Page 95 of Railing the Billionaire

Layana: DID YOU SEE THIS????

She sent a link.I clicked it.

It was an image of the two of us wearing winter attire, with a backdrop of a powder white landscape. Layana’s fists gripped onto the collar of my jacket. Her eyes were shut, her lips pressed to mine.

In that moment, I’d felt shock and confusion before a rush of warmth and thrill. It was the surprise kiss over the weekend at the ski lodge, immortalized by a stranger. Staring at the image now, I felt a similar mix of emotion, only in reverse.

I hated that what should have been a private moment was public, due to both an invasive photographer and to Layana’s recklessness. If she’d kept her lips to herself on the snow, this would never have happened. I hated to think that, especially remembering how earth-shattering those lips had felt. I wished I could be kissing her right now, scolding her for her audaciousness, yet reveling in the effects of it.

Layana: Check out the engagement

I peeledmy gaze from the pink of her cheeks, from the adoring look on her face. She was gorgeous, dangerous, and undeniable.I forced myself to scroll. Comments filled my screen, tons of them.

From the screen to the slopes, our girl can do it all! And with such a hottie? Swoon

THIS is the winter warmth I needed today! #SnowQueenWithHerKing

OMG the chemistry!!!!!

YASSSSSS

#RealityLoveStory

#KissingForRatings

Isn’t he like Bill Nye or something? Love in a test tube!

Did my screen just glitch or are they kissing?

Back off, honey! He's mine#Heartbreaker

It's like watching black haired Barbie steal my crush.No thank you

Anyone else think she’s desperate to stay in the limelight

Snow thanks!

Gross

I’d hump that

She doesn’t deserve him. She’s so fake. Someone should stab a bitch

Me: There are threats to your safety.

Layana: Look at the number of likes

I looked.The numbers meant nothing to me.

Layana: It’s triple the usual post and climbing fast. You’re going viral, Mr. Stryker

I didn’t wantpeople threatening her. What other negative attention would this photograph bring? We were doing just fine with our plan the way it was before, with people speculating, but nothing more than friendship captured by the camera. This crossed a line.

Layana: You’re welcome

I wasn’t thankful.I was frustrated and concerned. She needed security. I couldn’t let her be at risk because of me.

Layana: ??? Hello?

---