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 “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.
Clairessa’s POVThe night couldn’t have been better. I had just graduated at the top of my class in software engineering and landed my dream job at Storm Innovations—the company owned by my boyfriend Adrian’s father. Everything in my life was finally coming together. I stood outside Adrian’s apartment, holding a bottle of champagne, excited to tell him the good news and celebrate.I had planned every detail of the night in my head. We would toast to our future, laugh about the struggles of the past few years, and maybe even talk about taking the next big step in our relationship. I had been dreaming of this moment for weeks, and now that it was finally here, I felt like nothing could ruin it.But as I reached for the door, my excitement shifted. The door was unlocked.Adrian was always so careful about security. He’d warned me so many times about locking up and double-checking the door whenever I left. It was one of the things I teased him about, calling him “paranoid.” So why was the
Clairessa’s POVThe club was everything Jessica had described and more—a hidden world of luxury, desire, and danger. The dark, dreamy atmosphere pulsed with music and whispered conversations. It radiated exclusivity, the kind of place where rules didn’t apply.The moment we walked in, I felt dozens of eyes on me. Instead of shying away, I embraced it. Tonight, I wanted to be seen. I needed to feel alive.At the bar, I downed a few shots of something strong. The alcohol burned as it slid down my throat, giving me the confidence I desperately needed.I glanced around, absorbing the chaos and passion in the room. Men and women kissed without shame, their bodies pressed together as they moved in hypnotic rhythms. It was intoxicating to watch.The women looked so confident, so free, as though they held all the power in the world. I couldn’t look away. Deep down, I craved that kind of confidence—the kind that drew people in without a word.As my gaze swept over the crowd, I wondered what—or
Clairessa’s POVI saw Gabriel heading toward a dimly lit hallway, one that I guessed led to the restrooms. My heart pounded as I realized this might be my only chance. Without overthinking, I followed him.The hallway was quiet, the music from the main room faint in the background. Halfway down, Gabriel must have sensed me behind him because he suddenly stopped and turned around. I froze as his intense gaze locked me in place. Before I could take another step, he moved—fast—closing the distance between us and pressing me against the wall. His muscular frame caged me in, his hands trapping my wrists above my head. My breath hitched as the cold wall chilled my back while his heat surrounded me."You again," he murmured, his voice laced with amusement. His eyes roamed over me, slow and assessing. "Following me now?”For a moment, I couldn’t speak. The way his eyes burned in mine, dark and scary made my head spin, and it wasn't just from the drinks I'd had earlier. Instead of answerin
Clairessa’s POVGabriel’s hands roamed over me, tracing the curves of my body before settling on my breasts. My nipples hardened beneath his palms, sensitive and aching as he squeezed them at the same time. His index finger traced the circle of my areola through the dress, teasing my sensitive peak. A soft moan escaped me, my head tilting back as pleasure rippled through me. The feel of his rough hands against my soft skin sent heat flooding between my thighs. He paused for a fraction of a second, his darkened eyes locking onto mine, silently asking for permission. I gave a small nod. That was all he needed. His mouth descended, capturing my breast through the dress, his teeth tugging at my hardened peak before his lips closed around it, sucking deep. The sensation sent a fiery jolt of pleasure straight to my core. I writhed beneath him, desperate for more, but when his hands moved to my zipper, it refused to budge. “Damn zipper,” he growled, his frustration turning into
Clairessa’s POVI grabbed my phone from the nightstand, squinting at the bright screen. Several missed calls from Adrian stared back at me, twisting the knife already lodged in my chest. I had thought he was the love of my life, the one I would marry and finally give myself to on our wedding night. But all those dreams shattered when I found him in bed with another woman.My fingers hovered over the call log, but I couldn’t bring myself to listen to his voicemail. I tossed the phone onto the bed, the pain of his betrayal still fresh. Last night, I had tried to forget what I’d seen, but it was still there, hiding beneath the surface, ready to pull me down again.Jess sat beside me, watching my expression. “Are you okay?” she asked softly.“I don’t know,” I said, my voice low. “I feel... confused. I just saw Adrian’s missed calls and voicemails, and now I feel like I cheated on him. Damn it... I feel just like him."Jess shook her head. "No, you’re nothing like that jerk.""I am," I mut
Clairessa’s POVWhen he first walked in, I thought he was just another senior executive. I didn’t realize he was the Gabriel Storm. The man who gave me my first orgasm was my boyfriend’s father. This was way too much to handle. I swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze as he kept talking."I'm sure you're all familiar with the rules for submitting your apps. If selected, you'll work closely with me to launch the next-generation software that could change the business industry. The project will be fully funded by Storm Innovations."Everyone clapped, smiling with excitement. It was clear everyone in the room had big dreams riding on this. Gabriel rested his hands on the table, giving a quick smile."Sandy will work closely with your team and keep me updated on your progress. If your app doesn’t get selected, don’t be discouraged—there’s always room to improve. But remember, only one app will win. Good luck, everyone." Gabriel gave a brief smile, then stood and walked out of the room.-------
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
Clairessa’s POV Adrian parked the car and turned off the engine. I didn’t even realize I’d fallen asleep until he tapped my shoulder gently. “We’re here.” I stirred, yawning as I blinked the sleep from my eyes. But the moment I looked around, I sat up straighter. We weren’t at Adrian’s loft. We were parked in front of a stunning mansion—like something straight out of a real estate magazine. The place looked more like a private estate than an apartment. “Adrian, wait…” I gasped, turning toward him. “This isn’t your apartment. Where are we?” He smiled slightly, unbothered. “Well, technically, it’s my dad’s house just outside the city. One of many,” he added with casual pride, leaning back in his seat. I frowned. “I thought we were going to your apartment—not a private estate owned by your father.” He let out a small sigh. “Look, Claire… I told you the restaurant ran into financial issues. In order to keep the business afloat, I had to let the loft go. It was either that or
Clairessa’s POVThe road blurred before me as tears streamed down my face, the ache in my chest intensifying with each passing second.My hands gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary, trying to keep myself together.The image of Gabriel—naked and asleep, with Tina beside him—kept flashing through my mind as I navigated the streets.I actually caught him. With her.And to make it worse, he used that same tired line: "It’s not what you think."Did he really think I was that naive?Maybe I was—for ever thinking he was any different from his lying, cheating father.Like father, like son. Cheats. Heartbreakers.I thought he was different. I believed him when he said he loved me—wholeheartedly.I should’ve listened to that voice in my head—the one that warned me not to fall for him, that told me to stop believing there was anything real between us.I should’ve stuck to the plan: get back at Adrian and walk away.But I didn’t. I let my guard down. I let myself believe.And the wor
Gabriel’s POV I offered Tina a soft smile, my heart swelling just thinking about Clairessa. "I thought you would’ve figured that one out by now.” She shrugged lightly. "I had a feeling the moment you kept calling her name last night… even though you denied it at first.” "I did?" I asked, brows lifting. "Mmhmm." She hummed. "Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was those walls you’ve built so high around your heart. Makes me wonder how she managed to get past them.” A soft laugh escaped me. "Well… you once told me to let go of the past. That holding onto it only gives power to the person who hurt me, while I stay miserable. So, let’s just say, I took your advice.” Tina’s brows lifted slightly—an almost startled expression crossing her face, like she hadn’t expected that answer. "And if I’m being honest," I continued, "I tried to fight it, but what I felt for her was too strong to ignore. So I took the risk. I opened my heart." She leaned back, arms crossing loosely over her c
Gabriel’s POVAs Clairessa walked out, I stood frozen—caught between chasing after her or letting her go.And I let her go.Even though it felt like someone had reached into my chest and torn my heart out without mercy.The last look on her face—God, I’d never forget it. That raw, agonizing pain in her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks.I did that.All because I let my emotions override every ounce of reason I had.Because of a fucking photo. One I didn’t even trust. I reacted without thinking. Without proof. Without giving her the benefit of the doubt.I let it poison everything. Let suspicion consume me. Let anger drive me—and now? God, now I might’ve destroyed the one good thing I had.I may have just destroyed the only real chance at love I’ve ever had. At happiness. At peace.“Fuck...” I muttered, dragging both hands through my hair, fingers tangling in the strands like I could burn the frustration out through my scalp.But nothing made sense anymore.Flashes from the night