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

Chapter 136: I Love You

Clairessa's POV Adrian's timing was absolute shit. Fucking jerk. He just couldn't let me breathe, could he? Of course not. He wanted to ruin me. The only reason I unblocked his number was because he threatened me... Shit. I should've blocked him before coming to Gabriel. But I didn't, because after our last conversation, he never even crossed my mind again. And of all the damn times to call-It had to be now. Right when I was with Gabriel. And the bloody phone wouldn't stop ringing. Adrian was an asshole who refused to understand that we were done. And now Gabriel was on the verge of finding out. His words echoed in my head, sending a wave of fear rippling through me. "I'll take care of him-make sure he learns never to mess with what's mine." What did that even mean? Take care of him? As in... talk to him? Threaten him? Worse? I panicked, shifting in my seat. Gabriel talking to Adrian was a disaster waiting to happen-everything I'd been trying to avoid. Hell no. "There's no need," I finally said, trying to keep my voice light despite the knot in my stomach. "He'll stop once I don't respond." Gabriel's grip tightened on the counter, his hands flexing against the surface. His chest rose and fell slowly, like he was holding himself back. "I don't think he will." He pushed off the counter, pacing before turning to face me again. "Men like this don't just stop. They push, twist things to their advantage." His fingers balled into fists. "And Clairessa... you're too innocent for me to let him drag you into his sick game." The irony. Gabriel thought I was innocent. Maybe once, I had been. But not anymore. Not after Adrian. Not after everything. Now? I was lying, scheming-playing my own game. I wanted it all. “Gabriel... I don't want you getting worked up over my ex. He's insignificant, and I can handle it." My voice was gentle, hoping to calm the anger building inside him, willing him to believe me. "Just trust me." His whole body tensed. Then, out of nowhere, his palm slammed against the counter. The sudden crack made me flinch, my heart pounding. He dragged a hand through his hair, fingers gripping the strands like he was trying to calm himself. "Clairessa." His voice was calmer now, but just as firm. "You told him to back off, yet he's still calling." Our eyes darted to the phone, facedown, vibrating violently against the table. My fingers folded between my thighs as I fought the urge to grab it and smash it against the wall just to shut it up. The constant buzzing made it impossible for Gabriel to trust that I could handle this on my own. Worse, it was an awful reminder that there was no outrunning the explosive repercussions of my actions. Gabriel exhaled hard, his muscles tight. "That's over ten calls in the past few minutes. That's not a man who takes no for an answer, and that's not someone you can just tell off." Then, his arms went rigid at his sides. "Unless." He stepped closer, his body caging mine. "Do you still have feelings for him?" "N- No..." I answered instantly, but he didn't move away. "Are you sure?" His dark eyes scanned my face for the truth. "Because if there's even the smallest part of you that wants to go back to him, tell me now." My breath hitched. "No, Gabriel. I don't want to go back. Not to him. Ever again. I swear to you." His muscles slowly relaxed as he took my hands. "I would let you go in a heartbeat, never mind how much it would rip me apart if you told me he was what you wanted." I shook my head, my fingers tightening around his hand. "Gabriel... I don't want to be with him. I want you. I choose you, in this moment and always. Believe me." His gaze burned into mine, dark and searching, as if trying to strip me down to my very soul. I swallowed, my throat suddenly feeling dry. "You don't have to doubt me. I'm not going anywhere." Heat rolled off him in waves, his emotions raw and unfiltered. He needed reassurance-proof that he wasn't just another passing choice. Slowly, I rose from my seat, pressing closer as his hands slid down my back, pulling me deeper into him. His body enveloped me, as if he was afraid to let go. “Clairessa, I've been through too much fucking pain in the past," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "I know," I whispered, seeing the vulnerability in his eyes. "That's why I'm going to block him. Right now. To show you there's nothing to worry about." His fingers flexed against my waist. "I'm serious, Clairessa." His voice was raw-pain, uncertainty, need. "I can't handle another betrayal." The weight and sincerity of his words hit me deep. He was trusting me, exposing a part of himself he probably never let anyone see. I nodded. "I'm all in" Pulling out my phone, I opened my contacts. Adrian's name was still saved as Cheating Jerk-Don't Pick. I hadn't changed it. My fingers hovered for a brief second-then I pressed block. Gabriel didn't look away,

his focus locked onto me the entire time. As soon as I set my phone down, his hands cupped my face, his thumbs stroking my cheeks. "I'm not a man who shares," he declared, his breath hot against my lips. "I'm an unapologetic, jealous bastard when it comes to what's mine. And I want you-all of you." His voice dropped lower, rough with emotion. "I want to possess all of you. All to myself. And I won't apologize for it.” I smiled, m chest aching in the best way. "I already know that," I whispered, my fingers brushing through his hair. "And it's too late for me because... I'm in love with you, Gabriel Storm." His eyes flashed-wild with joy, burning with love Then, just as quickly, the warmth turned fierce, possessive, unquenchable. "There's no denying it anymore," I continued, meaning every word and suppressing the bitter feeling that wanted to rise because of the secret I kept hidden-one that, if revealed, could cause all of this to fall apart. "No holding back. I'm all in." A deep grow rumbled in his chest a second before his lips crashed onto mine, a kiss so consuming it burned through every last shred of fear and guilt I was feeling. His tongue claimed me, his hands sliding down my back, pulling me closer, deeper-until there was nothing left between us. Then he broke the kiss, his breath ragged, his lips hovering just over mine again. “Say it again." "I love you,” I breathed, wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him back to me. His mouth found mine again, even more consuming than before. A kiss so deep, so intense, I could feel everything he was pouring into it-his love, his possessiveness, his desperation to claim me completely. The emotions coursing through him passed into me, setting fire to every inch of my skin. Then his lips dragged lower, trailing over my jaw, down my throat-kissing, tasting, marking, branding me as his. And then he stopped. His forehead rested against mine, our breaths mingling, our bodies so close I could feel the hammering of his heart. His gaze locked onto mine, raw with passion, unshakable in its intensity. His fingers slid into my hair, tightening just enough to declare his ownership, sending a shiver racing down my spine. His next words came low, deadly. "I'll destroy him and any other man who dares to take you from me." Before I coul speak, he lifted me into his arms in one fluid motion, and my legs instinctively wrapped around him, pulling him impossibly closer. Being in Gabriel's arms felt so true-like this was where I was always meant to be. And I knew I was playing a dangerous game by not telling the truth. But I wasn't ready to lose him. And if I was going to burn in this love, I'd gladly welcome the flames.noveldrama