Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 264

Gabriel’s POV

The day had been long, one of those that stretched and twisted until you couldn’t tell where it began. I’d been on calls since morning, chasing down the server issue. We’d fixed it, paid what needed paying, brought in the right people, and for now, the problem was under control. Hopefully, no late-night meetings. No emergency flights. Just one peaceful evening with my sweet Clairessa, without work dragging me away again.

I unbuttoned the top of my shirt as I walked down the hall toward the bedroom.

The room was dim, curtains slightly drawn, the faint scent of her perfume lingering in the air. Clairessa was curled on the bed, fast asleep. Her hair spilled across the pillow in a loose wave of curls. The blanket had slipped halfway down.

I crossed to her, careful not to wake her, and brushed a kiss into her hair. She didn’t stir. I pulled the blanket over her, then sat on the edge of the mattress.

For a moment, I just looked at her, peaceful, beautiful in a way that made my chest ache. Then the conversation with Adrian replayed in my head. How close I’d come to telling him. How that call had stopped me. I’d never felt so torn.

I love her. I love my son. I don’t want to lose either. But if Adrian found out without hearing it from me first, I could lose him forever.

The thought pressed against my ribs until I couldn’t stand it. I stripped, took a hot shower, letting the steam pull the tension from my shoulders, then changed into something comfortable and slid into bed beside her.

She moved instantly, fitting against me like she was made for it. My arm went around her waist, my lips brushed the spot where her neck met her shoulder, not a kiss, just a point of connection.

Her breathing was slow. Then that sleepy voice I loved murmured, “Gabriel…”

I smiled faintly. “It’s me, sweetheart.”

Of course she knew, it was in the way she said my name.

She shifted enough to glance over her shoulder. “You’re back late. I waited, and then I fell asleep.”

“Yeah,” I exhaled, pulling her closer. “One of the servers went down. I was supposed to be home earlier… to take care of you. I’m sorry.”

I tucked her hair to the side. “How are you feeling? Better?”

“Mm-hm.” A faint smile. “Perfect, actually.”

“That’s good then,” I murmured, though my voice dipped without meaning to.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Something’s wrong.”

“It’s nothing,” I said too quickly.

She turned fully, lying on her side, one hand sliding into my hair. “Gabriel… something is definitely wrong. Talk to me.”

I stared at her for a moment, then sighed. “After you left earlier… Adrian and I had a talk.”

Her brow furrowed. “About what?”

“Angelique’s been talking to him,” I said, frustration bleeding into my tone. “Feeding him ideas… that you and I are closer than we should be.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh my God. Did he believe her?”

“He said he didn’t. Said he trusted me… and you.”

Her face fell. “Did… you… tell him about us?”

“I didn’t confirm or deny it. But the way he looked at me…” I shook my head. “I hate lying to him.”

She gave a small, pained smile. “Everything’s complicated.”

“I know.”

Silence settled for a second before I said, “I think it’s time we tell him the truth.”

Her head jerked slightly, eyes flashing with something close to fear. “I don’t know if now’s the right time.”

“When is the right time going to be? There’s no perfect time.”

“I hate that I’m putting you in a position where you have to choose,” she whispered. “Between me and him.”

Then she leaned in, her lips brushing mine in a soft kiss.

“I don’t want to lose you again, Gabriel.”

I breathed her in, my chest rising and falling against hers. “You’re not going to lose me. Not now. Not ever.”

The words came heavier now, pulled from somewhere deeper. “Lord knows I love Adrian, and I…” my voice caught for a second, “...I’ve sacrificed so much for him in the past. I even tried to use you once, as a pawn to straighten his life out. But not anymore. If it were anything else, I’d give it up in a heartbeat. But not you, Clairessa Hartwood.”

I lifted her face so she had no choice but to meet my eyes.

“Clairessa,” I breathed, my voice low and unshaken, “I am not sacrificing you… or what we’ve shared… for my son. I can’t. I wouldn’t do it.”

Her lips trembled, tears spilling down her cheeks before she could stop them. I brushed them away with my thumb, murmuring, “Don’t cry, Rissa… please… I love you so much.”

I continued, the words tasting raw and unfiltered, “I would risk it all, for you… for the family I trust we could build together.”

Her lips parted, breath catching. I reached up, brushing a thumb over the wet trail. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Please.”

She let out a trembling breath. “I never thought a love like this was possible.”

A faint, pained smile tugged at my lips. “Neither did I… but look at us now.”

She surged forward, kissing me, deep, passionate, tasting of longing and all the words we hadn’t said. My hands found her waist, pulling her closer, claiming her.

When we finally pulled apart, her forehead lingered against mine, her breath warm against my lips.

Her voice trembled. “Gabriel… are you really serious about us starting a family?”

“Clairessa…” My voice was rough. “More than anything… I want you.” I took her hands, my thumb tracing slow circles over her skin. “Soon, my ring will grace these beautiful fingers… and you’ll be my wife.”