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

Chapter 135: No One Messes With What's Minenoveldrama

Clairessa's POV "I could get used to this..." I said, sipping my coffee as I watched Gabriel move around the kitchen with practiced ease. He was shirtless, wearing just a low hang of his sweatpants, revealing just enough to make my mouth go dry. It was a sight to behold-Gabriel Storm, billionaire CEO, standing barefoot in his kitchen, flipping pancakes like a man who had nowhere else to be but here, with me. He turned his attention away from the pan, dark eyes locking onto mine. "Used to what?" I grinned, setting my cup down. "Used to you cooking for me. Spoiling me. Making me breakfast every morning like a perfect, doting man." He chuckled, leaning against the counter, folding his arms. "I love to please you," he drawled. "As I've demonstrated many times. So, by all means." Heat spread through my skin as memories of last night flooded my mind-his hands, his mouth, the way he tasted and explored every inch of me, giving me mind-blowing orgasms over and over again. He was right. Gabriel Storm knew exactly how to satisfy me-every part of me. He pushed off the counter, moving back to the stove, his muscles flexing as he plated the food. A moment later, he returned to the island, setting the plate in front of me. "I could also get used to waking up in the morning and making breakfast for you." My gaze swept over the perfectly arranged meal-fluffy eggs, golden toast, and warm pancakes, with fresh fruit on the side and a glass of orange juice to complete the tray. I placed a hand over my heart in a mock swoon. "Oh, Mr. Storm... or should I say Mr. Romantic?" Amusement danced in his eyes. "This is clearly a breakfast fit for a queen, made by her devoted king," I giggled, flashing him a playful smile. "Thank you... I mean, could I possibly fall for you any more than I already have?" He arched a brow, a smug grin tugging at his lips. "If I remember correctly, you confessed to being in love with me just last night... then blamed it on the throes of passion, called it a mistake." His voice was teasing, but the underlying meaning was clear-he didn't believe me last night, which I already knew. He wanted me to own up to my feelings, and I wasn't ready for that. "So, which is it now, Ms. Hartwood?" He leaned in, his breath warm against my skin. "Are you finally admitting you're in love with me?" I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Oh, please. Don't flatter yourself. I was merely appreciating your perfectly served breakfast and sweet gesture." He tsked, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "If that's the story you're sticking with..." He paused, his gaze darkening. “I, on the other hand, am not a coward-I don't hide behind my emotions." His lips hovered just above mine, his voice dropped to a husky octave. "I love how you make me feel, so let's forget about it." I pouted, knowing he was right. I was a coward-too afraid to confront it all, especially with the secret I was hiding and the thought of losing him. Hoping to ease the sudden tension, I picked up my fork, taking a bite. Gabriel watched me, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes as he took the seat across from me, digging into his own plate. "Mr. Storm, this is absolutely delicious," I praised, hoping to lighten the mood. I turned to face him just as he lifted his head. "You're making staying over at your place worth every moment." He grinned. "I aim to please," he murmured, reaching out to wipe a stray bit of syrup from my lip. The small gesture sent a rush of heat through me. "There's much more to come, sweetheart," he whispered. "You have no idea." A shiver ran down my spine at the glint of mischief in his eyes, my body reacting to the subtle playfulness in his tone. And then my phone buzzed. I frowned, reaching for it, wondering who would dare interrupt this beautiful moment. But the second I saw the name, my heart lurched, nearly leaping out of my chest. Adrian. Oh my God. Why the hell was he calling me now? Panic gripped me as I quickly placed my phone face down on the counter, pretending I hadn't seen it. But it buzzed again. And again. And then came the texts. I ignored it, focusing on my food, trying to play it cool. But Gabriel cast me a suspicious glance. His eyes darted toward my phone for a brief second before returning to his plate. He didn't say anything, but I knew he'd noticed the incessant buzzing. He kept eating, acting like it didn't bother him-but I felt it. The shift in his energy. The slight tension in his grip on the fork. He was waiting. Waiting for me to react. Waiting for me to answer the call. After a few more moments of relentless buzzing, he finally spoke, his tone casual. Too casual. "Who's that?" I forced a shrug. "Nobody important." Gabriel set his fork down, wiping his mouth with a napkin before looking at me. "Is that your ex?" I stayed quiet. His smile was tight, forced. "Clairessa, I'm certain it's him. Talk to me.

That's why you're avoiding the call." My fingers tightened around my fork. My body fidgeted involuntarily, shifting in my seat. "Um... yes. It's him." His expression didn't change, but his jaw worked slightly as he leaned back in his chair. "What does he want?" I swallowed hard. "1-I don't know." Gabriel's gaze pinned me in place. "Clairessa. There was no hiding from him. No escape from his scrutiny. "He wants to meet up." Silence stretched between us. "Why?" "I don't know," I admitted, my voice smaller. “I just... I don't know." Gabriel's fingers drummed once against the table. Calculated. "Are you thinking of going to see him?" "No." The lie slipped out too fast. Too easily. His expression grew more intense. "Then why aren't you answering his calls and telling him that?" "Because I've done that," I blurted out. "But he's persistent. He won't stop." Gabriel let out a low, frustrated groan, his jaw tightening. "Son of a bitch," he muttered under his breath. Then his eyes locked onto mine, burning with quiet fury. "I'll take care of him-make sure he learns never to mess with what's mine."