novelxo Chapter Dad By Oma 85
Chapter 85: Refuse To Share You
Chapter 85: I Refuse To Share You
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Clairessa's POV "This way, please,” Brenda gestured, leading us along a stone path lined with colourful flowers and trees. As we strolled through the resort, I became increasingly aware of the treatment we were receiving. Every staff member we passed bowed slightly or greeted Gabriel with a level of respect that felt.. different. It was clear he was powerful here. Someone important. Someone they admired. We stopped briefly near a row of private villas, each with infinity pools that seemed to spill into the endless blue of the ocean. Before I could stop myself, I blurted, "Just how rich are you, exactly?" I turned to Gabriel, my voice carrying more shock than I intended. “First Miami, then Vegas, the yacht, and now this?" Gabriel's lips curled into a lazy smirk. amusement flashing in his eyes. "You work for me, Clairessa. I would've thought you'd figured it out by now." I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. "I mean, I knew you were rich, but this... this is next-level wealth." He reached for my hand, his fingers brushing against mine before holding them firmly. "I aim to impress," he murmured playfully. My cheeks warmed at his touch, and I looked down at our joined hands, pretending the ocean breeze was the reason my heart was racing. As we walked, my mind spun with thoughts- trying to make sense of everything. The yacht, the surprises, now this private island getaway. It all felt too much. “Gabriel, what are we really doing here?" I asked, glancing up at him. His expression shifted slightly, like he was trying to decipher the meaning behind my question. "Don't get me wrong. I love all of this- the Vegas trip, the birthday surprise on a yacht, and now the Bahamas. It's beautiful. But I have to ask..... the three-day work trip was supposed to be over. Now it's almost a week, and back in the office, I don't want Naomie or anyone else thinking-“Gabriel stopped abruptly, turning to face me. His dark eyes locked onto mine. “So that's what you're worried about?" I blinked multiple times, suddenly feeling small beneath his scrutiny. “It's not-“A single finger pressed gently against my lips, silencing me. “Shh.” The simple gesture sent a shiver down my spine. "I don't give a damn what Naomie or anyone else at the office thinks." His tone was firm. “They all work for me, Clairessa. Remember? So we can stay here as long as I please, and no one has the right to question me.” The assertiveness in his voice left no room for argument. Still, I tried. “I understand that, Gabriel, but l-” “No buts," he cut me off. "I own Storm Innovations. Everyone answers to me-not the other way around. But to put your mind at ease, no one even knows we're here. Apart from my security detail." I opened my mouth again, ready to counter him, but the way his gaze softened while still holding that commanding intensity left me speechless. Deep down, I couldn't shake the fear that this was all too real-too perfect. A part of me was scared that when reality set in, I wouldn't be able to let him go. Maybe it was better to return to Miami, where Gabriel kept his distance, than to get lost in this intoxicating version of him. “Think of this as a reward," he added after a pause. "Consider it a mini vacation for sealing the Gemia deal." When he put it like that, it made it easier to rationalize After all, enjoying the moment without overthinking was exactly what I'd signed up for. I let out a small laugh, my shoulders relaxing. "When you say it like that, it sounds almost too good to turn down." "Exactly," he cooed, triumph flashing in his eyes. "Now, relax and enjoy. That's an order.” I chuckled softly, but I still couldn't resist pushing for more answers. “Alright, but what are we really doing here?” Gabriel smirked, shaking his head. "You don't let things go, do you?" I arched my brow, waiting. “Sergio invited us,” he admitted. “For what?” I pressed. “He's proposing to Raquel, Gabriel said casually, a sly grin forming on his lips. My jaw dropped as excitement rushed through me. “Proposing? That's incredible! Does Raquel know?” “Of course not," he chuckled. "And your job, Miss Hartwood, is to keep her distracted until everything is ready” “Aye, Captain,” I teased, giving him a playful salute, earning a deep laugh from him. Brenda finally stopped in front of a grand villa, its open glass doors revealing an infinity pool and breathtaking ocean views that housed beautiful lush trees. “This will be your private villa, Mr. Storm, Miss Clairessa,” Brenda ushered with a polite smile. “We reserved this
you, sir. I hope it meets your expectations.” “It's perfect. Thank you,” Gabriel replied. As Brenda opened the doors, I immediately spotted two familiar figures inside. Sergio stood with his usual charming grin, his arm wrapped casually around Raquel, whose eyes lit up the moment she saw me. "Look who finally decided to show
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11:18 Fri, 21 Feb 0
Chapter 85:1 Refuse To Share You
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up,” Sergio greeted. “We are united yet again.” “Always, brother,” Gabriel responded, embracing him. It was to see Gabriel this at ease, and I found myself smiling at the sight. Raquel walked up to me, surprise flashing in her eyes before she masked it with warmth. “Clairessa, I'm so glad to see you again,” She pulled me into a warm embrace, her energy infectious. "It's really good to see you too,” I replied sincerely. "There was so much happening back at Gemia resort that we didn't get to spend enough time together, but thankfully, we have plenty of time now." "Yes... we do," I replied, returning her smile. My gaze briefly shifted to Gabriel, who was now engaged in deep conversation with Sergio. Raquel gave a playful tug on my arm, leading me further into the villa. “The men will be busy with their endless meetings and long calls, but we'll have our own fun." She winked. “I'm so glad Gabriel brought you. I thought he'd be coming alone, but now that you're here, I finally have someone in my corner. We can actually enjoy the resort, spend their money, and return home refreshed." She smirked. "See? We're smart." I smiled, not entirely sure what to say. Raquel seemed so carefree and at peace, while I felt like a fraud. To her, this was a perfect escape. But for me, it was all a game-one I couldn't afford to believe in. If I did, I risked getting hurt. She sighed contentedly. "Sergio said this was the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary. I told him Gemia was just as special, but he insisted he didn't want to be working on our anniversary. So, here we are. Isn't it beautiful?” “Wow, it truly is. Unlike anything I've ever seen,” I replied sincerely. The villa exuded romance, and I could see why it was the perfect setting for their celebration. “I must confess, your private villa is larger than ours, and I'm just a tad bit jealous. But considering Gabriel is a share-” “Raquel, darling," Sergio's voice called from behind her, cutting her off. "Let's leave Gabe and Clairessa to settle in before we tire them with long talks.” “Oh, Raquel exclaimed dramatically before nodding. "You're right." She turned back to me with a smile. “Hope we'll be seeing you both at dinner?” “Not tonight-” Gabriel started, but I quickly cut him off. “Of course, Raquel,” I interjected with a smile, winking at him. Her face lit up. “Great! See you both then.” She and Sergio left, their laughter echoing as they strolled away. shut behind them, Gabriel turned to me with mock outrage, his hands gripping my waist before pulling me flush
As soon as the doors against his chest. "So you're overriding my decisions now?" I grinned, tilting my head playfully. “Raquel seemed excited. I didn't want us to turn down her first request." He brushed a strand of hair from my face. “I guess you're right... but I had such great plans for us tonight and-” “Tell me about these plans, and I might just.....” I tiptoed to kiss him. His lips met mine in a slow, passionate kiss, but just as it deepened, he pulled back abruptly. "What's wrong?" I squeaked, my voice small under his intense stare. He didn't answer immediately, instead running his thumb over my knuckles in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. His jaw was tight, his lips pressed together as though he was carefully choosing his next words. Finally, he murmured, “We need to talk.” I blinked, my brow furrowing. "That sounds serious." He crouched slightly, leveling his gaze with mine, his fingers still wrapped around mine. "Since we've started... this.." "You can say hooking up,” I interjected, trying to lighten the tension I saw on his face with a teasing smile. His grip on my hand tightened slightly, and his eyes darkened, a spark of irritation flashing across them. "That's not what this is." My smile faltered. “Gabriel-" "We are not hooking up,” he pressed, his voice stern. “What we're doing- what we have-is not casual." I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against my cheek. "We are committed exclusively to each other... physically," he clarified, his tone possessive. “That's not hooking up. And I will not share you.”