Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Under My Command 

Gabriel’s POV 

Chapter 37 Under My Command 

My office door burst open, and Clairessa walked in with confidence. For a moment, I felt annoyed at her boldness, barging into my office like she owned the place. But the anger quickly disappeared when I noticed something was wrong. She was pacing back and forth restlessly, her hands tightly clenched at her waist. 

“Clairessa, what’s the matter?” I asked, watching her closely. She looked as if she might explode but still refused to speak. “Is there an issue with the project? Are you unwell?” 

Still, she said nothing. 

“Speak up!” My voice came out harsher than I intended. I stood and moved toward her, trying to understand what was going on. The way she was acting was unsettling. I didn’t like how it made me feel–on edge, almost worried. I rarely felt that way. 

The sound of my raised voice must have startled her because she flinched, her body trembling as she looked up at me with wide, fearful eyes. 

“I can’t work with Nicole,” she blurted out, completely catching me off guard. Of all the issues I anticipated, this wasn’t one of them. Relief washed over me–it wasn’t something more serious. She seemed fine, though my gaze lingered on her perfect face. 

Her makeup was subtle, just enough to highlight her natural beauty. Her hair was neatly pulled back into a bun, a few soft curls framing her face perfectly. She was stunning, and it made focusing on her words harder than it should’ve been. 

Every move she made drew my attention, especially the way her hands rested on her waist. My gaze drifted lower, taking in the curves accentuated by her grey trousers. I fought to stay focused, to push the wild 

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Chapter 37: Under My Command 

thoughts away, but it wasn’t easy. 

Leaning against my desk, I folded my arms and forced my eyes to stay focused on her face, as I studied her carefully. “Why is that?” I asked, keeping my tone calm. I needed to understand the problem. 

“I… uh… I just can’t work with her,” Clairessa stammered, avoiding my gaze. The frustration and maybe even in her voice was obvious. Telling me there was more to her outbursts. Something she wasn’t telling me. “Clairessa, unless you give me a reason, there’s nothing I can do. I need an explanation.” 

Her lips parted, and I thought she was about to tell me, but then she clamped her mouth shut, as she shook her head. Her unwillingness to explain was testing my patience. 

“Nicole is…” she began but stopped herself, the words seemingly stuck in her throat. “I just can’t.” 

I couldn’t help myself–I smirked. Her hesitation, her struggle, even when I could tell there was more to the situation, was both infuriating and fascinating. “Ah, I see,” I teased. “Is this some kind of… catfight I don’t know about?” 

She glared at me, her anger blazing, but she still didn’t say anything more. 

“Clairessa, you don’t seem to understand your position here,” I said, my voice hardening. “You don’t get to choose who you work with on the projects I assign. You will work with Nicole, and that’s the end of the discussion.” 

“Like hell I will!” she shot back, her voice shaking with rage. 

Fucking hell. She loved pushing all the wrong buttons, challenging me at every turn. I had to admit–I was tired of it. My control slipped, and before I could stop myself, I stepped closer, closing the distance until I was towering over her. She didn’t back down. If anything, she stood taller, her chin lifting as though ready for a fight. 

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Chapter 37: Under My Command 

“You will do as I say,” I growled. “No more arguments. Is that clear?” 

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Her breath quickened, her chest rising and falling in rhythm with mine. My gaze fell to her full, tempting lips, slightly parted. For one reckless moment, I wanted to crush my lips against hers–wanted to claim her, to make her forget whatever had her so riled up. 

But just as I leaned closer, my lips mere inches from hers, she stepped back, snapping me out of whatever madness had taken hold of me. 

Clearing my throat, I forced myself to focus. “Clairessa, do you know why I chose Nicole for this project?” 

She crossed her arms, her posture defensive. “No,” she retorted, her eyes narrowing. 

“Because she’s talented–just like you. Before your app, I was considering hers. It was brilliant. But I chose yours for reasons that don’t concern you. Nicole is smart and capable, just like you, which is why I paired you both. It’s not up for discussion.” 

“Mr. Storm, you don’t understand. I can’t work with her,” she argued, her voice strained with emotion. 

“Then make me understand,” I shot back, my gaze hardening. But she fell silent, unwilling to give me a straight answer. My patience had run out. I had entertained her little outburst enough. 

I let out a heavy sigh. “Unless you’re ready to explain, leave my office.. I’m not in the mood for teenage drama.” 

She stared at me for what felt like forever, her frustration clear. But she didn’t say a word. Instead, she turned and walked toward the door. 

I couldn’t help myself–I had to mess with her just a little more. 

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Chapter 37: Under My Command 

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“Clairessa,” I called out, making her stop in her tracks. Slowly, she turned back to face me, fury flashing in her eyes. “Get back here,” I ordered. She reluctantly began to walk toward me, barely holding herself together. It only made me want her more.