Romances de Kimberly Wealth

Chapter 17Janessa's POV Graham ignored Rupert entirely. But the fury in his veins promised this wouldn’t be the last time he and Rupert had words.He led us out. My body softened against his with relief.He called the captain and had him turn the boat. He was silent throughout the car ride, busy on his phone at some point. In no time we were back in our hotel suite.“What's the problem?” I asked, watching his arms shake as he struggled with his tie.He didn't reply.“Hello. Earth to Graham Caldwell,” I called.He only gave me a tense and accusing look.“Alright.” I backed down and walked to the bathroom. Clearing my makeup tools.I wasn't gonna drill a grown man to talk to me about something obviously irking him. The room was silent as I got to work. And I thought he had cooled down.“Why did you let him speak to you that way?” He finally asked, standing at the door.“What?”“Why didn't you stand up for yourself? Or shut him up. You're very capable.” he asked again, eyes shooting

Chapter 16Graham's POV; The change in her body was subtle.One second playful, her curves shifting under my hands, the next- stiff.It was instinct more than anything that made me turn.I noticed the familiar figure. There he was.Rupert. Of course.“Janessa,” his voice sharp. “What are you doing here?”He had no business speaking to her.He’s been the thorn in my side for years. A rival I never gave the dignity of acknowledgment. If I were a man who took bait, Rupert would’ve owned me long ago. He never has. Never will.He was staring at Janessa like she was something left out on a silver platter.And hell, this was a reservation-only restaurant. What were the odds of him being here?I smoothed my thumb over Janessa’s side, pulling her closer. Grounding myself in her warmth.“Rupert.” I kept my voice even. “Lose your way?”He smirked. “Couldn’t help myself. Saw you sneaking out. Thought I’d see what was worth skipping the mayor’s toast.”His gaze dragged over her. “Seems I was ri

Chapter 15Janessa's POVThe doors of the banquet hall swung open, bright chandeliers reflected on glossy hardwood floors. The room smelt like money and power.A hush rolled over the room. That subtle dip in conversation when every head tilts toward you. Toward us.I didn’t need a mirror to know I looked good. Graham’s hand rested at the small of my back, proud, almost possessive.He was smashing in his black tux perfectly tailored to his buff physique. Hair pulled back in full waves. Grey strands peaking bright.Like my personal knight.As I scanned the room, my stomach flipped.“Graham,” I hissed under my breath.“Are we in an episode of Succession? You didn’t tell me who’d be here.”There were Ministers. Executives I’d only ever seen on the news and magazines. Leading women and men.“Is that the mayor!” I whisper-screamed.He glanced down at me with that calm smirk that always drove me crazy. “So what?” he murmured. “They’re just people.”Easy for him to say. He was used to this w

Chapter 14Graham's POV We lodged into a new hotel. Different location. Luxury. The suite door clicked shut behind us, cutting off the world. Silence settled, heavy but soft. Just us and the thrum of my pulse.She stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Late sunlight catching in her curls, making her glow. My chest tightened. I crossed the space and wrapped her in my arms. Her cheek pressed against my chest, her arms circling my waist. “Finally alone,” I let out a breath.“Hmm-mm” she sighed against me. The soft surrender I’d been craving all day.No hiding, no daughter, no mother, no interruptions.Her lips curved. “You’ve got taste Mr. G. Five star hotel. Snobby staff. Creme de la cremes.”I shot her a look and she rolled her eyes.“Gray-ham.” She corrected.“Of course I have taste. Look who I'm with.”She smiled.“Do you know, a group of us wanted to rent their conference hall for a business event once. Staff refused. No ‘college kids’.”Her eyes glinted with mischief. “I got a

Chapter 13Janessa's POV Alesha’s eyes darted between me and her father like she’d just stumbled into a soap opera.“Wait… why are you turning red, Dad?”My stomach dropped. My knees actually wobbled. Busted. He forced out a laugh, like a man pretending and failing at it.“Excuse me if I find it shocking to hear my daughter talking about daddy and sex.”Good save. Graham. Good save.Alesha had the decorum to look ashamed… At least for about three seconds.“Well Dad, you’re the one who came to us. I told you it was girl stuff,” Alesha shot back.I added, my voice too high-pitched: “He’s right, Alesha. He’s embarrassed you’re calling random men zaddy, duh. Let’s have a little respect for his presence, yeah? I waved a hand, faking calm, “Save the gushing for booktok.”Smooth, Nessa. Real smooth.Graham cleared his throat. “Exactly.” His voice was rougher than usual, but he was playing along. Too well.Alesha squinted, thinking.“Hmm. You’re right. Sorry, Dad.”Then she leaned closer,

Chapter 12Graham's POV “Oh. My. God. Janessa. You Slut!” Alesha's high-pitched voice and Janessa's sudden movements woke me up.For a moment I thought I was dreaming. The sharpness of Alesha’s voice sliced through me, and reality slammed in.I looked up at Janessa, she looked down at me. Without thinking I threw myself off the bed and she doubled down, pushing me. I slammed into the cold floor and rolled under the bed, dragging the duvet with me. Pain flared across my ribs but I swallowed every sound like it could get us caught.“I can't believe you!” Alesha's laugh filled with scandal and delight.Under the bed narrowed into dusty air and mattress springs. Janessa’s breath was soft and quick above. I could see her ankle shake. We couldn't be caught this way. Not now. Not like this- Naked, elated, hiding- with my daughter's best friend. “Alesha, it's not what you think.” Janessa replied, walking towards her.I should be there. If we were outed. Janessa shouldn’t take the fall w