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

Chapter 118: Take It Offnoveldrama

Clairessa's POV My pulse pounded as Gabriel's hard body pressed against my softness, the heat radiating off him like a drug I couldn't resist. His familiar dark, woodsy scent wrapped around me, intoxicating, making it impossible to think. "So, you don't like my surprises?" he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear. I swallowed, trying to steady my restless nerves. "Well... I never said that," I breathed, my body betraying me as it melted into him despite my weak attempt to resist. “Then what is it?" His other hand came up, tilting my chin so I had no choice but to look into his stormy gaze. "Gabriel, you bought the car without asking me first.” His lips curled, amusement and arrogance blending in that infuriatingly sexy way. "That's typically how surprises work, Clairessa." His fingers trailed lower, brushing away a stray drop of water gliding down my neck. His touch was so light, yet it sent shivers through me, making it impossible to resist him any longer. I sucked in a shaky breath. "I appreciate it, but I don't think I can accept it. It's too much." "Too much for who?" "For me," I argued. "People at the office will wonder how I could afford something like that-" He smirked. "So, you're worried about what people will say?" "No, I'm not," I shot back, but the way my voice trembled betrayed me. "Then what is it?" His grip on my waist tightened, possessive yet maddeningly gentle. "Gabriel, I-" "You need to get used to this," he interrupted, his lips barely grazing mine. "You're dating a man of many means, sweetheart-one who always gets what he wants. And I don't do small gifts." His intense gaze burned into mine, silencing the response at the tip of my tongue. "When I have the finest things in the world at my fingertips, why would I give you anything less?” I huffed, exasperated. "Don't you get it? This isn't about the money." "It always is." His fingers dipped lower, tracing the edge of my towel's neckline, making my chest rise and fall rapidly. "You know you're different," he continued, his hands gliding to my hips, pulling me firmly against him. "Any other woman would have accepted it without pushback-would have fallen over to thank me. But not you." I glared at him. "So you think a gift is your way of staking a claim on me? Showing you own me and expecting me to fall at your feet?" His smirk deepened. "No, sweetheart. I don't need a grand gesture to stake my claim-I think I already own you." His arrogance should have made me furious. And it did. But, God help me, it also set my skin on fire. The way he carried himself, the way he spoke like he was untouchable. It was maddening. It was irresistible. Still, I couldn't let him see that he was right-that he was winning. I squared my shoulders. "Well, I'm not any other woman," I countered, despite how desperately I wanted his kisses. "I don't want to be bought, Gabriel. I refuse to be a mistress you spoil just to keep yourself entertained." His expression darkened, and before I could take another breath, I was pressed against the wall, his body caging me in. "Mistress?" His voice was rough, almost insulted. "You think that's what this is?" I opened my mouth to argue, but he didn't let me. His lips crashed against mine, swallowing my defiance in a deep, passionate kiss. His hands gripped my hips, pulling me tighter against him, making me feel just how much he wanted me. I should have pushed him away, should have reminded him that I was my own person. But I didn't. Instead, I surrendered, letting him claim me. I kissed him back with the same intensity, my fingers gripping his shirt pulling him closer, needing more. He growled against my lips, pulling back just enough to speak. "You bloody well know you mean more to me than that, Clairessa. Say you believe me..." Before I could respond, his mouth was on mine again, reclaiming me with another searing kiss. His lips trailed down to my jaw, sending a rush of heat through me. "Tell me the truth, do you like the car?" His fingers tugged slightly at my towel, teasing it to fall, but I clenched my hands into the fabric, holding onto it for dear life. He let out a dark chuckle, sending warmth through me. "What's wrong, my sweet? You were confident enough to open the door dressed like this. Now you're shy?" "I already told you-you showed up earlier than I expected," I replied, breathless. "Not my fault." He grinned. "I guess it's not my fault either that you look so damn sexy-wet and wrapped in nothing but this tiny towel..." I sucked in a deep breath, pressing myself harder against the wall as if that would stop him. "Gabriel..." I warned. He smirked, ignoring my words as his fingers dipped further into the V of the towel, tempting me to let go. "You know I could have you naked in seconds, right?” My breath came in short pants, my chest rising and falling as his fingers brushed over my nipple through

the towel, making it harden at his touch. "You're fighting me," he murmured, amused, his lips brushing the corner of my mouth. "But your body isn't." I hated him for knowing exactly what he was doing to me. "I hate you," I whispered, but it came out breathless, needy. He chuckled, his lips grazing my ear. "Liar" Then, just as abruptly as he had taken control, he pulled back. I was left aching, dazed, my hands still clutching his shirt. "I want you to kiss me," I demanded before I could stop myself, driven by pure desire. He smirked. "No... not until you tell me you believe me." I clenched my jaw. "You're infuriating." He simply grinned, clearly enjoying watching me crave him. I should have told him to leave. But he already knew he owned me, and God help me-I was letting him. All I needed was his lips. "I believe you," I gasped, unable to hold back anymore, leaning in until my lips brushed against his. "Thank you for the car..." His smirk deepened, satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "That's my girl." I barely had time to register the thrill those words sent through me before he grabbed my thighs and hoisted me up effortlessly, pressing me against the wall. His hands gripped my ass firmly as my legs instinctively wrapped around him. He trailed wet kisses down my neck to my chest. "Why do you love challenging me, my sweet?" I shuddered, feeling the hard press of his cock against my core. "Because..." I tried to think, but he was everywhere-touching, kissing, making me forget. His hand slid beneath the towel, fingers tracing my thigh, inching higher. "Because what?" he taunted, his lips barely brushing mine. "Because you don't want to accept all of me?" I shot him a heated look, my breath heavy. "You know that's not true." "Then let me see you." His voice was deep and commanding. "Take it off, Clairessa."