Clairessa’s POV My phone vibrated on my desk. Daniel. A wave of guilt washed over me. I had meant to call him back, to check in, but with everything that had happened with Gabriel, I never got around to it. And now, here he was, reaching out. Again. I contemplated before answering. Avoiding him would only make me feel worse. With a deep breath, I picked up the call. "Daniel, hey..." "Clairessa." His voice was warm, but there was a subtle note of disappointment. "I was starting to think you'd forgotten me." I closed my eyes, exhaling. "I’m sorry. Things have been… hectic." A pause. "I get it," he finally said. "But we should meet up. Talk." He wasn’t wrong. I had been putting this off. "You’re right. We should. When?" "I’m in the city, actually, not far from your office." His tone lifted slightly, hope slipping through. "How about lunch today?" "Today?" I glanced at my watch. It was almost my break. Better to meet him now and get it over with. I owed him that much.
Clairessa’s POVAfter having lunch with Daniel, I was back at Storm Innovations, standing in front of the elevator, impatiently gripping my phone. Gabriel had called multiple times, and I had ignored every single one. His messages sat unread, and guilt ate at me. I needed to get back to my office, bury myself in work, and use it as an excuse for not checking my phone.Maybe then, I could figure out what to say to him. The elevator finally chimed, the doors sliding open. But just as I stepped forward, someone walked out—straight into my path. Adrian. I froze. He stepped out, his gaze locking onto mine, stopping me in my tracks. "Clairessa," he greeted smoothly, his voice carrying a familiarity that grated on my nerves. I swallowed hard, gripping my phone even tighter. I hadn’t expected to see him here. Then again, why was I even surprised? This was his father’s company. He had every right to be here whenever he wanted. But this time, unlike before, the rage I used to
Clairessa’s POV The SUV pulled into the private entrance of Gabriel’s Miami penthouse, my heart beating a little too fast as I stared up at the towering building. Was he home? Would I be walking into a confrontation? I turned to Dario, hoping for some sort of warning. He was already stepping out to open my door. "Is he home?" Dario gave a curt nod. "Mr. Storm is waiting inside." Then, without another word, he opened the door for me. I sucked in a deep breath before making my way toward the private elevator. When the doors slid open, the penthouse greeted me with its usual quiet and dark ambiance. I hesitated before stepping forward, glancing around. I half expected Gabriel to be waiting in the living room, arms crossed, ready to interrogate me. But he wasn’t there. Then, I heard it—his voice, deep and smooth, drifting from down the hall.Following the sound, I moved past the plush seating area, through the wide marble hallway, until I reached his office. The do
Clairessa’s POVGabriel sensed my hesitation and closed the distance between us, his strong arms slipping around my waist, pulling me deeply into his embrace.“What’s wrong?” His voice was gentle yet probing, concern etched into his features. I forced a smile, hoping he wouldn’t hear the panic rising in my chest. “Nothing… I just— I wasn’t expecting this.” “I know we agreed to keep our relationship private, but I thought it was time.” A lump formed in my throat. Time for what? “Don’t you think that would be us moving too fast?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. His brows furrowed slightly. “Maybe… but I know what I want.” He brushed his thumb along my cheek. “I never thought I’d say this to a woman or even feel this way, but I want you—and it isn’t just about sex. I want to be with you for a long time, Clairessa. And I’m too grown to play games.” His words melted my insides, breaking down every last defense I had. The affection in his eyes was undeniable…
Clairessa’s POV I stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped tightly around me, my damp hair pulled into a loose bun. The warmth of the shower still lingered on my skin as I walked toward the bed. But the moment my eyes landed on it, the lingering heat was quickly replaced by shock. Neatly arranged on the bed were a black lace bra, matching panties, sheer pantyhose, and a sleek, fitted office dress. My fingers brushed over the fabric. It was expensive—nothing like the office dresses in my closet, the ones I could afford. The design screamed sophistication and professionalism, but it was also undeniably sexy. I could already tell it would hug my body in all the right places and command attention. I hadn’t brought any clothes to Gabriel’s house, assuming I’d head home to change before work. But, of course, Gabriel had planned ahead. And from the look of things, he had gotten my exact size. I didn’t have to wonder too much about how he knew. My eyes darted around the
Clairessa’s POV Satisfaction swelled inside me, but it barely lasted before his hand slipped between my thighs, grazing the lace that barely covered my warmth. “Such a tease,” he murmured, almost to himself. “You’ve had your fun. Now you’re going to take your punishment like a good girl.” Panic shot through me, knowing I was completely exposed and at his mercy, yet I couldn’t ignore the way my body eagerly anticipated his next move. His hands gripped my hips as he slowly pulled my panties down, letting them stop just before my knees. “Your ass is just as perfect as the rest of you,” he rasped. His large palm traced the curve of my ass, caressing it with a deceptive softness that only made my breath hitch. “I can’t wait to see your soft, silky skin flush under my touch… to feel the heat rise with every strike.” Before I could even process his words, his hand came down—hard. A shocking gasp left my lips as the impact sent a jolt of pleasure and pain straight to my core.
Gabriel’s POVClairessa had disobeyed me. Again. I leaned back in my chair, fingers pressed under my chin as I replayed every moment of her defiance. She had ignored my calls. Then she made up some excuse about working when she was out having lunch with Daniel—which turned out to be a lie. I had believed her, even when my instincts whispered that she wasn’t being entirely truthful. Not just about Daniel. There was something else she was holding back, something she wasn’t ready to say. I could feel it, but I refused to dwell on it.Because none of it mattered.I had chosen to trust her.Trust—a word that felt foreign, a feeling I hadn't allowed myself in years.I didn’t trust anyone.Not in business.And certainly not in a relationship.But here I was, giving her the benefit of the doubt.I refused to bring the baggage of my last relationship into what we were building.Even though the thought of her with him still ignited a dark, seething jealousy within me—especially
Gabriel’s POVThe moment Clairessa stepped into my office, I saw it—the battle she was losing. Her skin was flushed, her breathing uneven. My eyes raked over her. She looked sexy as hell in the dress I had chosen for her. The stylist had sent a collection, but I’d picked this one. The dress. The lingerie. Every piece she wore—I had selected it. Fuck, I had a sick need to brand her. And damn, she looked perfect. The Alexander McQueen dress framed her hips, hugging every curve just right. My gaze trailed over her—her hips, her slender, smooth legs moving closer in those red-bottom heels, revealing glimpses of her caramel inner thighs. She stopped in front of my desk, gripping the edge so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her thighs pressed together, as if trying to suppress the fire raging inside her. But the way she trembled made it clear—resisting was impossible. Watching her struggle against the sensations flooding her body, knowing I controlled every last on
Gabriel’s POV I paced the room, anger and heartbreak twisting so violently inside me I thought they’d tear me in two. My fists clenched and unclenched at my sides as I stared out the window into the night sky—the only thing that made any sense in this goddamn chaos. Then I heard the door push open behind me. Adrian stepped in, shutting it with a firm click. “Dad,” he said, frustration clear in his voice, “why did you react that way? You just walked out of dinner because I asked you to let Clairessa stay? I don’t get it. What’s so hard about that?” “Adrian, not now,” I muttered, my voice low. “We’ll talk later.” But he didn’t back off. “Why not now?” he pressed, stepping closer. “Why can’t we talk about it now? What is it? What do you have against Clairessa? It feels like you don’t like her—you’ve never liked her, not from the first time you saw her. What is it? Is there something you know that I don’t?” I didn’t want to do this. Not now. Not while my mind was still spinning… n
Gabriel’s POVI sat at the dining table, seething, the rage in me growing hotter every goddamn second.Across the table, Adrian and Clairessa sat so close their arms brushed. He leaned in, whispering something in her ear. She smiled—smiled like she loved whatever nonsense he was feeding her.My blood burned.Her eyes met mine once. Just once.Then she looked away like I didn’t exist. Like I hadn’t given her twenty-four hours to tell him the truth.And judging by the way he looked at her—like she was some innocent angel who saved his life—she hadn’t said a word.It was more than obvious she hadn’t told him a damn thing.She was still pretending. Same as always.But she had no idea what hell I’d unleash if she kept this up.God… I was going to—I couldn’t even say it.Couldn’t bring myself to hate her, no matter how much I wanted to.Especially not when she was sitting beside my son, touching him, smiling for him—and jealousy slammed into me like a punch to the ribs.Shit. How could I s
Clairessa’s POVAdrian turned his head to look at me, eyes narrowing slightly. “What do you mean?”“I was angry that you cheated on me,” I whispered. “So I decided to get even… and I started seeing someone.”Adrian’s expression darkened; hurt flashed through his eyes before he quickly masked it. “Okay. So you were with someone while we were apart. If I’m being honest, I kinda suspected it… based on how quickly you seemed ready to move on from us.”He gave a short, shaky breath. “If that’s what this big talk is about, then… Clairessa, that’s not a crime. We weren’t together. You don’t have to beat yourself up over that. We can move on from it.”“Not when you find out who it was…”Adrian shifted and reached for my hands. “Claire, listen. I don’t need to know who the guy is. It doesn’t matter.”I stared at him, my throat tightening. “You don’t understand—”“Shhh…” Adrian hushed me gently, pressing two fingers to my lips. “I understand what you’re going through. I’ve carried my own guilt
Clairessa’s POV Gabriel didn’t look at me at first. His eyes stayed fixed on Gretchen, his tone calm but laced with a quiet threat. "Leave us," he said. Gretchen froze for a breath, clearly uneasy. "Of course, Mr. Storm." She slipped out without another word. And then it was just us—Gabriel and me. I barely had time to register the storm in his eyes before he crossed the room in three long strides and seized my elbow—not painfully, but firmly enough to jolt my heart. "Don’t get too comfortable in my house," he hissed. "You won’t be here much longer." I stared at him, stunned. Just yesterday, he’d been at my side, placing cold towels on my forehead, watching over me like I still meant something to him. He’d cared for me, staying by my side through the night. And for a moment, I let myself believe—maybe something in him had softened. Maybe there was still hope for us. But I was wrong. The anger was back—hotter, more intense. And I was foolish to think forgiveness would co
Clairessa’s POVAfter sleeping for what felt like forever, I finally dragged myself out of bed. My body still ached faintly, but compared to earlier, I felt stronger. No fever. No chills. Just a craving for fresh air and something cold to drink.I’d been holed up in that room all day, not just because I needed rest, but because it was easier.Easier to hide. Easier than running into Adrian and his mission to get me back… or worse, Gabriel and the drama that would unfold when he told the truth.The idea of running into either of them made my stomach twist, so I figured if I moved quietly enough, I could sneak down to the kitchen, grab a glass of juice, and return before anyone noticed.My throat was dry, parched even. I glanced at the empty glass on the nightstand and sighed. There was no escaping it—I needed juice.Slipping quietly out of bed, I padded across the room, easing the door open like it might squeak loud enough to call them both over.The hallway was empty. Good. I tiptoed
Clairessa’s POVMy body trembled, a deep shiver running through me like heat and cold were warring inside my veins.Through the fog, Gabriel’s voice cut in—urgent, panicked.“Clairessa... hey, are you okay? Look at me... please.”Then I felt his hands—lifting me, holding me close, peeling away layers of clothing…The dream came in flashes. The soft splash of water. His arms supported me as he bathed me—like I was breakable, like I still meant something to him.He dressed me gently, laid me in bed, tucked the duvet around me, then pressed a kiss to my forehead.When he turned to go, I reached for him, my fingers curling around his. I remember whispering it… three small words.“I love you.”A voice, distant and persistent, tugged me out of the warmth.“Claire… Claire…”My eyes flew open, blinking against the light. Adrian’s face swam into focus.“Thank God,” he breathed. “You’re awake.”I stared at him for a moment, disoriented, my heart still wrapped in the remnants of the dream. I gla
Gabriel’s POV “Dad?” I didn’t bother looking up as I stirred the pot, letting the aroma rise and fill the kitchen. “I’m here,” I called out. I heard Adrian’s footsteps draw closer. He stopped at the kitchen threshold, and the silence that followed stretched just long enough to make me smirk without turning around. “Wait—are you cooking?” he asked, disbelief lacing his voice. “Dad, I’m shocked. You haven’t cooked in… what, years?” I finally turned to face him, wiping my hand on the kitchen towel slung over my shoulder. “Gretchen told me earlier she had a personal errand to run and would be back by noon.” I offered a casual shrug, reaching for the ladle and giving the pot another stir. “I was hungry and couldn’t wait that long.” I could feel the lie burning on the tip of my tongue. Truth was, I wasn’t hungry. Eating was the last thing on my mind. The food I was cooking—it was for Clairessa. I wanted her to have something warm when she woke up, something to ease the aftermath of
Gabriel’s POV I gently pulled the duvet down and slipped my arms around her, lifting her against me. Her body was burning, her skin clammy, her breath shallow. She didn’t stir—just shivered helplessly in my arms, trapped in some fever dream. “Clairessa.” My voice cracked as I shook her gently, trying to coax her into consciousness. “Hey, open your eyes… please.” No response. “It’s me. Gabriel. I’m here,” I whispered, lifting her slowly into my arms and brushing damp strands of hair from her face. Her eyelids fluttered, and for a moment, they opened. Our eyes met—just briefly. She gave the faintest smile, soft and dazed—then slipped back into the fever, her eyes shutting again. Fuck. I had to do something. I lowered her carefully onto the mattress and rushed to the bathroom, soaking a towel in warm water. I came back and laid it across her forehead, holding it there, hoping to ease the heat. After a minute or two, I replaced it with a fresh one, trying to bring her temperatur
Gabriel’s POV I gripped the steering wheel. “Clairessa—” “You made it clear you’re never going to forgive me,” she said, cutting me off. Her voice trembled. “So it’s better if I go. At least that way, I don’t have to stand next to you, knowing you think the worst of me.” She paused, her eyes glassy. “That look in your eyes… like I’m something filthy. It’s more than I can take. So please… just let me go.” And then she turned and walked away. Just like that. For a moment, I just stared at her, stunned. Her words tried to cut deep into my heart, but I fought it off. How dare she try to make this about my reaction to her betrayal, when she should be grateful—that I was offering her a hand when she deserved far worse for what she’d done? This felt like classic manipulation, just like she’d done before. And I was on the edge of giving in to the voice telling me to turn back... but I couldn’t. Watching her stumble through the storm, drenched and defeated by the rain... It tore some