Clairessa’s POV My eyes shot open as sunlight spilled through the cabin’s window, warming my skin. I stretched lazily, feeling the soft sheets slip from my body. A delicious warmth spread through me, and a smile tugged at my lips as memories of last night came rushing back. Gabriel. His hands, his lips, his body—every touch had set me ablaze. He had made love to me with a sweetness and intensity I hadn’t known was possible. I was no longer a virgin, and the realization felt… freeing. A part of me I hadn’t known was shackled had been released. For the first time, I felt ready to explore, to embrace all the pleasures I had been missing out on.Unconsciously, I trailed a finger across my lips, remembering the feel of his kisses. My touch drifted lower, to my neck, where his lips had lingered, then to my collarbone, where his tongue had teased me. My fingers paused at my nipples, which still ached faintly with the memory of his mouth.“Look who’s finally awake.” His deep, rich voic
Clairessa’s POV“This way, please,” Brenda gestured, leading us along a stone path lined with colourful flowers and trees.As we strolled through the resort, I became increasingly aware of the treatment we were receiving. Every staff member we passed bowed slightly or greeted Gabriel with a level of respect that felt… different. It was clear he was powerful here. Someone important. Someone they admired. We stopped briefly near a row of private villas, each with infinity pools that seemed to spill into the endless blue of the ocean. Before I could stop myself, I blurted, “Just how rich are you, exactly?” I turned to Gabriel, my voice carrying more shock than I intended. “First Miami, then Vegas, the yacht, and now this?” Gabriel’s lips curled into a lazy smirk, amusement flashing in his eyes. “You work for me, Clairessa. I would’ve thought you’d figured it out by now.” I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. “I mean, I knew you were rich, but this… this is next-le
Clairessa’s POVThe way his voice dipped on the last words sent a delicious shiver through me, though I refused to let it show. “I don’t… I don’t fancy the idea of being with multiple partners either.” His gaze softened, a hint of satisfaction glinting in his eyes. “Good.” I squared my shoulders, suddenly needing to make myself clear. “And I won’t share you either,” I added, my voice firmer this time. His lips curved into a slow, almost predatory smile. “You won’t have to. I gave you my word, and I intend to keep it.” “Good,” I echoed, my chest loosening up, as I felt a strange mixture of relief and exhilaration. His thumb brushed my palm before he straightened, his expression growing serious again. “Now, we need to address something else.” I sighed. “What now?” I asked, bracing myself for whatever had the almighty Gabriel Storm so bothered that he was struggling to say it outright. He paced a few steps away, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Protection,” he announced
Clairessa’s POV My cheeks heated at her question, and I suddenly felt shy. “I actually had sex for the first time last night.” The words felt strange leaving my mouth, but Dr. Carol remained composed, giving me an encouraging nod, rather than a judgmental look. “That’s a big step,” she noted kindly. “How do you feel about it?” I bit my lip, thinking. “Honestly? It felt… freeing. But also a little overwhelming.” “That’s completely normal.” She leaned back slightly, her demeanor relaxed. “Your body is adjusting, and emotions can be all over the place. Let’s talk about birth control options so you can make an informed decision going forward.” She explained different methods, from daily pills to long-term options like IUDs and injections. She also covered emergency contraception and the importance of regular health check-ups. As she spoke, I found myself relaxing. She wasn’t lecturing me or making me feel naive—she was simply giving me options, ensuring I was in control. “If you’re
Gabriel’s POV Clairessa looked breathtaking. The white, sheer gown she wore clung to her curves, framing them perfectly, making me want to caress every inch of her skin. Every step she took made the fabric sway, teasing me with glimpses of her smooth skin. I couldn’t help but admire her, my eyes drinking her in at every opportunity. She was stunning, and I was completely captivated. As I held her hand and we walked along the beach, I couldn’t help but imagine all the delicious ways I could be making her mine right now. But instead, here I was, heading to dinner with Sergio and Raquel. I sighed inwardly, forcing myself to focus.As we neared, I spotted Sergio and Raquel waiting for us. They had set up an intimate table by the beach, complete with candles and soft music playing in the background. It was romantic—almost too romantic for a casual dinner. Sergio’s signature grin widened. “Look who finally decided to show up.”Beside him, Raquel’s eyes sparkled as she spotted Clairess
Gabriel’s POV Clairessa was playing with fire. And she damn well knew it. Every touch was tempting. Maddening. And she was fully aware of what she was doing to me. I was trying to take things slow, trying to look after her, but she clearly had other plans. "You’re playing with fire, Clairessa." My voice came out rough, strained. She looked up at me with innocent yet mischievous eyes, her lips brushing against mine in a teasing, testing kiss. “And what if I want to get burned?” A low growl rumbled in my chest before I crushed my lips against hers, claiming her mouth with raw hunger. My hands gripped her waist, pulling her closer until our bodies pressed together in a desperate, feverish need. Her lips parted for me, and I plunged my tongue inside, tasting her, owning her. She met me with the same intensity, her hands sliding up my chest, nails scraping lightly over my skin, sending jolts of fire straight to my cock. I lifted her off the ground, and she wrapped her legs tig
Gabriel’s POV I rose from the couch, lifting Clairessa into my arms, our lips still locked in a ravenous, all-consuming kiss. Our tongues tangled, breaths mingling, hands roaming—desperate, starved. She melted against me, her soft breasts pressing into my hard chest as I carried her into the room. With heightened urgency, I laid her against the bed. My cock throbbed, aching, the need to bury myself inside her consuming every inch of me. My eyes devoured her entire sexy body in an instant, and then I realized. Damn. She was still too dressed. That needed to change. I needed her naked. Fast. My fingers trembled with ravenous hunger as I grasped the hem of her dress, dragging my fingers along her soft thighs before lifting it over her head. I tossed the fabric aside, my gaze devouring the sinful sight before me. She lay there, clad in a lacy white bra and matching panties. The sight of her took my breath. Her caramel skin glowed under the dim lighting, every curve of her ton
Gabriel’s POVClairessa lifted herself slightly, her tongue swiping against my neck before she bit down—just hard enough to send a wild spark of pleasure shooting straight to my cock.I was so lost in the sensation, so completely wrecked by the feel of her hand on my skin, that I didn’t see her move.Until she shoved hard against my chest, flipping us over so she straddled me.I let her.For now.I grinned, my hands tightening around her hips, guiding her as she settled against my cock, her slick heat sliding along my length, teasing us both."Feisty, aren’t you?”My sweet Miss Innocent was playing dirty, and I fucking loved it.It was clear—she liked control. And tonight, she was taking it.She smirked, that delicious gleam of mischief lighting up her eyes as she ran her hands over my chest, tracing every sculpted line as if she wanted to memorize me with her fingertips."Every part of you feels so defined… toned… sexy… strong,” she breathed, her voice drenched in need.Her words sent
Clairessa POVThe day had finally gone by faster than I expected. Adrian had settled into his downstairs room—claiming it was more convenient, already filled with his things—while I was placed upstairs. It felt like life was playing another sick, twisted game on me, because he’d placed me in the room closest to Gabriel’s. He even joked about it—said maybe his dad would finally warm up to me, get to know me… even like me. What he didn’t know was that I already knew Gabriel. Intimately. He was my secret. My mistake. My obsession. The man I had once given everything to—and the one I still wasn’t over. And I knew this house—every hallway, every door, every room. So when I left my room and wandered to Gabriel’s door, I told myself it was just to say thank you—for letting me stay until I figured things out, for not turning me away.But a voice in my head warned me to go back. That nothing good would come from this. Still, I didn’t stop. His door was ajar. I didn’t knock—
Gabriel’s POVI looked at Adrian—and for the first time, I saw something different. Adrian wasn’t fighting.He wasn’t bluffing.He was broken.Humbled.He wanted to make things right.And in that moment, I knew—if I said no, I might lose him for good.This wasn’t just about Clairessa anymore. It was about righting something that clearly mattered to him. And he needed me—not as a boss, but as a father—to back him up.Fuck.“Fine,” I bit out. “She can stay. But not more than a month.”Relief washed over his face, lighting him up like the boy I hadn’t seen in years.“Thanks, Dad,” he breathed, pulling me into a quick, tight hug.I stood stiff for a moment, then patted his back, still not used to these moments.As he pulled away and walked out, I turned back toward the window.At least I had one consolation: Adrian’s vulnerability had given me leverage.Now he’d listen.Now he’d obey.This was my chance to mold him—straighten him out, finally turn him into the man I knew he could become.
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