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

Chapter 134: A Bargain With Mr Dominant

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 realized I wasn't in actual distress. "Claire, don't scare me like that again," he warned, shaking his head. "I didn't mean to scare you," I muttered, running a hand through my tangled hair. "But you should have woken me up." A slow, teasing smile curved his lips. "Maybe. But you looked so peaceful. And considering I wore you out, the least I could do was let you rest and regain your strength." "Gabriel, this isn't the time for jokes," I scolded, throwing the sheets off me. "I have to get back to the office before people start asking questions-or worse, someone comes looking for me." "No one's looking for you," he said, entirely too smug. "I told Sandy you were with me at an important meeting." I crossed my arms. "And she actually believed you?" "It doesn't matter what she believes, thinks, or even feels," he stated, completely unfazed. "I pay her to follow my commands without question. So, rest assured, she wouldn't dare question me." "Gabriel, you don't get it." Frustration bubbled inside me as I pushed his arms away and slid off the bed. I needed to get dressed-fast. My eyes darted around the room, scanning the mess of our clothes. There-my gown lay crumpled at the foot of the bed. I rushed over, snatching it up before my gaze flicked across the room again. My bra was on the floor too, but at the other end, near the chair. I walked over and grabbed it. But where the hell were my panties? I turned in circles, checking the floor, the bed, even beneath the chair. Where are the bloody- Then it hit me. Gabriel had taken them off. And knowing him, he was enjoying watching me search like a madwoman. Just then, his voice came from behind me. "Are you looking for this?" I spun around to see him standing by the headboard, twirling the lacy fabric between his fingers like some kind of trophy. I reached for it, but just as my fingertips brushed the fabric, he lifted it higher. I jumped, trying to snatch it, but he closed his hand around it at the last second. "Not until you tell me what's wrong," he said, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Gabriel..." I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to stay calm. He clearly wasn't taking any of this seriously. "You literally dragged me out of the office-with my colleagues watching. And now I've been gone for hours. They're going to put two and two together." "Would that be so bad?" His expression held a hint of curiosity, but his fingers curled slightly around the delicate fabric, his grip tightening. "It would be horrible," I shot back. "Remember, we've talked about this." His jaw hardened as he stepped closer, his presence towering over me. "I know we've spoken, but it was brief. You talked, and I listened -that doesn't mean I don't have my own perspective on the matter." His eyes stayed locked on mine. "Tell me... are you ashamed of being with an older man?" Gabriel never sought validation. But right now, he did. "Gabriel," I murmured, placing a hand on his bare chest, hoping to ease his doubt. "You know that's not true. I could never be ashamed of you." He placed his hand over mine, holding me there. "Then give me one good reason why the public can't find out about us." "Bec...ause," I stammered, my voice shaking. “It's okay if people find out you're sleeping with me. No one would judge you or bat an eye. But I'm the woman, and people will assume the worst -that I'm just another social climber trying to seduce you and ride my way to the top." His expression darkened, and his grip on my wrist tightened-not painfully, but enough for me to feel the intensity in him. "That's not true," he growled. "You and I both know it. You got to the top because you're talented and smart, not because of those demeaning words you just used." His chest rose and fell a little faster. "And I hate hearing you talk about yourself that way." "Gabriel, you're a man," I fired back, needing him to see reason. "The world plays by your

Chapter 134: A Bargain With Mr Dominantnoveldrama

rules. It doesn't affect you the way it affects me." His shoulders stiffened, and he released my wrist. "Of course it does," he snapped. "Everything that affects you, affects me. And you're right-women have a tougher time in male-dominated fields. But let's not pretend I'm untouchable. I'm also at risk of being labeled a groomer-an older man, probably manipulating you into sleeping with him. That's what people would assume." His voice dropped, but still filled with passion. "But I don't give a fuck." I scoffed, "Yeah, because you own the company- including me," I muttered under my breath, hoping he wouldn't hear me. But he did. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then the lines on his face relaxed as he let out a rough chuckle. "It's because I'm ready to risk it all for you." "But you're right," he admitted, pressing closer until our bodies brushed. "I should be more considerate of how you're perceived here at Storm's Innovations." His thumb brushed over his bottom lip as if deep in thought. “And I'll try." The sincerity in his eyes left no room for doubt-he meant every word. I reached out, my fingers tracing the contours of his face, caressing the faint lines. "I just need you to try." He let out a strained breath as his gaze searched mine. "You drive me insane, you know that?" A faint smile played on his lips before he placed my panties in my hand. "Get dressed. Trey will take us home." "Your place or mine?" I asked, already knowing his answer. "Mine,” he replied without hesitation. I huffed, rolling my eyes. "Gabriel, I need to go home. My things are there-I can't just leave them." This time, he didn't just pull me close-he wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me against him. "You don't need anything there," he murmured, his fingers threading through my hair. "Anything you want, I'll have it waiting for you at my place." A shiver ran down my spine, but I forced myself to stand my ground. "That's not the point, and you know it," I countered, trying to step back, but his hold was firm. "I already spend more time at your place than my own. A girl needs her space." His lips found my cheek, then trailed down my jaw, pressing warm, delicious kisses along my neck. "You have me," he whispered, his voice husky, possessive. "Isn't that enough?” I giggled as his lips danced along my skin, the soft tickling sensation making me squirm. "Of course, you're enough..." I managed to squeak out between breathy laughter. "But, Gabriel-" "Stay with me," he urged, his hands sliding down my back, stopping just above the curve of my ass. "Just for a week." "One night," I bargained, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. "Just tonight." He narrowed his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Four days," he countered confidently. "We drive to your place, you pack up, and then you spend four days with the man who can't seem to get enough of you." His lips hovered over mine, his warmth seducing every fiber of my being. My body softened, surrendering too easily. "Deal?" he prompted, his voice smooth, coaxing. I pretended to consider. "Three days." He smirked. "Baby, you'll be begging to stay longer." And the worst part? He was probably right.