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
Gabriel’s POV I pushed forward, sliding into Clairessa, slowly filling her inch by inch. Her tight, wet heat stretched around me, gripping me, swallowing me whole, pulling me deeper into her warmth. A gasp slipped free from her lips as her body tensed around me, adjusting to my size. I groaned, bracing my hands on either side of her head, my jaw clenching at the unbearable pleasure. "Damn, my sweet, you're so tight." I rasped. Her mouth fell open, her back arching off the bed, her fingers digging into my arms as I sank deeper. I stilled, watching her face, searching for any sign of discomfort. She trembled beneath me, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Then, she exhaled, her body opening, welcoming me. And then—that sound. A soft, needy moan slipped free. "More," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Gabriel… please…" A guttural growl tore from my throat, my muscles straining as I forced myself to go slow—to savor every second. I thrust deeper, rolling my hips in slow
Clairessa’s POVI adjusted my sunglasses, even though the sun wasn’t too harsh today. At least they helped with the brightness. I had managed to arrive on time—thankfully—thanks to one of Gabriel’s aides leading the way. Now, I stood in the middle of the plaza, scanning the faces of people walking past as I waited for Raquel. The plaza wasn’t too crowded, just lively enough with tourists wandering around, taking pictures, and visiting the little shops lining the square. A cool breeze brushed against my skin, making the warm day more comfortable. For a moment, I worried I had arrived too early. But then, I spotted her. Raquel waved excitedly from across the square, her dark curls bouncing as she called out my name. Relief washed over me, and without thinking, I smiled and walked toward her. As soon as I reached her, she pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing me the way she always did. Her energy was contagious, and it was impossible not to get caught up in it. She pulled back,
Clairessa’s POVAfter the spa treatment, Raquel led us into a boutique that looked both upscale and expensive. I had expected more of a local vibe, but as my eyes roamed over the displays, everything screamed luxury. "Shopping time!" Raquel burst out in a bright, musical tone, practically singing as she skipped ahead toward the entrance.I shook my head, unable to hold back my laugh. "It is, and I’ll be paying," I threw in casually. Raquel scoffed. "Hell no! I initiated this, so I’m paying. Besides, if I max out, I’ll just call my man." I smirked and reached into my purse, pulling out a sleek black card. "I think there will be no need," I held it up between my fingers. Gabriel asked us to splurge.Raquel's eyes widened as if I’d just pulled a diamond necklace out of my bag. "Holy shit." She blinked, then leaned in, inspecting it like it might vanish. "That’s awesome! But hold up—no man gives a woman who isn’t his girlfriend or wife his card." Her gaze fixed on mine, curious "So,
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