#Chapter 17: Chemistry

Kayla & Nicholas Kayla I panicked a little, standing frozen in place like a statue made of ice—and yet at the same time my face seemed like it was on fire. Nicholas simply chuckled as he turned to face me. “I know you’re not the biggest fan of public displays of affection after what your ex did to you, my dear,” he said, just loud enough for everyone to hear, “but how about a kiss for me, hm? So our future children can see the photograph?” My heart thudded in my chest. Nearby, women swooned at Nicholas’s sweet words, but I knew they were all lies. If we didn’t kiss now, then everyone would start to get suspicious—especially Liam, Vanessa, and Isabella, who were still standing there and watching like hawks. Finally, I nodded. “Okay.” Grinning, Nicholas tightened his grip on me and tugged me close. An inexplicable current surged through my body at his touch. I instinctively began to resist the feeling, my body stiffening, but Nicholas seemed to noti