Page 100 of Railing the Billionaire

Why didn’t I know that about him? I felt like we were close enough that I should know that and more.

As I headed back toward the subway, that feeling of being watched hit me again, this time more intensely than before.

I checked for reflections in the glass windows I passed. No one was sneaking up on me, but the creepy feeling remained. I turned a corner I didn’t need to turn, then ran down to the next block and peeked back the way I’d gone.

There, most definitely following me, was a big guy in jeans and a black jacket. Now that I was noticing him here, I knew with certainty I’d seen him before.

He was on the subway with me on the way to Juno’s. He’d gotten on at the same stop as me, after me. He’d seemed normal enough at the time, and I hadn’t caught him looking at me, so I hadn’t given him a second thought.

Now though, I knew better.

I waited at the corner, my back pressed against the brick wall, and listened for his footsteps.

I heard city sounds—cars and people and distraction.

I couldn’t hear him.

My pulse pounded in my ears. I shoved my hand in my messenger bag and grabbed my bear spray.

He stepped out, towering over me, proving he was even bigger than I’d realized—six two maybe, and at least twice my weight.

Awareness flickered across his face. He hadn’t expected me to be here—good.

What was the plan here? This guy could snap off the bottom half of my leg like it was nothing and floss his teeth with it.

I shoved my bear spray up at him, aiming for his eyes. “Who are you and why are you following me?”

He flattened his lips together into a line.

He looked like a bouncer from a club, and not at all like the reality show fans who typically accosted me.

“You don’t look like the typical stalking type,” I said. “Who are you? Tell me or I’ll blind you, kick you in the nuts for good measure, then once you’re crying for your mommy, I’ll call the police.”

His left eye twitched. “I’m security, ma’am.”

Security? “I didn’t rob any stores.”

“Not that kind of security. Personal security.”

“Like…a bodyguard?” That didn’t make any sense. “I didn’t hire security. I won’t be paying you.”

His expression was blank. He hadn’t flinched at my threats, and he wasn’t leaving either.

Realization struck. There was only one person who’d hire someone to follow me and not even consider that it’d be polite to tell me about it first.

“Did Gabriel do this?”

“I work for Mr. Stryker, yes.”

I held out a hand. “Give me your phone.”

His brows furrowed with confusion.

“I will spray this stuff up your nose, tackle you, and take it myself.”

His lips quirked up at the side in amusement.

I growled my frustration and dove for his pocket.

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