before she raised an eyebrow playfully. "My favorite three words I've ever heard you say."

I chuckled lightly but felt that familiar tug of determination settle in my gut.

As she moved toward me, an unexpected rush of warmth spread through my chest.

But first? Lunch sounded damn good right about now.

“Wanna stop by HR first?” I asked, leaning against the doorframe, a smirk dancing on my lips.

Isla paused mid-stride, her shoulders sagging as she sighed. “Sure. Might as well get this over with.” She rolled her eyes, but a flicker of amusement crossed her face.

I chuckled, falling into step beside her as we walked down the narrow hallway. The walls, painted a dull beige, were adorned with action shots of the Serpents in full stride—players charging down the ice, sweat glistening on their brows, the crowd in a frenzy. It always filled me with energy.

“You know,” I said, glancing sideways at Isla, “I forget how romantic you are.”

She shot me a half-smile, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Just wait until you see my Valentine’s Day cards.”

“Is that so?” I nudged her playfully. “You really think you can top mySouthern Charmspecial? And I like you think we'll still be together that long."

"Gosh, I hope not," she muttered. "I don't think I could do it."

Her laughter echoed through the corridor. It was an odd sound to hear here—light and bright against the backdrop of jerseys and sweat-stained memories. I felt a strange warmth growing between us.

We reached HR’s door—a solid piece of wood with a small frosted window. Inside, we could see Carla hunched over her desk, buried in paperwork like it was some kind of mountain range. The light above flickered intermittently, casting an almost cinematic glow over everything.

Isla took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “Let’s get this over with,” she said again but softer this time.

“Just remember,” I whispered as we stepped inside, “you’ve got backup.”

Carla looked up and smiled at us. “Hey there! What brings you two in today? Together? Separate?"

I exchanged a glance with Isla that spoke volumes; it was hard to believe we were both faking it so convincingly while dealing with our messes.

“Just some business,” Isla replied coolly as she crossed her arms defensively. "But yes. Together. I’d like to speak to Michelle. Is she in?”

Carla’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “What is this in regards to?”

“Disclaimer of romantic relationship,” Isla replied, her tone as flat as the Michigan plains.

Carla’s gaze flicked between the two of us, a mix of surprise and curiosity flashing across her face. I waited, watching her closely for any reaction, any sign of what she might say next.

Isla’s fingers brushed against my arm withoutmeaning to, and without thinking, I stepped closer to her. My arm slid around her waist, a gesture meant to reinforce our supposed relationship. She stiffened at the contact but didn’t pull away. Her body language screamed discomfort, but we were in too deep now to back out.

Carla’s eyes widened just a fraction before she regained her composure. She said nothing, only nodded slowly.

“Right,” Carla finally said, standing up from her desk. “I’ll get Michelle for you. Please have a seat.”

Isla exhaled a breath she must have been holding since we walked in. I squeezed her waist lightly, trying to offer some reassurance.

We sat down on the stiff chairs opposite Carla’s desk. The ticking of the clock on the wall filled the silence between us, each second dragging longer than the last.

It felt strange—this façade we were putting on—but also oddly comforting. But for now, we had roles to play and battles to fight together.

The door creaked open again, pulling our attention back to Carla who stood aside as Michelle walked in. Her eyes landed on us first before shifting to Carla with a raised brow.

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