Chapter B
Is this your business? I’m talking to Kody. When did this become your conversation?”
Malcolm’s expression darkened, his presence radiating cold disapproval. “I was just trying to do you a favor and warn you not to be delusional.” Janice’s laugh was cold, devoid of humor. “My plans don’t need your unsolicited advice. And whether I’m delusional or not isn’t for you to decide.”
“You-“Malcolm’s words caught in his throat, clearly frustrated by her sharp retort.
Kody quickly jumped in, trying to smooth things over. “Alright, that’s enough, you two. Do you always have to fight every time you’re in the same room? Anyone listening would think you were sworn enemies.”
His words startled both Janice and Malcolm. After a brief pause, they huffed and looked away, refusing to meet the other’s gaze.
Trying to shift the mood, Kody turned to Janice. “Why don’t you tell me more about your plans for the wellness center?”
Janice nodded, her tone regaining its steady confidence. I’m planning to do a full market analysis before locking in a location. Opening a high–end wellness center isn’t something you can rush–it’s all about finding the right spot.”
Her calm explanation betrayed none of the earlier tension, but a quick glance at Malcolm’s furrowed brow revealed he was still stewing.
Unable to hold back, Malcolm interjected again. “A successful project takes more than confidence. Are you sure your budget can cover all the initial expenses?
Janice turned toward him, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “I’ve never let a lack of funds stop me from succeeding. Surely, a businessman like you understands the balance of risk and reward?”
“Oh Confident, aren’t we? Malcolm shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “But the market doesn’t care about your confidence. It’s far more complex than that”
“Thanks for the lecture,” Janice replied with a cold smile. “But I don’t need anyone telling me how to do my job.”
Kody, visibly uncomfortable, raised a hand to cut through the charged atmosphere. “Enough, you two. Let’s not turn this into another barroom brawl.”
Roaching for his checkbook, he scrawled a number and handed a check to Janice. “Here. A million bucks. Take it, use it, and let’s talk again once you’ve got everything in place.”
Janice didn’t hesitate to accept the check, flashing Kody a grateful smile “Thanks, Kody. I owe you dinner.”
With that, she big and left without sparing Malcolm a glance
Malcolm’s eyes followed ber retreating figure, Irritation simmering beneath his composed exterior.
She just wand out, like he didn’t even matter.
Chapter 9
Malcolm wasn’t used to being ignored, especially not by Janice.
In the past, she had revolved around him, her attention as unwavering as a moth drawn to a flame. She used to be open and unashamed of her feelings
for him.
But now, she wouldn’t even spare him a glance, avoiding him like the plague
Malcolm’s brow furrowed involuntarily, and the tension in the room thickened. Kody noticed the shift in his mood and mentally braced himself.
Jarvice and Malcolm were like fire and gasoline, always ready to ignite at the slightest spark
“Malcolm, don’t take it personally, Janice doesn’t mean anything by it,” Kody said in an attempt to diffuse the tension.
Makolm’s dark;
k gaze swept briefly over the club’s luxurious decor before settling back on Kody. His voice was low, edged with something unreadable. “Are you close with her?”
Kody nodded without hesitation. “She saved my
my life once. To me,
‘s more than a friend, She’s my benefactor.”
A complex mix of emotions crossed Malcolm’s face. After a moment of silence, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a check before handing Kody
“I’m adding another million to her wellness center project.”
Kody blinked in surprise as he accepted the check. “That’s generous of you.”
“Call it gratitude for what she did for you,” Malcolm said flatly.
Later that evening, Kode called Janice as soon as he got home.
“Hello?” Her voice was soft, with a hint of weariness.
“Janice” Kody’s tone was upbeat. “Great news! Our project just got another million in funding. Courtesy of Malcolm. He might come off as a tough nut but he means well.”
The line went quiet for a few seconds.
“Really?” Janice’s disbelief was evident.
“Yes,” Kody confirmed with a laugh. “You can go all in on your wellness center now. H
After a brief exchange, they ended the call.
Janice entered the bathroom and tossed her clothes aside as she prepared for a shower.
Steam filled the room, fogging the frosted glass of the shower door. Her silhouette moved gracefully behind the misted glass, every curve subcly outlined. Humming a tune under her breath, she loosely twisted her damp hair Into a bun and let water droplets cascade down her neck.
Suddenly, the sound of a key turning in the lock broke the quiet, making her heart skip a beat
Before Janice could react, the bathroom door swung open.
“Who’s there?” she screamed, instinctively grabbing a towel to wrap around herself.
Standing in the doorway was Malcolm, dressed in a simple black shirt and slacks. His sleeves were rolled up to reveal his toned, muscular forearms.
Under the dim yellow light, his chiseled face betrayed no emotion, but his piercing gaze locked onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
“Malcolm?” Janice’s voice was a mix of anger and embarrassment. “What the hell are you doing here? Who let you in?”
“Didn’t you say you wanted me for a week? What, having second thoughts now?”
Janice clutched the towel tighter, droplets of water trailing down her exposed skin, pooling near the edge of the fabric.
Lifting her chin defiantly, she met his gaze. A faint, mocking smile tugged at her lips when she replied, “You’re surprisingly punctual. Couldn’t even wait until morning to make good on your promise?”
Malcolm’s expression darkened as he closed the distance between them in a few swift strides. Gripping her wrist firmly, he pulled her out of the bathroom and pressed her against the cool wall.
e said icily, “Don’t think I don’t see what you’re trying to do. Trying to get my attention with these little games? Forget it, Janice. It won’t work”
Janice didn’t waver. Instead, she shot back provokingly, “Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. Gomez. I’ve got plenty of men to choose from. Why would I waste my time on you?!
Her words struck a nerve. Malcolm’s anger flamed, and he leaned down to capture her lips in a searing kiss. It was fierce, punishing, and utterly possessive.
Janice winced but didn’t pull away. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she met his ferocity with an intensity of her own.
Chapter 9
Sensing her response, Malcolm loosened his grip slightly, but his kiss remained insistent.
When he finally pulled back, Janice’s lips were swollen and tender from the ldss. She gasped softly, and her gaze slimmered with a touch of allure,
Malcolm scooped her up effortlessly and carried her to the bedroom, depositing her onto the soft bed.
His heated breath farmed across her face as his predatory gaze fixed on her floshed lips and the disheveled bathrobe that exposed her collarbone.
His voice came out gravelly. “Janice, stay away from Kody.”
She blinked in surprise at the sudden warning, then let out a cold laughs. “Malcolin, you and I are already over. Who I see is none of your business.”
Malcolm’s grip on her wrist tightened. “He’s my cousin. If you play with his feelings, I won’t let it slide.”
The sharp pain in her wrist made her stop struggling Catching her breath, she met his pize. “Malcalin, you have a flancée. Why can’t I find myself a rich, handsome man?”
Her words only fanned the flames of his irritation.
When Malcolm crushed his lips against hers again, Janice tried to push him away, but her resistance only fueled his aggression.
The next morning, Janice woke to an empty room. Malcolm was gone.
She got out of bed and grabbed her phone to call Kody. She asked him to accompany her to scout locations for the wellness center.
Kody agreed and told her to wait downstairs.
Not long after, a sleek Maybach pulled up in front of her apartment complex.
Janice frowned slightly when she saw Kody in the driver’s seat and Malcolm in the passenger seat.
“Why are you here?” she asked, her tone carrying a hint of doubt, but it was mostly laced with unabashed surprise,
Malcolm’s response was calm and unapologetic. “Considering my investment, it only makes sense for me to check things
Before Janice could respond, Kody interjected quickly. “Malcolm’s instincts in investments are unmatched. None of his projects have ever failed, Having him take a look might actually help us.”
gs out personally.”
Janice knew he wasn’t wrong, though she hated admitting it. Taking a deep breath, she pushed down the mixed emotions swirling inside her.
Right now, funding and resources were her priority.
“Fine. Let’s go,” she said coolly, avoiding Malcolm’s gaze.
As the car navigated the bustling streets, Janice sat silently in the backseat, occasionally glancing out the window at the busy cityscape.
Meanwhile, Malcolm used the rearview mirror to steal glances at her. Each time their eyes met, Janice would quickly look away.
After a long silence, Malcolm finally spoke. “The location is crucial. Do you have any specific ideas or requirements?”
The question dispelled the awkwardness, and Janice felt herself relax just a little. “The center needs to be somewhere quiet but easily accessible for clients.”
“I have a few spots in mind,” Kody chimed in “Let’s check them out first and see how the surroundings feel.”
The car came to a gentle stop at the first location. As Janice stepped out, her stiletto heel caught on an uneven patch of pavement. She stumbled and nearly fell
