Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 14: The Night It All Goes Down

*Tonight’s dinner was in a more intimate part of the hotel, different from last night. Gabriel had told me earlier it was Marco’s idea, as he planned to reveal his decision to everyone. I sat at the table, feeling slightly anxious, wondering what Marco’s decision would be. I glanced around, noticing that everyone was chatting and smiling. Gabriel sat beside me, his quiet, imposing presence hovering over me even amid the conversation. On my other side, Marco sat closer than I would have liked.

I tried to stay quiet, letting the men talk as I kept a soft smile on my face, staring down at my plate.

As I focused on my meal, I felt something that made my skin crawl–Marco’s hand slid across the table, his fingers lightly brushing mine. I froze, the touch sending a shiver of discomfort through me. Forcing a smile, though it felt more like a grimace, I tried to maintain composure.

“You look so beautiful tonight,” Marco whispered, leaning in closer. “I can hardly resist your

charm.”

“Thanks,” I replied, my voice shaky as I pulled my hand away slightly, trying to put some distance between us. Leaning into my chair, I attempted to relax, but the discomfort lingered.

I was about to sip my wine when I felt another presence close to my ear. Gabriel’s voice, low and commanding, sent a chill down my spine. “We need to talk. Now.”

There was no mistaking the authority in his tone. He didn’t wait for a response, standing up abruptly. “Everyone, please excuse us,” he announced to the table, grabbing my hand and pulling me away before I could protest. His grip was firm, and I struggled to keep up with his quick pace.

He led me out onto the balcony overlooking the pool, the cool night air hitting my skin. The breeze awakened my senses as I searched Gabriel’s face for answers. “What’s going on, Mr. Storm?” I asked, feeling

Chapter 14: The Night It All Goes Down

confused.

His gaze was furious. “I need you to stop flirting with Marco,” he stated, the accusation catching me off guard.

“What?” I responded, baffled by his remark. I couldn’t believe what he was accusing me of. “Mr. Storm, you made this accusation yesterday, and I stayed quiet. But now… now I find your accusations insulting, and I demand an apology.”

“An apology?” he scoffed, his expression hardening. “Stop the act, Clairessa. I’ve seen the way he’s been looking at you all night, and you two have been too chatty for comfort.”

what Mr. Marco and I were whispering about, you could have simply asked–not resorted to

me up against the railing of the balcony. My heart raced, and I nearly lost my balance, but his hands caught me, firm and possessive. The contact sent an electric shock through

my voice stern

but his intense gaze never left mine. “You have no idea the kind of man Marco is. He’s not someone you want to be

it. “How do you know the type of man I want?” I shot back, my anger intensifying.

man you’re interested in. But I know Marco isn’t right for you. He’s a notorious womanizer and dangerous. And I hate the way he’s been staring at you all evening like

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It

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clearly struggling with his emotions. His breathing quickened as he leaned closer, the sexual pull between us

keeps staring at me,” I retorted, my voice

attention either.”

know

in here. Marco has

heart still racing from the closeness. Straightening my dress, I followed

composure.

chair as I sat down. He could be a gentleman when he wanted to be, but other times, like earlier, he was a jerk. I

an announcement to make,” Marco raised his glass, drawing the attention of the entire room. He looked around at each person, a triumphant smile

declared, his

eyes locking on mine with a possessive gleam. “Clairessa, my

to,” I replied, my heart swelling with joy despite the unease. We had an investor ready to partner with Storm Innovations. It was all finally happening, just as I had hoped. I glanced at Gabriel, and to

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Night It All

offered me a proud

<2713#

wave of joy burst through me, momentarily pushing away the unease from earlier.

whispered something to him. Gabriel gave me a quick look, saying he’d be back. I managed a faint smile, trying to focus on the pianist’s slow