Clairessa’s POVI stood in front of the suite door, fumbling through my purse with shaky hands, trying to find the key card. Finally, I found the card and swiped it. The door clicked open, and I rushed inside.Once inside, I slammed the door behind me and leaned on it for a brief moment, trying to catch my breath. My heart pounded in my chest as I gripped the door, ready to lock Gabriel out. I didn’t care anymore that he was my boss. I wasn’t going to let him continue playing these games with me—teasing me, making me feel something only to take it all away.But just as I shoved the door harder to close it, it stopped abruptly. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest when I looked down and saw his foot wedged against the door, keeping it from shutting. Slowly, I lifted my gaze and met his fiery eyes. Gabriel stood there, towering, his broad shoulders filling the doorway. His eyes burned with an intensity that both frightened and excited me. I knew I was no match for strength.Letting o
Clairessa’s POV Gabriel’s eyes widened slightly, his breath catching as if my words had struck him. “Say it again,” he murmured, his voice rough, almost desperate. My mouth opened, but no sound came out. “My name,” he whispered, his fingers rolling down my bottom lips. “I’ve wanted to hear you say it for so long.” The intensity in his gaze made my knees weak. Before I could think, his lips crashed against mine. This kiss was unlike any we’d shared before. It was deeper, hungrier, his mouth moving against mine with a passion that made my head spin. His hands gripped my waist, pulling me so close that I could feel the heat of his body pressing into mine. I gasped as his tongue teased my lips, parting them easily. My fingers wrapped around his neck, holding on to him as if he was the only thing keeping me standing. His other hand tangled in my hair, tilting my head back to deepen the kiss, demanding everything I had to give. “No,” I managed to gasp, breaking the kiss. My chest hea
Clairessa’s POVGabriel's eyes darkened as he stared at me. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low and serious. His gaze pierced straight through me, like he was searching for any doubt. I could see the struggle in his eyes— he didn’t want to take advantage of me, but the desire burning behind his eyes was also impossible to miss."I’ve never been more sure about anything or anyone," I whispered, my breath hitching as the warmth of his touch sent a shiver through me.That was all he needed. His lips crashed onto mine, and everything else disappeared. His kiss was deep and urgent, making my whole body tremble as I clung to him. My fingers dug into his shoulders, desperate to hold on to the intensity of the moment."Clairessa," he murmured against my lips, his voice rough with emotion, “If we do this, there’s no going back. You’ll belong to me—completely. Your body, your soul, everything. I don’t share."His possessive words sent shivers through me, but they didn’t scare me. If anythin
Clairessa’s POVGabriel’s command stunned me. My heart thudded loudly in my chest, and I was sure he could hear it. Strip? For him? My cheeks burned, and my breath hitched. His request wasn’t crude—it was bold, intimate, and completely out of my comfort zone. I sat up straighter, adjusting myself on the bed. I suddenly felt so self-conscious. Gabriel was experienced—he had been with women who knew exactly what to do, women who were confident and had mastered the art of seduction. I wasn’t like that. What if I didn’t live up to his expectations?Slowly, I got up from the bed, my legs shaky but steady enough to stand. My mind raced as I tried to remember anything I’d seen or heard about women stripping for their men, but my brain felt blank.I regretted not going to those dance classes Jess always begged me to try. My body felt stiff, and I was sure Gabriel could tell.“Clairessa…” His voice was firm. “Eyes on me. It’s just you and me tonight. No one else.”I swallowed hard and force
Clairessa’s POV The smell of something sweet and freshly baked filled the air, waking me up. My stomach growled as I stretched under the soft covers. Even though I still felt a little tired, and wanted to lay back in bed, the heavenly scent teased me, reminding me just how hungry I was especially after last night. Last night. The memory of Gabriel’s touch, his words, and the way he made me feel surged through me like a wave. I could still feel the traces of his kisses on my skin, the way his hands had stroked every inch of my body bringing me untold pleasure. As I sat up, I felt the soft sheets fall away, away, and a rush of warmth spread across my cheeks when I realized I was completely naked. Wrapping the sheet tightly around me, I glanced at the spot next to me. It was empty. “Gabriel?” I called softly, but there was no answer. I glanced toward the bathroom, the door wide open, and found no sign of him. My gaze moved around the rest of the suite, but it seemed I was com
Clairessa’s POVElena led me through the different sections, her cheerful voice filling the air as she pointed out the elegant lounge, the cozy dining room, and the sundeck with its stunning view of the ocean. At the edge of the deck, I paused, leaning against the railing to stare out at the endless blue waves. The soft breeze carried the faint scent of saltwater, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the view. I couldn’t believe I was spending my birthday like this—on a luxurious yacht with Gabriel Storm. Months ago, this had all been a plan to get back at Adrian, to hurt him where it would sting the most. But now… now it didn’t feel like revenge anymore. It felt like something I couldn’t control, something that made me feel alive. Yet instead of feeling elated, I felt a strong sense of guilt wreck my heart. What was I doing? How was this going to end when the truth finally came out? “Miss Clairessa, lunch is ready,” Elena’s cheerful voice pulled me from my thoughts.
Clairessa’s POVDinner with Gabriel had been perfect. Every detail, every word, every glance—it was like he had reached into my thoughts and pulled out everything I could have wanted. Standing on the deck of the yacht afterward, I held onto the railing, letting the cool ocean breeze wash over me.I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes as the soft scent of the ocean surrounded me. The sound of the waves gently hitting against the yacht calmed my racing thoughts. Just as my mind began to drift, I felt strong, muscular arms wrap around my waist from behind.Gabriel.I instantly leaned back against his chest, letting his warmth envelop me. His familiar scent—a mix of woodsy cologne and something uniquely him—made me feel safe. His hands brushed against my arms, sending a delicious shiver through me. I wasn’t cold—it was the way his touch sparked something wild and untamed deep inside me.He leaned closer, his lips grazing my ear. “Have I told you how ravishing you look tonight?” His breath was
Clairessa’s POVGabriel’s eyes darkened as he lifted me off the floor, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. My arms clung to his broad shoulders as he carried me into the yacht’s cabin. He set me down on the soft mattress. For a brief moment, he stood still, his dark, smoldering eyes locked onto mine. Then, he took a step back, creating a small, tantalizing distance between us. His gaze never left mine as his hands moved to the buttons of his shirt. This time, I saw a desperation in his eyes I hadn't seen before as he ripped his shirt off, letting it fall to the floor.I swallowed hard, my eyes fixed on him. His chiseled chest and defined abs seemed sculpted by God himself. The way his muscles flexed with every small movement made my breath hitch. Gabriel’s hands moved to his belt, unbuckling it with practiced ease. His trousers slid down, leaving him in nothing but his briefs. My pulse quickened, my eyes glued to the thick bulge straining against the fabric. And
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
Gabriel’s POV I stood by the window in my bedroom, staring out at the heavy downpour, hoping the rain could somehow drown out the noise in my head. But it didn’t. The ache in my chest was unbearable. It felt like someone had torn my heart out with their bare hands, and I was still expected to function. To breathe. To move on. Clairessa lied to me. She deceived me. And no matter how many times I tried to reason it out—tried to stitch together a narrative that didn’t hurt as much—I couldn’t move past it. The sickest part? My own son was also in love with her. We both fell for the same woman. But I didn’t just fall. I plummeted. I let my guard down for her. Let her in like she was my second chance at something I didn’t even believe in anymore. Love. I told myself she was different. Safe. Real. Mine. But no. She wasn’t. She was exactly like Angelique. The same games. The same fake innocence. The same damn sweetness masking manipulation. Deception. Lies. And I bough
Clairessa’s POVAs soon as the door slammed shut, it felt like my entire world collapsed.A sharp, jarring pain tore through my chest, and I clutched at my heart instinctively, as if holding it might stop it from breaking apart.My legs buckled beneath me, and I crumpled to the floor, gasping for air as a sob ripped from somewhere deep inside me.I tried to silence it—to swallow the sound—but it was no use. I didn’t just cry. I broke down.Tears streamed down my face, falling freely onto the wooden floor beneath me.Gabriel’s last words echoed in my head again and again, each repetition cutting deeper into my already shattered heart.“We’re done. Nothing is ever going to happen between us again.”But it wasn’t just the words.It was the look in his eyes.A look that will haunt me forever.Disgust. Disdain. Like I was a mistake—a betrayal he regretted ever letting into his life.And what hurt the most wasn’t just losing him… it was knowing that someone who once loved me so deeply
Clairessa’s POVMy voice cut through the room, stopping Gabriel in his tracks.“No… I didn’t,” I choked out, my chest tightening, hands trembling at my sides. “This was a stupid plan. One I never should’ve gone through with—”He turned around slowly to face me—but I kept going.“But don’t stand there acting like you’re innocent. You cheated on me, remember?”His eyes darkened, pain flashing before it drowned in fury.“Don’t you fucking—” He stepped forward, his voice tight with rage.“Liar,” I spat, stepping into the fire between us. “I walked in on you and Nicole. Naked. In your bed. Don’t stand there pretending you ever gave a damn about me… about us.”“I was drunk, Clairessa!” he exploded. “I didn’t even know how I got home! Nicole told me I kept calling your name all night—like a pathetic mess. Over and over again. She didn’t touch me. Nothing happened.”I shook my head, unable to erase the image burned into my memory. “You expect me to believe that? That you just conveniently end
Gabriel’s POV “Which part?” I growled. “Dating my son? Or crawling into my bed, moaning my name like it meant something?” “No one sent me.” “Still lying,” I hissed, gripping her arms—maybe too hard, but I didn’t care. Not now. I needed the truth. I needed it like air. “You don’t just fall into bed with two men from the same bloodline by accident. So who the hell sent you?” She writhed in my hold. “I’m telling the truth! Gabriel, you’re hurting me. Please…” “Not until you tell me the truth,” I bit out. “This is mercy compared to what I’ll do if you keep lying.” My fingers sank deeper into her skin. I shut down whatever was left of my conscience. I was done being reasonable. The truth was coming out—no matter the cost. “I know you planned this,” I growled. “Every move. Every kiss. You made me fall while you played your sick little game. So tell me—who sent you?” “I’m begging you,” she sobbed, struggling against me. “Let me go, and I’ll tell you everything.” I stilled.
Gabriel’s POV I gripped the edge of the desk in my home office, holding it firm like it was the only thing keeping me grounded. I needed to act. Needed answers. The damn truth I grabbed my phone and hit the contact for Clayton—my PI. He picked up on the first ring. “Clayton,” I growled the moment I heard the click. “I was just about to call you,” he replied, voice tight—strained in a way that was unusual. “What did you find?” I demanded, not even bothering with a greeting. There was a pause. “Gabe…” he began, and that hesitation told me everything. Clayton never stalled. Never stumbled. He was a blunt, straight-to-the-point bastard. If his tone had changed, I knew the news was going to rip through me like a blade. “Just tell me,” I snapped. “This finding might shock you. I don’t know how to—” “Bloody hell, speak, Clayton. Now!” I barked. His delay was shredding what little patience I had left. I already knew—I just needed him to confirm it. “It’s... it’s going to hit har
Gabriel’s POV“Adrian… playing savior to a woman while your business circles the drain? That tells me your priorities are completely out of whack. Why bring her here of all places? What happened to your loft?”He shot me a bitter look. “You already know what happened. You refused to help out when the restaurant got scammed. So I had to let go of the loft in order to pay staff. Keep the business alive.”“That’s not my business,” I said flatly. “I gave you a choice: come work at the company or deal with your mess. You chose. Don’t come crying now.”Adrian rubbed the back of his neck and looked down.I continued, “You know how sacred this house is to me. I’ve always had a no-guest policy here. So why the hell bring her here? A hotel, a friend’s place—anywhere but here.”Adrian met my stare. “I’ve been staying here ever since I gave up my loft. Naturally, she’d stay with me. And no, I can’t afford a hotel right now.”“Adrian,” I said, stepping forward, “don’t you get it? I’m trying to set
Gabriel’s POVI hadn’t even gotten the chance to process the smell of fresh coffee before my entire world tilted.There she was.Clairessa.In my kitchen. In my home.For a split second, I thought I was hallucinating—still trapped in a half-dream.But the second her eyes met mine—wide, horrified—and the coffee cup slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor, I knew I wasn’t dreaming.No. This was a goddamn nightmare.She stood barefoot in an oversized shirt and shorts, her hair in a messy bun, like she belonged here. Like she lived here. Like she had every damn right to stand in this house—my house—looking so comfortable, so familiar, in a place that was meant to be off-limits to the world.What the hell was she doing here?Before I could even find my voice—before I could demand an answer—Adrian burst into the kitchen.“Clairessa!” he exclaimed, rushing to her side like I wasn’t even there.He glanced briefly at the shattered cup and then ignored it completely, focusing only on he
Clairessa’s POVAfter soaking for what felt like hours, I finally stepped out of the tub. The warmth lingered on my skin as I wrapped the towel around my body and padded back into the bedroom. Everything Adrian brought was neatly folded on the bed. I dried off slowly, then changed into his oversized T-shirt and shorts. They were loose, soft, and comforting in a strange way. They smelled like Adrian—his masculine scent, not too strong. Like the warmth I used to know. Warmth I no longer trusted. I sat at the edge of the bed, hair damp and skin tingling from the heat of the bath. The silence grew heavier, pressing down on me, suffocating my insides.And that’s when it hit me hard.My life had crashed to an all-time low in less than twenty-four hours. The walls felt like they were closing in, the ceiling pressing down, making it hard to breathe.I needed someone. I needed to hear a familiar, warm voice—someone who knew me, who would listen and understand.Someone who saw