Clairessa’s POVMy back pressed against the cool wall, my legs still locked around Gabriel’s waist.His strong hands held me effortlessly, keeping me pinned as if I weighed nothing. His eyes burned into me—dark, smoldering. “Let me see you,” he coaxed. “I want to look at you.” My breath came in short pants as I loosened my grip, releasing the towel and letting it fall to the floor. His gaze roamed over me, pupils dilating, hunger flashing across his face. “Damn…” His voice was husky, almost guttural. “My sweet… you’re beautiful,” he murmured, his lips trailing over my shoulder, up the curve of my neck. “Every inch of you.” His nose nuzzled against my skin as he inhaled deeply. “And you smell like vanilla,” he groaned, his mouth finding the spot just beneath my ear. “Sweet. Warm. Tempting.” His fingers slid into my damp hair, massaging my scalp. “Did you wash your hair?” I nodded breathlessly. “Good,” he whispered against my throat. “Because I want to bury my face in it
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
Clairessa’s POV Gabriel strode to the island and set me down, his body fitting between my legs. A low groan escaped him as he nudged forward, his hardness pressing into my heat, sending a shudder through me. He pushed up the oversized T-shirt I wore, his gaze darkening as he parted my legs and discovered the bare skin beneath. “No panties,” he drawled, his voice heavy with hunger. His eyes gleamed with something primal as his fingers slid over my slit, stroking—finding me exactly as he wanted. Hot. Slick. Ready. “You’re wet… and you’re all mine.” His voice was pure possession, his lips grazing my throat as he groaned against my skin. A deep ache throbbed in my core, spreading like fire, my body already responding to him—wet, needy, desperate. He shoved his sweatpants down, freeing himself. Then, with a firm grip on my hips, he pulled me closer and drove into me with a single, deep, hard stroke. A broken cry escaped my lips as every inch of him filled me, claiming me comp
Clairessa’s POV Adrian’s timing was absolute shit. Fucking jerk. He just couldn’t let me breathe, could he? Of course not. He wanted to ruin me. The only reason I unblocked his number was because he threatened me… Shit. I should’ve blocked him before coming to Gabriel. But I didn’t, because after our last conversation, he never even crossed my mind again. And of all the damn times to call— It had to be now. Right when I was with Gabriel. And the bloody phone wouldn’t stop ringing. Adrian was an asshole who refused to understand that we were done. And now Gabriel was on the verge of finding out. His words echoed in my head, sending a wave of fear rippling through me. "I’ll take care of him—make sure he learns never to mess with what’s mine."What did that even mean? Take care of him? As in… talk to him? Threaten him? Worse? I panicked, shifting in my seat. Gabriel talking to Adrian was a disaster waiting to happen—everything I’d been trying to avoid. Hell n
Clairessa’s POV"I could get used to this…" I said, sipping my coffee as I watched Gabriel move around the kitchen with practiced ease. He was shirtless, wearing just a low hang of his sweatpants, revealing just enough to make my mouth go dry. It was a sight to behold—Gabriel Storm, billionaire CEO, standing barefoot in his kitchen, flipping pancakes like a man who had nowhere else to be but here, with me. He turned his attention away from the pan, dark eyes locking onto mine. "Used to what?" I grinned, setting my cup down. "Used to you cooking for me. Spoiling me. Making me breakfast every morning like a perfect, doting man." He chuckled, leaning against the counter, folding his arms. "I love to please you," he drawled. "As I’ve demonstrated many times. So, by all means.”Heat spread through my skin as memories of last night flooded my mind—his hands, his mouth, the way he tasted and explored every inch of me, giving me mind-blowing orgasms over and over again. He was right
Clairessa’s POV I woke up completely exhausted, my body sore but deliciously satisfied. My eyes snapped open, darting around the room as I tried to process everything. I shifted, pushing up onto my elbows, and spotted Gabriel sitting at the desk near the window, his attention locked on his laptop. He looked effortlessly handsome, his jaw tight with concentration as he typed. Then my gaze drifted to the giant clock hanging on the wall. 6:30. Shit. It all came rushing back. How did I let myself sleep this late? Panic surged through me. "Gabriel…" My voice was hoarse, my throat dry from sleep. At the sound of my voice, Gabriel's head snapped up, his eyes locking onto mine. He was on his feet in seconds, striding toward me. Concern flickered in his expression as he sat beside me. "What is it?" he asked, his voice edged with worry. "Oh my God…" I gasped, jerking upright as panic took hold. "You didn’t wake me—shit! I overslept!" Relief softened his face as he real
Clairessa’s POVEmbarrassment washed over me like a tidal wave as the memory of my confession replayed in my mind.Fuck.I had just told Gabriel I loved him.A truth I hadn’t even admitted to myself yet.This was crazy. Impossible. It had to be the orgasm. The overwhelming pleasure. It wasn’t me—it was the moment, the passion, the intensity.Did he hear me? Did he remember?Oh God.What if he was just waiting for me to say it again, to confirm what my body had already betrayed?No. No way.I had to play it off. Act like it never happened.I snuck a glance at him, but the moment our eyes met, my stomach flipped. He was watching me, a smug expression tugging at his lips."What?" I blurted out, still shy and utterly mortified by what had just happened—or rather, by how I had completely lost control.Gabriel’s smirk widened. "Did you just admit you’re in love with me… mid-orgasm?”"I… no… I—" I stammered, panicking, my heart hammering against my ribs.Before I could form a proper defense,
Clairessa’s POVGabriel lifted me off the floor, throwing me over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing. My legs dangled behind him, my palms pressing against his back in protest. “Gabriel! What are you doing?” I gasped, kicking slightly. "Granting you your wish," he purred. Then, without warning, he smacked my ass. A sudden sting shot through me as his palm connected with my bare skin. “Ouch,” I gasped, the unexpected heat spreading through the thin fabric of my dress, igniting something far more intense than pain. He carried me effortlessly across the room before lowering me onto his lap, my body draped over his legs. My face pressed into the soft bedding, my legs hanging off the edge—completely at his mercy. "Let's see what we have here," he murmured, his fingers trailing along the hem of my dress before slowly pushing it up. Cool air kissed my exposed skin, making me shiver in anticipation. I let out a soft breath as he slid my panties down my legs completely. I
Clairessa’s POV I let out a shaky breath, my lips curving into a smirk. "I thought you liked my games." Gabriel chuckled darkly, sending a shiver through me before he dipped his head to my neck. "You have no idea how much," he murmured against my skin, his tongue gliding over the sensitive spot just below my ear. A tremor ran through me, my body instinctively arching against him. His scent—rich, clean, woodsy—wrapped around me, making my head swim. "You smell so sweet," he breathed, his nose trailing along the curve of my throat, savoring me. "Do you know what that does to me?" "Tell me.” His tongue swiped along her cleavage, sending a jolt of heat straight through me. "It makes me want to devour you." A soft whimper escaped before I could stop it. Then—ding. The elevator doors slid open, shattering the moment and forcing him to pull away. I gasped softly, my lips tingling, my body aching from the sudden loss of contact. Still gripping my waist, he guided me
Gabriel’s POVClairessa’s message burned in my mind. I stared at my phone, barely registering the droning voice of Tesco, the CEO of Zenco, seated across the large conference table. His associates, lawyers, and executives were seated around him, their expressions a mix of forced attentiveness and boredom. He was attempting to renegotiate terms that were already set in stone, but my attention was elsewhere. My grip tightened around my phone, heat rising in my veins. She thought this was a game. She thought she could push me, test me, and get away with it. She had no idea who she was dealing with. "Mr. Storm?" Tesco's voice cut through my haze. I lifted my gaze, finally acknowledging the man sitting across from me. He offered a coy smile before continuing. "Mr. Storm, as I was saying, we believe the current valuation does not fully reflect the potential of our company, and we would like to revisit the—” He had been spewing the same nonsense for the past hour, trying to
Clairessa’s POVI stormed out of Gabriel’s office, muttering curses under my breath. That insufferable, arrogant, exasperating man. My legs trembled, my core still throbbing from the torment he had put me through. Every inch of me was hypersensitive, burning with the cruel, lingering ache of his touch—or lack thereof. Damn him. How dare he leave me like that? How dare he play these wicked games with me and then walk off as if nothing had happened? I should have known his calm demeanor, his so-called forgiveness, was nothing but a carefully laid trap. I should have known he was planning something. He never let anything slip through his fingers. And now, he had me exactly where he wanted—hungry, desperate, aching. Argh! I hated him. Yet, I wanted him. There was no denying it. It was an intoxicating, maddening feeling—one that consumed me entirely. Taking a deep breath, I reached for the elevator button, eager to escape before I lost the last shred of contro