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,
Clairessa’s POVI swallowed hard, knowing Raquel was right."Why would Gabriel bring you on vacation with his most trusted friend unless he liked you? And don’t even try to deny it! You're sleeping with your boss." I covered my face with my hands. “Raquel, you are so—” "Honest? Raw? Blunt?" She grinned. "I know." I exhaled. "Hmm…" I hesitated before adding, "What if, hypothetically, we were doing what you’re accusing us of?" She smiled triumphantly. "If you and Gabriel are, then I fully support it." She squeezed my shoulder gently. "I’ve been where you are—falling for a complicated man, scared about what’s next. But if I can give you one piece of advice, it’s this: follow your heart. Even if it sounds cliché. At least then, you won’t live with regrets.” I sighed, my eyes scanning a set of round silver balls that caught my attention. I picked them up, examining them curiously. Raquel’s voice squeaked from behind me. “Oh, I’ve tried those! What an experience.”I dropped them
Clairessa’s POVAs I stepped out of the bathroom, Gabriel was leaning against the desk, his phone in hand, looking devastatingly sexy in a crisp black shirt with the top few buttons undone. His attention was fixed on his phone—until he looked up. The moment his eyes landed on me, his entire demeanor changed.Shock. Hunger. Possession.I expected this reaction. I knew he’d lose it when he saw me in this dress.His gaze dragged over me—slow, piercing, scorching hot. His jaw clenched. His phone slipped out of his fingers and thudded on the table. “My sweet…” His voice was rough, dark. He stalked toward me like a predator, his eyes locked on my skin. The intensity of his stare alone sent a delicious shiver through me.“You look absolutely breathtaking,” he murmured, reaching for me. His fingers trailed along my collarbone and then over the sheer fabric that hugged my curves. His touch grew bolder as he let his hand wander just above my hip. "Your skin and this dress... it’s as if th
Clairessa’s POVAs we rode in the back seat on our way to the club, Gabriel sat beside me, tensed, his energy vibrating with something primal. I could feel it in the way his fingers tapped against his knee, his frustration obvious.Then, without warning, he turned to me, his face hardened. "So help me God, Clairessa, if any of those crazy bastards come near you tonight, I’ll be going to jail for fucking murder." I chuckled, shaking my head in disbelief as I placed a hand on his chest. "Gabriel, no one is hurting anyone tonight. And no one is going to jail." His fingers curled into a fist on his thigh. "As long as they keep their damn hands off you, everything will be fine. Because if they don’t, I swear I’ll make them regret it.” I smirked, my eyes meeting his as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Gabriel… tonight is about Sergio and Raquel," I reminded him. "Let’s focus on that.”He sucked in a deep breath, as though trying to calm himself. "I’m well aware. That’s the on
Clairessa’s POV Gabriel’s face hardened back into its usual stoic mask. “Clairessa, I’m not taking any chances with you shaking any part of your body for the drunk men in this room to watch.” I scoffed. “Gabriel, I’m going to be dancing with you. So if there’s any body shaking, it’s going to be for you. That’s kind of how dancing works,” I retorted sarcastically. “Clairessa, I’m still not taking any chances with you in this damn dress.” “What’s the worst that could happen? It’s not like any of the men here could—” His cold, lethal gaze cut through me, silencing me instantly. Fine. Overprotective mode was in full effect. I sighed dramatically and turned to face him fully. “All right then, Mr. War General.” I lifted my glass again. “I guess I’ll just keep sipping my drink while everyone else dances.” Gabriel let out a heavy breath, his teeth grinding as he grabbed the glass from my hand and set it down. “Just one dance.” I smiled excitedly, tilting my head to brush a
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