Clairessa’s POVDaniel's voice lowered into a whisper, almost as if he were confessing a sin. “One night, I invited Angelique to dinner, and to my surprise, she agreed. That’s when she told me her husband needed funds to start his company. They were struggling financially, and…” He trailed off, guilt etched into his features.“And?” I pressed gently, eager to hear the rest of the story, though I didn't want to spook Daniel. The name Angelique sounded familiar to me.“I saw it as an opportunity to get what I wanted.” His voice broke slightly as he clasped his palms tightly. “I offered her money to sleep with me. In exchange, I’d pay off her husband’s debt. And… she agreed.”My stomach turned. “She agreed? Just like that?”Daniel nodded, his gaze falling to the table. “She said she’d do anything to help her husband secure his dream.”Before I could process his words, the waiter returned with our food, interrupting our conversation.The dishes looked exquisite, beautifully arranged as if
Clairessa’s POVGabriel strode into the restaurant, tall and commanding as always. But this time, he wasn’t alone. A stunning blonde in a red dress clung to his arm. She was tall, confident, and effortlessly beautiful.Our eyes met briefly, and my heart sank. For a moment, I thought he might storm over to our table like he usually did when he saw me with Daniel. But he didn’t. Instead, he broke eye contact and guided the woman to a table across the room.I hated how my eyes followed him across the room, hated the ache in my chest at the sight of him with someone else.“Clairessa?” Daniel’s voice gently pulled me back to reality.I blinked, realizing I’d been staring. “I... um... sorry. I just got caught off guard,” I stammered, quickly looking away from Gabriel. The last thing I wanted was for Daniel to find out there was something going on between Gabriel and me, especially when I had denied it multiple times in the past.Daniel tilted his head slightly, his expression knowing. “I di
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.
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
Gabriel’s POVI cleared my throat, forcing myself to focus as I turned my attention to Nicole, who stood at the far end of my office. "Welcome, Nicole. Have a seat." I gestured to the conference table. She nodded and took a seat. My gaze immediately shifted to Clairessa."Clairessa," I called, my voice smooth, commanding. "After you." She hesitated for just a second before stepping forward. And that’s when my jaw clenched. That damn dress. It clung to her ass—high, round, and perfect—making my fingers twitch with the urge to grab it, to caress and explore every inch. But what really held my attention was the way her steps faltered, the way her thighs pressed together just a little too tightly—like she was fighting something. Still fighting me. "Sit beside me," I ordered, sinking into my seat at the head of the table, stretching out with effortless confidence.Clairessa met my gaze with a faint smile, but I caught the hint of annoyance simmering in her eyes. She was u
Gabriel’s POVThe moment Clairessa stepped into my office, I saw it—the battle she was losing. Her skin was flushed, her breathing uneven. My eyes raked over her. She looked sexy as hell in the dress I had chosen for her. The stylist had sent a collection, but I’d picked this one. The dress. The lingerie. Every piece she wore—I had selected it. Fuck, I had a sick need to brand her. And damn, she looked perfect. The Alexander McQueen dress framed her hips, hugging every curve just right. My gaze trailed over her—her hips, her slender, smooth legs moving closer in those red-bottom heels, revealing glimpses of her caramel inner thighs. She stopped in front of my desk, gripping the edge so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her thighs pressed together, as if trying to suppress the fire raging inside her. But the way she trembled made it clear—resisting was impossible. Watching her struggle against the sensations flooding her body, knowing I controlled every last on
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 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.
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 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 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