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

Chapter 16: Keeping Her Safe

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I carried Clairessa into the bathroom and gently placed her on the floor. Turning away to give her some privacy, I couldn't shake the image of how hurt and broken she looked. The bold, confident woman I knew had been replaced by someone fragile, and it tore me apart. This was my fault. Instead of accusing her of having something to do with Marco and acting on my jealousy, I should have been there to protect her. That bastard Marco would pay for what he did.

I heard the sound of a zipper struggling, followed by her soft voice calling me. “Mr. Storm, I need help with my zip."

I turned back and moved behind her to pull down the zipper. The dress fell to the floor, leaving her standing in just a lacy black bra and panties. Desire coursed through me as my eyes momentarily fixed on her body. She was a sight to behold.

Her body... her curves... her legs...

Stop it, Gabriel. She needs comfort, not another pervert. I immediately turned away, trying to focus on anything else. The last thing I wanted was to make her feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

"I'll be outside,” I said, fighting the urge to turn back and check on her. She needed to know she could trust me, that she was safe around me.

I waited in the bedroom, images of Marco pressing himself against her provoking a burning anger within me once more. If I had gotten there a moment later, I would never have been able to forgive myself. Marco was going to pay for what he did.

Rodgers assured me that security had taken Marco, and I was working on getting any footage from the hotel. I suspected Marco had paid people off, but I had my ways too. I was determined to gather the evidence needed to make him pay.

Chapter 16: Keeping Her Safe

It had been thirty minutes since I left her in the bathroom, and I was starting to get worried. It had been

too long.

“Clairessa?” I called out, lightly tapping on the door. No response. My chest tightened. “Clairessa, are you okay?" I knocked louder, but still nothing.

Panic started to rise in my throat as the worst thoughts flashed through my mind. I couldn't wait any longer. In fear, I barged in. My heart pounded as I saw her lying under the water, her arms stretched over the tub's edge, completely still. Her eyes were closed, her face serene, but her body was motionless.

“Clairessa!” I rushed to her side, dread tightening its grip on me. My hands shook as I grabbed hers, feeling the coldness of her skin.

“Clairessa, wake up!” My voice was full of fear as I gripped her hand, desperate for a response. Without waiting, I plunged my arms under her, lifting her out of the water, holding her soaking, limp body against my chest.

I carried her to the bed and laid her down gently, her wet body against the sheets. My hand instinctively cradled her face, trying to bring her back to me, back to reality.

“What happened in there? Talk to me, Clairessa,” I pleaded, my voice low but urgent.

“Mr. Storm... I'm sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling. "I didn't mean to scare you." Her hands clutched her knees, pulling them close to her chest, her whole body trembling.

That's when it hit me-she was naked, shivering from the cold. I hurriedly dashed into the bathroom and grabbed a towel.

"Where are your clothes?" I asked, my voice softer now.

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Chapter 16: Keeping Her Safe

"In the closet," she pointed, and I went over, rummaging through her dresses until I found a silk nightgown and matching panties. I smiled at her organization, then handed her the clothes before turning away once more to give her space.

"All done," she said softly.

I turned around to face her. She looked beautiful. My eyes lingered on her for a moment-her full curves, the way the silk hugged her waist, the soft rise of her breasts that peeked through the neckline. The gown traced the shape of her body in a way that was almost too perfect... I couldn't tear my gaze away.

I bridged the gap between us, my heart pounding as I drew closer, consumed by the pull between us.

But then, reality hit me. She was so innocent, so vulnerable. How could anyone want to hurt her? And here I was, staring at her like I had no sense. I quickly looked away, cursing myself for even letting my thoughts wander.

God, she probably thinks I'm a jerk. I forced myself to control my gaze, trying to hide my attraction before she thought I was no different from that psycho Marco.

She needed comfort, not more trauma. I pulled back the sheets and guided her to lie down, tucking her in. "Do you feel better?" I asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She nodded, her voice barely audible. "I feel clean now that I've gotten rid of his scent."

I could see the relief on her face, but there was still so much pain. “Can I get you anything?” I asked, softly caressing her hair. A deep need to protect her surged through me as I took her hand and led her to the bed.

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Pae, 11 Feb MUO

Chapter 16: Keeping Her Safe

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"I'll be alright, thank you," she said, shutting her eyes. I pulled the duvet over her and stayed by her side until her breathing steadied, then placed a soft kiss on her forehead, an instinctive gesture I couldn't hold back.

"Good night," I whispered, starting to leave when I felt her hand grasp mine.

"Don't go, please. Spend the night with me," she pleaded, her voice so tender I couldn't resist.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea,” I replied, trying to pull my hand away, but her grip tightened.

"I don't want to sleep alone tonight. Stay," she urged, her voice soft and afraid.

"I'll stay,” I agreed, unable to deny her. I could still see the fear in her eyes, and it infuriated me to know what that bastard had put her through before I got there. "I'll take the sofa," I added.

She simply nodded and offered me the pillows beside her. I made a makeshift bed on the sofa. As I lay down, my mind raced with thoughts of her just a few steps away. I unbuttoned my shirt, trying to get comfortable, but sleep was impossible with her so close. It took all my willpower not to lay beside her... to comfort her... to ensure she was truly okay. The day had ended on a note I never saw coming.

That fucker, Marco. Just thinking about him made my blood boil. I never thought he was capable of rape. Guilt wracked me inside and out. I had thrown false accusations at Clairessa. Instead of talking to her, I assumed the worst because I was jealous, and now she was paying the price for my callous ways. I was a monster, and deep down, I knew she must be blaming and hating me. I wish I'd never brought her on this trip. None of this would have happened. Now she was lying on the bed, surely disturbed by the memories of that bastard.

I could still remember how she scrubbed her skin to rid herself of his scent. Marco had dared to touch a woman under my care. I was going to make sure he paid dearly—not just in jail, because I knew he had money to bribe judges, but I was going to hit his businesses where it hurt the most.

I had enough information on him to ensure he was ruined for life, and it was going to give me great

satisfaction to see him go down. No one would dare touch what belonged to me again.

Chapter 16: Keeping Her Safe

But she's not yours, another part of me reminded me. Even though I desperately wanted to make her mine, I knew I couldn't. Not only was she too young, but she also worked closely with me. Chaotic wouldn't even begin to describe how things would end

In this business, I learned the hard way never to mix work and pleasure. It never ended well. The women always wanted more than I could offer, and Clairessa wouldn't be any different. Though I felt guilty, I had to be there for her while she was hurting. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard soft whimpers and tossing...

I bolted off the sofa and realized it was Clairessa. She was probably having a nightmare, the way she tossed and turned restlessly.

I ran to her side, gently nudging her to wake up,

“Clairessa, please wake up,” I said urgently as she thrashed her head from side to side. I cradled her face, willing her to wake up.

Suddenly, her eyes shot open, and I saw the fear in her expression. She began to shake uncontrollably as she sat up. I pulled her into my arms and held her close to my chest.

“You're safe with me,” I murmured against her skin, holding onto her trembling body.

She pulled away, her eyes searching mine, her scattered emotions obvious.

“I..... saw him....... he tried to...” Her voice broke off as she buried her face into my chest once more. "I want him out of my head.....” she mumbled, pressing her body deeper into mine as her arms wrapped around my neck.

My heart broke, seeing how much she was hurting. The guilt tore through me like wildfire as I held her tightly. "I'm never going to let anyone hurt you again,” I vowed, holding her close until her breathing steadied

and she calmed down.

Chapter 16: Keeping Her Safe

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“Don't let me go tonight,” she pleaded, looking Into my eyes. I couldn't refuse her request. I simply nodded.

I pulled back the sheets again as she slid in, and I lay beside her. She snuggled into me, her body pressing against mine. Holding her so close stirred something deep within me. I wanted to take her pain away. My arms wrapped around her petite frame as she clung to me.

We stayed in silence until her breathing became steady. I felt slightly relieved that she had found some peace. She was sleeping, and I knew it was time to let her go, but I couldn't. I couldn't stand to leave her.

Instead, I held onto her more firmly, and I slept with her cuddled into my body, my arms wrapped around her. Whatever the morning brought, we would face it together.