Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel)

Chapter 109: Letting My Pride Overide My Desire

Clairessa's POV I pushed open Gabriel's office door, my pulse quickening at the sight of him. There he was, dressed in a crisp white shirt; the suit clung to his body, outlining every toned muscle. He looked devastatingly handsome. Focused on his laptop, brows slightly furrowed-the definition of power and control. But the second I stepped inside, his attention shifted to me. His gaze locked onto mine, then slowly traveled down my body. Warmth spread through me as his eyes lingered on my hips, my waist, my curves. I knew he was taking me in, devouring every inch, and I made sure to give him something worth looking at. I swayed my hips a little more, adding a subtle elegance to my steps, just to make him burn with need. I had chosen this grey body-hugging dress intentionally. It curved around me perfectly, and judging by the way his gaze darkened, he approved. "Mr. Storm... You called?" I murmured, my voice sultry as I stood before his desk. Gabriel inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring slightly. He was clearly forcing himself to stay in control. I loved watching his desire burn so bright it couldn't be hidden. "Mrs. Hartwood," he rasped, his deep, rich voice echoing through the room. The way he said my name sent shivers down my spine. "You said you'd come as soon as you could," he continued, repeating my exact words. The sarcasm in his tone wasn't subtle. I lifted a shoulder in a nonchalant shrug. "What can I say, sir?" I brushed my hair back slowly. "I was occupied at the time." His lips curved into a smirk and a challenge all at once. "Too occupied to come running when the CEO of the company you work for calls?" I tilted my head, feigning indifference. "Maybe the CEO needs to learn patience. He sounds a little..." I let my gaze drop to his lips before meeting his eyes again. "...desperate." Gabriel's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You're lucky you came here immediately or else..." "Else what?" I squared my shoulders, refusing to break eye contact. He loved when I challenged him. The mixture of frustration and desire danced in his gaze. He rose from his seat slowly, commanding and deliberate. He leaned against the desk, one leg crossed over the other, watching me with that predatory gaze I both loved and hated. "I believe you're already well aware of what I'm capable of, Mrs. Hartwood. So, I'd advise you to choose your next words carefully." "Oh?" I teased, voice daring. "I'm not scared of your little threats." Before I could react, he closed the distance between us. His strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me firmly against his body. Heat radiated from him, his scent-woodsy and intoxicating-overwhelming my senses. "My sweet... you just love pushing me," he rumbled against my ear. "Do 1?" I breathed, pretending to be unfazed, though every inch of me craved him. His nose brushed along my jawline, down to my neck, where his lips hovered-so close, not touching. My body strained toward him instinctively, desperate for the contact I refused to ask for. He shut his eyes as his head fell back, inhaling deeply. "You smell like strawberries... and trouble," he groaned, brushing his lips along my neck. "I want to taste all of you," he whispered, swiping his tongue across my skin in a single, torturous lick. The gesture sent electricity racing through me. "Mr... Storm..." I gasped, my breath catching. He let out a deep, husky chuckle. "I could have you moaning my name in seconds." His lips trailed hot, lingering kisses down my neck, moving lower. I pressed a hand against his chest to steady myself. Every nerve in my body ignited. But I couldn't give in. Not that easily. "I highly doubt that," I managed, forcing my voice to stay firm. "You know how much I love a challenge," he murmured, his voice dark. "I could have you bent over this desk... dress pushed up... panties down... legs spread wide. I'd bet anything I'd find you dripping. For me." He growled, gripping my ass and pressing me deeper into him. His hardened cock pushed against my core. My head fell back, a soft moan escaping before I could stop it. His hand brushed the hem of my dress, sliding underneath. His fingers trailed between my thighs, inching closer to where I ached for him. "Imagine my fingers stroking you... teasing you... stretching you... until you're screaming my name." "Gabe-" My voice came out rough, needy. He was right. I ached for him-to feel his touch, to have him fill every inch of me with his big cock. But no. Not this time. For the first time, I let my pride override my raging desire. "Mr. Storm... that's not happening," I breathed, stepping back with all the willpower I could summon. His hands fell away, but his eyes burned with frustration and need. My gaze stayed on him, savoring how his reaction to being told no. "I would ask that you act accordingly. We

verige My Desire

are in a work setting," I said, my tone playful. He let out a dry, amused laugh, shaking his head. "Oh... you mean my office?" His gaze swept over me, smug and unbothered. "In the building I own?" "Oh, please... Mr. Arrogant CEO." I rolled my eyes, turning away to distance myself before I lost control. He moved behind me, his breath warm against my ear. "Arrogance isn't bad... when you can back it up." Suddenly, his grip loosened, and he stepped back. I took a deep breath to steady my racing heart. "Is this why you called?" I asked, shifting the conversation back to safer ground. "Partly," he admitted with a grin. "I couldn't help it-I wanted to see you." "How sweet," I replied dryly. "Now you've seen me. What else?" "I also wanted to congratulate you." That caught me off guard. "Me?" "Yes. On sealing your first major deal at Storm's Innovations." His tone softened, sincere this time. Pride warmed me from the inside. Hearing Gabriel acknowledge my work-separate from whatever this was between us-meant more than I expected. "Thank you," I whispered. "But," he continued, brushing his fingers lightly against my arm, "I realized we never celebrated your win at the island." I looked up at him. “So?" "So," he murmured, voice dropping an octave, "I'm proposing a private dinner. At my house. Just you and me." His fingers traced the outline of my wrist, in a sensual circular motion. I tilted my head. "I'll think about it," I replied, pulling my hand away gently. I wanted to taunt him. To make him wait. Need me so bad it hurts. Just as he had done to me so many times before. "Dario will be at your apartment by six," he noted. I blinked. "I haven't given you a response. That's a little presumptuous, don't you think?" Gabriel merely smiled, walking back to his desk. Once he was seated the cocky grin returned in full force. "That would be all, Miss Hartwood." Ah, the switch. Back to being a professional. Like he hadn't just been ready to devour me whole seconds ago. Fine. He won this round. But not always. I shook my head in disbelief. "You're impossible." And with that, I turned around and walked out-my heart still racing.noveldrama