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

Chapter 52: You Don't Own Me

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Gabriel dragged me down the hallway, his grip tight around my arm, his anger radiating off him in waves. His fingers dug into my skin, but I stayed silent, resisting the urge to pull away. I didn't want to make things worse, so I remained quiet. I'd only seen him this upset once before-back at the seminar when he saw me talking to Daniel. But this felt worse. His anger was directed at me, and it made me feel slightly afraid.

When reached his suite, he pushed me inside and slammed the door shut. He paced back and forth, his chest rising and falling as if he was trying to calm himself. Then he stopped, turning to face me, his eyes full of anger.

Swe

"You had no right to drag me out of dinner like that,” I said, my own anger growing. I stood tall, refusing to let him intimidate me. “I'm not one of your possessions, Gabriel. This madness ends now,"

He didn't seem to hear me. His voice was deep and cold. "I'm the only one who gives orders here," he growled. "Now tell me why were you and Daniel in the elevator together? What happened between you two?"

“What? I blinked, surprised by his harsh tone. Nothing happened. I bumped into him by chance. He asked if I was going down, I said yes, and that was it."

"Then why did you two look so close when the doors opened?"

"We were just talking!” I responded, wondering why I even bothered explaining myself when he clearly wasn't listening.

He stepped closer, towering over me, his presence suffocating. “Talking? Is that what you call it?” His voice was harsh. “I saw how he kept looking at you during dinner. And how you laughed with him after, like he's someone you like."

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Chapter 52: You Don't Own Me

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I opened my mouth to defend myself, but his anger swallowed my words. He wasn't listening-wasn't giving me a chance to explain,

"Tell me the truth. What's going on between you and Daniel?" His tone was low, almost like a growl. "And

don't lie to me."

“Nothing is going on!" I shot back, my frustration matching his anger now. “I barely know him. What do you think is happening?"

He didn't respond immediately, but the intensity in his eyes only grew. "From now on, you don't speak to him. Not a word to him for the rest of this trip," he demanded.

I felt my own annoyance reach its peak. “I can't just avoid him when he tries to talk to me, Mr Storm.....

"I don't care!" he interrupted, his voice rising. His dark, stormy eyes were full of jealousy. "From today, I want to stay away from him."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my emotions. "Why do you hate him so much?" I asked, my voice firmer now. "What happened between you two?"

His jaw clenched, and he looked away, refusing to meet my gaze.

“Gabriel, I'm not getting caught up in whatever feud you have with Daniel," I retorted, my patience worn out. “If you want me to avoid him, I deserve to know why."

Still, he didn't answer. His silence was maddening, and I could feel my frustration intensify further.

"Do you like him?” he asked suddenly, his eyes searched mine, almost as if he was afraid of what I might

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Chapter 52 You Don't Own Me

Say

"What? I don't even know him” I replied, shocked by his overbearing question.

"Back at the restaurant, “I saw the way you defended his sob tales about love being a risk," Gabriel growled. "You think he's some honest guy who won't hurt you?”

I swallowed, unsure of what to say. “Maybe.” I muttered, the words slipping out before I could stop them

Gabriel's eyes darkened, and he stepped closer, his voice chillingly calm. "You have no idea the kind of man he is. That's why I'm trying to protect you from him."

“If you won't tell me what he did and what you're trying to protect me from, then I'll take my chances. I retorted, breathing heavily now. “After all, I'm a grown woman who can look after herself.”

"Don't push me, Clairessa," he warned.

“I'm not pushing you, Mr. Storm,” I shot back. “You're the one crossing the line. Just because I work for you doesn't mean you own me."

“Clairessa...” he murmured, stepping closer until my back hit the wall. His breath was hot against my skin. My heart raced as the space between us shrank. His gaze was intense, burning with something darker, deeper. I felt the heat of his body pressed against mine, making my pulse quicken.

"You don't have the right to stop me from talking to Daniel or any other man,” I managed to say, though my voice was shaky.

say."

"As long as we're on this trip, I do," he growled, his tone possessive. "You work for me, and you'll do what Inoveldrama

III

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Chapter 52: You Don't Own Me

"Or else what?" I challenged, though my voice was softer now. His closeness was distracting, and I could feel my insides coving in.

He leaned in closer, his lips teasingly brushing against mine. For a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. My breath hitched, and my heart pounded in anticipation. But then, just as quickly as he had leaned in, he pulled back, leaving me breathless and frustrated, wondering what the hell was going on inside his head

Why did he stop? Why didn't he kiss me? His mixed signals were driving me insane. His actions tonight proved that he was jealous, seeing me and Daniel so close to each other. That meant he wanted me as much as I wanted him, and there was no denying it.

Why didn't he kiss me? His mixed signals were driving me insane. Tonight, he proved he was jealous of Daniel, which meant he wanted me as much as I wanted him. There was no denying it.

It had been hours since Gabriel left, and he still hadn't returned.

I took a long shower, hoping the cold water would wash away the unsettling emotions that clung to me. But even as I crawled into bed, the desire coursing through me wouldn't go away. I kept glancing at the door, waiting, wondering when he would come back. It was already past midnight, and still, no sign of him.

I tossed and turned, trying to force myself to sleep, but my thoughts raced. Where was he? What was he doing? Why couldn't I just be done with this? I wanted to stay angry, but every time I thought of him, m

I

emotions softened.

At some point, exhaustion took over, and I dozed off. But in the middle of the night, I thought I saw him. I wasn't sure if it was a dream or if I was half-asleep, but I swore I heard the door open and felt his presence in the room. My eyes opened for a moment, and I could've sworn I saw him standing there, watching me. But when I blinked again, the room was empty.

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Chapter 52. You Don't Own Me

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When I woke up the next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains. I sat up, rubbing my eyes, and looked around the room. Gabriel wasn't there. The room was exactly as I had left it, except for one thing—a

note on the dresser.

I got up and grabbed the note.

We'll be meeting with Sergio by 2 p.m. Take advantage of the time and enjoy the resort. If you need anything,

text me.

So I wasn't dreaming. Gabriel had been here. He came into the room and left before I woke up. My heart sank as I stared at the note. He was clearly avoiding me, which was why he couldn't even stay long enough to talk

to me.

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Chapter 53: Fun On My Terms

Clairessa's POV