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

Chapter 14: The Night It All Goes Down

*Tonight's dinner was in a more intimate part of the hotel, different from last night. Gabriel had told me earlier it was Marco's idea, as he planned to reveal his decision to everyone. I sat at the table, feeling slightly anxious, wondering what Marco's decision would be. I glanced around, noticing that everyone was chatting and smiling. Gabriel sat beside me, his quiet, imposing presence hovering over me even amid the conversation. On my other side, Marco sat closer than I would have liked.

I tried to stay quiet, letting the men talk as I kept a soft smile on my face, staring down at my plate.

As I focused on my meal, I felt something that made my skin crawl-Marco's hand slid across the table, his fingers lightly brushing mine. I froze, the touch sending a shiver of discomfort through me. Forcing a smile, though it felt more like a grimace, I tried to maintain composure.

"You look so beautiful tonight,” Marco whispered, leaning in closer. “I can hardly resist your

charm."

“Thanks,” I replied, my voice shaky as I pulled my hand away slightly, trying to put some distance between us. Leaning into my chair, I attempted to relax, but the discomfort lingered.

I was about to sip my wine when I felt another presence close to my ear. Gabriel's voice, low and commanding, sent a chill down my spine. “We need to talk. Now."

There was no mistaking the authority in his tone. He didn't wait for a response, standing up abruptly. "Everyone, please excuse us,” he announced to the table, grabbing my hand and pulling me away before I could protest. His grip was firm, and I struggled to keep up with his quick pace.

He led me out onto the balcony overlooking the pool, the cool night air hitting my skin. The breeze awakened my senses as I searched Gabriel's face for answers. "What's going on, Mr. Storm?" I asked, feeling

Chapter 14: The Night It All Goes Down

confused.

His gaze was furious. “I need you to stop flirting with Marco,” he stated, the accusation catching me off guard.

"What?" I responded, baffled by his remark. I couldn't believe what he was accusing me of. "Mr. Storm, you made this accusation yesterday, and I stayed quiet. But now... now I find your accusations insulting, and I demand an apology."

“An apology?” he scoffed, his expression hardening. "Stop the act, Clairessa. I've seen the way he's been looking at you all night, and you two have been too chatty for comfort."

I was too stunned to respond, anger building within me. “Mr. Storm, if you needed an explanation about what Mr. Marco and I were whispering about, you could have simply asked-not resorted to this intimidating macho front."

His shoulders tensed, his jaw tightened as he backed me up against the railing of the balcony. My heart raced, and I nearly lost my balance, but his hands caught me, firm and possessive. The contact sent an electric shock through my body, and I had to steel myself against the surge of emotions it brought.

"Please let me go," I demanded, my voice stern as I resisted the effect of his touch.

He released me, but his intense gaze never left mine. "You have no idea the kind of man Marco is. He's not someone you want to be with."

His voice was intimidating, but I wasn't having any of it. "How do you know the type of man I want?" I shot back, my anger intensifying. Did he really think so little of me that I would want to be with that creep?

“Listen, Clairessa,” he began, his tone much calmer. "I don't care what type of man you're interested in. But I know Marco isn't right for you. He's a notorious womanizer and dangerous. And I hate the way he's been staring at you all evening like he wants..."

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Chapter 14: The Night It All Goes Down

ས371%

He trailed off, clearly struggling with his emotions. His breathing quickened as he leaned closer, the sexual pull between us intensifying with each passing second,

"It's not my fault that Marco keeps staring at me," I retorted, my voice cracking slightly. "I don't like his

attention either."

He searched my eyes, as if trying to decide if I was telling the truth. “I don't know what game you're playing, but-" His words were abruptly cut off by Rodger's voice calling from inside.

"Gabe, get in here. Marco has an announcement."

The moment between us was interrupted, and we pulled away from each other. I felt flustered, my heart still racing from the closeness. Straightening my dress, I followed Gabriel back inside, trying to regain my

composure.

Gabriel pulled out my chair as I sat down. He could be a gentleman when he wanted to be, but other times, like earlier, he was a jerk. I barely had time to process everything before Marco's voice rang out across the table.

“Everyone, I have an announcement to make,” Marco raised his glass, drawing the attention of the entire room. He looked around at each person, a triumphant smile on his face.

"My team and I have decided to go ahead with Hart App," he declared, his tone filled with excitement as the room erupted into smiles and applause.

“Congratulations, beautiful,” Marco said, his eyes locking on mine with a possessive gleam. “Clairessa, my money's on you now. Don't fail me."

“I promise not to,” I replied, my heart swelling with joy despite the unease. We had an investor ready to partner with Storm Innovations. It was all finally happening, just as I had hoped. I glanced at Gabriel, and to

my

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Chapter 14: The Night It All Goes Down

surprise, he offered me a proud smile.

<2713#

A wave of joy burst through me, momentarily pushing away the unease from earlier. Everything else faded, replaced by the excitement of seeing my dreams come true.

As the night continued, I noticed Gabriel being pulled aside by Dave, who whispered something to him. Gabriel gave me a quick look, saying he'd be back. I managed a faint smile, trying to focus on the pianist's slow melodies.

Rodger stepped away to take a call, leaving me alone with Marco. I could tell Marco had been drinking non- stop-his movements were becoming erratic, and his eyes were glazed. My discomfort grew, so I rose from my seat to leave, but Marco's voice stopped me.

"Where are you going, hun?" he asked, his tone low and slurred.

"The restroom," I managed to say before hurriedly leaving the room. On the way out, I brushed past Rodger, who was just returning.

"Hi, Clairessa. Are you looking for Gabriel?" he asked, noticing my hurried stance.

"No...the restroom."

"Got it. I'll let Gabe know in case he gets back before you."

"That would be great,” I replied, giving him a quick smile before walking away.

I walked through the garden, the fresh air a welcome relief from the suffocating anxiety of being left alone with Marco. I felt unsafe sitting alone with Marco and knew I had to get away. I wondered where Gabriel had gone, hoping he'd be back by the time I returned.

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Chapter 14: The Night It All Goes Down

I continued down the dark walkway, following the directions to the restroom. After walking for a few seconds, I found it and breathed a sigh of relief as I stepped inside.

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing my hair. Some strands were out of place, likely from when Gabriel had wrapped his arms around my waist outside. My mind flashed back to when he wrapped his strong arms around my waist. I watched my reflection in the mirror and felt my skin flush, thinking about how he felt

against

1. me.

Snap out of it, Claire, I warned myself in the mirror. I pulled out my lip gloss from my purse and began applying it when the door creaked open. I didn't look up, assuming it was another guest, but my heart jumped when I heard his voice.

"Hey, sweetheart," Marco's slurred voice broke the silence as he leaned against the door. His eyes were glazed from alcohol as he slowly approached me.

I was too shocked to speak as he walked closer. "What are you doing here, Mr. Marco?" I finally managed, pushing through the fear. "You need to leave, immediately," I ordered, my eyes darting toward the door, already planning my escape...