Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 104: Talk ToGabriel's POV Chapter 104: Talk ToClairessa stood in front of me, gripping the door like she was debating whether to slam it in my face.

Her eyes widened, her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, I saw it-the shock, the hesitation, the way she swallowed hard like she needed a second to process that I was actually here.

"Mr. Storm..." Her voice was steady, but her expression was anything but. "What are you doing here?" Mr. Storm.

Formal. Cold. Like I was just her boss. Like I hadn't had her beneath me, moaning my name, beggingto take her.

I deserved that.

Ignoring her question, I took a step forward, pressing just enough weight against the door so she had no choice but to move back.

She did, reluctantly, but only an inch-like a challenge.

She was dressed in an oversized T-shirt that fell to mid-thigh, her toned legs bare. Her hair was thrown up in a messy bun, loose strands framing her face.

She looked effortlessly beautiful And I wanted her Even now, when she was furious with"How are you feeling?" I asked, keeping my voice calm.

Her lips parted, but she didn't speak as I reached out, trailing my fingers lightly against her cheek.

She flinched before pulling away-another reaction I had brought on myself.

The way her lips twitched, the way she refused to meet my eyes, toldshe was pissed.

Good.

I wanted her to feel something-anything other than the cold silence she'd been giving me.

I let a small grin tug at my lips, trying to ease the tension, but even I could feel how strained it was. "I just needed to see how you're doing." My voice cout low, husky.

She stepped back again, arms crossing over her chest like a shield. "How I'm feeling is none of your business." "Then you're not unwell?" I asked, tilting my head, watching her closely.

Silence. Her brows furrowed, and she stared atwith unflinching defiance So, she wasn't sick.

She was just ignoring me.

I smirked. "Ah. So, you're mad atinstead.* She rolled her eyes, her annoyance clear.

I knew I deserved her coldness.

I pressed further. "Is that why you haven't been taking my calls?" Her eyes flashed. "You have snerve showing up here, demanding answers like you own me." My shoulders tensed. "You work for me, Clairessa. I'm still your boss. That hasn't changed. So whether we have a conflict or not, you answer to me. Always." Her glare intensified. "Well, Mr. Storm, I sent a sick leave email to Sandy, and she approved it. What else do you want?" "You." The word slipped out before I could stop it.

She sucked in a breath.

"I want you to talk to me," I added. "Tellwhat you're thinking instead of shuttingout." She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "That's a bit hypocritical, don't you think?" she bit out. "Especially since that's exactly what you do." Fair.

I raised my hands in surrender, my voice softer now. "I deserve that. But I'm here so we can talk.” 1. me.

"Well, then, I think it's better you leave because I'm not interested in anything you have to say," she shot at My voice lowered. "Clairessa... please. Let's just sit and talk." "I have nothing to say to you." She lifted her chin defiantly. "So please, leave." "You clearly do," I countered, pushing forward. "It's obvious you're upset, and I'm here to explain everything She scoffed. "I don't need an explanation, Gabriel. You made it clear we were done. And I'm just playing by your rules." My jaw clenched. "We are far from done, and you know it." She lookedover, her anger radiating off her in waves. "Yes, we are. Now get out," she repeated slowly.

"Get out." Something insidebroke free.

1..

In a heartbeat, I closed the space between us, my hands gripping her waist as I pulled her flush against She gasped, pushing against my chest, but I didn't let go. I caged her in with my arms, making it clear she didn't stand a chance. "Clairessa," I growled, my breath hot against her lips. "You don't get to orderout when all I want to do is talk." Then my lips crashed against hers-demanding, claiming.

She stiffened at first, her fists gripping my shirt like she wanted to pushaway. But then, just as quickly, her fingers curled into the fabric, holdinginstead.

I kissed her deeply, pouring every ounce of frustration, regret, and hunger into it.

But just as I felt her start to surrender, she shovedaway, her chest rising and falling, her eyes burning with anger.

She paced, running her hands through her hair, chest heaving. "Gabriel, you can't just do that!" "Yes, I can," I said, my voice rough. "And I will do it again..... if you say we're done." I swiped a hand over my mouth, still tasting her. "Because that kiss didn't feel like we were done." She let out a shaky breath, pacing the room, running a hand through her hair. "You want to talk?" she shot back, turning to face me. "Fine. Let's talk." Her hands trembled as she blasted me. You fucked me, then lefton an island you tookto Searing behind just a stupid note." Her voice cracked "You didn't even have the decency to wakeup Clairessa, I didn't-~

"Save the excuses," she cutoff.

'It's days too late." She let out a bitter laugh, eyes shining with onshed m tears. "You always made it clear that En.

sex was all you wanted from this. And now, you've had your fill, so you discardedlike I was just another whore" Hearing the pain in her voice hitlike a gut punch.

"A whore?" I took a step closer, shaking my head. "Don't ever use that word to describe yourself. Ever. If anyone should be labeled that, it's me."

Her lips trembled, pain written all over her face. "That's exactly how you madefeel. Her voice shock. "I've never felt so used, Gabriel. Do you even know what it's like to wake up alone? To roll over and find nothing but empty sheets-no note, no goodbye, nothing?* A wave of guilt hitso hard, I wished I had the power to go back in tand make a different decision.