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

Clairessa's POV

Chapter 20:1 Refuse To Be Broken

*I was deep into my work when a familiar, stern voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"What are you still doing here?"

*

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I nearly lost my balance in my seat from the shock of seeing him in my office. I never expected him to check in on me-twice in one day. Did that mean he was interested in me? It was unlike the CEO to walk into someone's office more than once, let alone just to check on them.

A soft smile crossed my lips as my eyes shamelessly roamed over his broad, muscular frame. He looked effortlessly handsome in his tailored gray suit pants and crisp white shirt, the top two buttons undone, giving a teasing glimpse of his toned chest. The fabric clung to every inch of his body making it nearly impossible to look away.

"Clairessa? Clairessa?"

I was so lost staring at him, I hadn't even noticed he was calling my name. Heat rose to my cheeks as I realized,

"Mr. Storm..." I finally managed to stammer, feeling slightly embarrassed that I'd been caught staring. “Clairessa, you seem distracted with something else... he snapped, his gaze focused on me. When I'm standing right in front of you."

"I'm not distracted, sir... I'm just... tired," I lied, faking a yawn.

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13:43

Chapter 20:1 Refuse To Be Broken

"Then why are you still working this late? It's past 9pm and I'm certain most of the staff have gone home. His eyes briefly scanned the office corridor. It looks like you're the only one left."

"Well, Mr. Storm," I said, rising from my seat. "My boss gave me this massive workload that I have to finish by the end of the day if I want to avoid his wrath..." My tone was sarcastic,

“Don't play with me, Clairessa,” he warned, his eyes narrowing.

“If only I could.....” I mumbled before I could stop myself, realizing I'd let my thoughts slip out.

“Clairessa, what the hell is wrong with you?" he asked, his frustration evident. I knew I had to be serious.

“Mr. Storm, this is the first task you've assigned to me, and I didn't want to disobey your orders."

"Grab your things. We're leaving."

"Mr. Storm... I'm not done with the task. It will still take me some time."

"Then do it at home. We're leaving now,” he said, his tone even more commanding.

“I... can't...” My words faltered when I saw his face harden. It was clear he didn't want another argument. “Don't keep me waiting," he ordered as he walked away.

I rolled my eyes at his display of arrogance. Why was I attracted to his stoic personality? I should hate him for the way he treats me, but I didn't. Instead, I wanted him. This was beginning to feel like a game to me,

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13:43 Me, 11 Feb

1.0.

Chapter 20:1 Refuse To Be Broken

and I intended to use it to my advantage.

I sat beside Gabriel in his car, though there was a considerable distance between us. He felt so close, yet so far. I wanted to break the silence, to get to know him.

To see beneath the hard exterior he always showed. I wanted more of the tender man I'd seen at the hotel, but that part of him seemed completely gone. Throughout the drive, his eyes were fixed on his iPad. It was clear he was still working. I wondered how much of a workaholic he really was.

“Mr. Storm,” I said softly, breaking the subtle tension in the car as I faced him.

“Clairessa,” he replied, not even looking up from his iPad.

"Can I ask you something, sir?"

"Go ahead. We both know you're going to," he retorted, his tone impatient.

I ignored his snarky remark and asked my question. "Why don't you want to talk about that night? Didn't it mean anything to you?"

A cold smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Why should it?" he replied coldly, his eyes still locked on the

screen.

“Ah, I see,” I said, my tone irritated. “I guess kissing random drunk women at clubs is your thing. That's why it doesn't matter to you."

That got his attention. He turned to face me, his gaze intense as he stared me down.

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13:43

e, 11 Feb M

Chapter 20:1 Refuse To Be Broken

"You begged me to take you... against the wall." His voice was low, harsh. “I could say the same about you. Do you go to the club begging random men to sleep with you? What does that say about you?" His piercing eyes felt like they were boring into my skin, making me uncomfortable.noveldrama

His words were cold and belittling, shaking me to my core. Was he really insinuating that I was a... I couldn't even bring myself to say the words. I stared at him, speechless.

"The way I see it,” he continued coldly, "I'm doing you a favor by choosing not to talk about how you cheaply threw yourself at a man you had never met before.” His eyes stayed on me wickedly, making me feel small.

Anger surged through me, and before I could stop myself, I shot back. "Mr. Storm, as far as I remember, you didn't object to my request. In fact, you were eager–more than eager–to kiss and touch every inch of my skin. Don't you dare try to shame me for something we both enjoyed.”

His brows furrowed, his expression darkening.

a softer undertone to it, this time.

So, you want to play this game?” His voice was stern with

Before I could respond, his arms reached out, pulling me forcefully against his chest.

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My breath hitched. Our faces were inches apart, his intense gaze locking me in place.

“Mr. Storm,” I whispered, struggling to keep my composure. “I assure you, I'm not playing games.”

Electric sparks shot through me as his hands slid down my back, resting on my waist. I wanted to push him away, to tell him to stop, but my body betrayed me. I wanted this more than I cared to admit

His lips brushed against my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "You're right about one thing," he murmured, his breath hot on my skin. “That night brought me extreme pleasure.”

13:43 Pae,

Chapter 20:1 Refuse To Be Broken

My heart raced, until his tone turned cold.

“But don't think too highly of yourself, Clairessa. You're not the only woman capable of giving me pleasure. I could have a dozen women here in less than an hour, ready and willing to do my bidding."

His harsh words cut through me. Shame washed over me, but I refused to let him see it. Summoning my last ounce of strength, I pushed him away.

“You're a...” I bit back the insult at the tip of my tongue withholding the urge to slap the

smug look off his infuriatingly handsome face. I couldn't risk it. He was still my boss, and I needed his funding for my app.

“Good night, Clairessa," he said, turning back to his iPad as if nothing had happened.

M

I heard the soft click of the car unlock and realized we'd arrived at my house. Furious, I grabbed my bag and scowled at him. “Thanks, but no thanks for the ride,” I snapped, slamming the car door with all my strength

as I stormed away. That would teach Mr. Arrogant not to mess with me.

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