Gabriel’s POV

Chapter 9: Caught Between Business And Desire

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* I pushed open my office door, feeling the tightness in my chest grow as I began pacing. I knew I was about to stir things up, and there was no going back. The team’s presentations had been impressive, making the decision tough, but I’d already made up my mind. There was no need for a shortlist or further debate–I had chosen my winner.

Clairessa Hartwood.

Her presentation stood out, easily outshining Nicole’s–the friend Adrian had introduced me to, asking me to consider her app since she worked at the company.

I hadn’t yet placed Nicole on the team, wanting her to go head–to–head with whoever I chose as a final candidate. It was meant to be a favor to Adrian. Her idea for a global financial payment platform was solid bor posed too many challenges for Storm Innovations at this point. We needed something revolutionary but manageable, Clairessa’s app, on the other hand, had the potential to reshape the business landscape.

It was clear I had to drop Nicole.

Adrian wouldn’t be pleased, but this was business, not a playground for personal favors. Clairessa’s app was a game changer, and I was ready to back it, even though a part of me resisted the idea of working so closely with her. I had been avoiding her for the past three months. She wasn’t just a pretty face–she was a first–class software engineering graduate, the complete package of beauty and brains. Every time I saw her, something primal stirred inside me, tempting me to break the rules I had set for myself.

But nothing could happen between us. I didn’t get involved with younger women, especially not those who worked for me. My rules were clear, and no matter how much I wanted her, I had to stay in control. Part of me considered taking the safer route with Nicole, but I couldn’t deny the truth–Clairessa’s app was exceptional.

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Chapter 9: Caught Between Business And Desire

I had been in this business long enough to recognize real potential when I saw it. This project could take months, maybe even a year to complete, and resisting her during that time was going to be difficult. But I was determined to stay professional, no matter how much my body desired her.

I paged Sandy.

“Hi, Sandy, there’s no need for a shortlist of candidates. I’ve made my decision.”

sir?” she asked, eagerness in

Hartwood. Send her an email. I need to meet

do, sir… And if I may,

I’d made

finished. I checked my schedule–it was time

Storm, Miss Hartwood is here for her meeting. Shall I

in. Thanks, Tems,” I said, ending the call as I turned to face the enormous window overlooking the city. I heard the door open and her footsteps approach my

asked to see me?” Her voice was soft, but there was a tremor beneath it that I couldn’t ignore. I slowly swiveled my

Between

makeup was subtle, far different from the woman I remembered from that night. It took everything in me to

face.

it me making her anxiqus, or was it the news of her app? I decided to end her

said, my tone stern, clasping my hands on the desk. “I’ll keep this brief.”

eyes wide

we might move forward with, but nothing is certain yet.” I kept my voice even, withholding the fact that

fading almost as soon as

realize the opportunity I was

that be all, sir?” she asked, her tone detached. I waved her off, dismissing her, but something in her attitude caught my attention. She walked halfway to the door before turning back and marching

sit there and act like you don’t remember me?”

me like this? I fought for control, remaining silent

3

Between

I know very well you’re the man from the club who…” Her words trailed off, her angry gaze locked

to finish, but she didn’t. Instead, she glared at me, her eyes blazing. “Didn’t that night

speak to me,” I warned. It was clear that night had affected her as it did me, but I couldn’t let her know how much I had thought about her and that night. In all honesty, I wanted a redo. I wanted her sober to feel what I was going to do to her body as I drove into

desk. My gaze dropped to her breasts pushing against the fabric

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