Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 16: Keeping Her Safe

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I carried Clairessa into the bathroom and gently placed her on the floor. Turning away to give her some privacy, I couldn’t shake the image of how hurt and broken she looked. The bold, confident woman I knew had been replaced by someone fragile, and it tore me apart. This was my fault. Instead of accusing her of having something to do with Marco and acting on my jealousy, I should have been there to protect her. That bastard Marco would pay for what he did.

I heard the sound of a zipper struggling, followed by her soft voice calling me. “Mr. Storm, I need help with my zip.”

I turned back and moved behind her to pull down the zipper. The dress fell to the floor, leaving her standing in just a lacy black bra and panties. Desire coursed through me as my eyes momentarily fixed on her body. She was a sight to behold.

Her body… her curves… her legs…

Stop it, Gabriel. She needs comfort, not another pervert. I immediately turned away, trying to focus on anything else. The last thing I wanted was to make her feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

“I’ll be outside,” I said, fighting the urge to turn back and check on her. She needed to know she could trust me, that she was safe around me.

I waited in the bedroom, images of Marco pressing himself against her provoking a burning anger within me once more. If I had gotten there a moment later, I would never have been able to forgive myself. Marco was going to pay for what he did.

Rodgers assured me that security had taken Marco, and I was working on getting any footage from the hotel. I suspected Marco had paid people off, but I had my ways too. I was determined to gather the evidence needed to make him pay.

Chapter 16: Keeping Her Safe

It had been thirty minutes since I left her in the bathroom, and I was starting to get worried. It had been

too long.

“Clairessa?” I called out, lightly tapping on the door. No response. My chest tightened. “Clairessa, are you okay?” I knocked louder, but still nothing.

Panic started to rise in my throat as the worst thoughts flashed through my mind. I couldn’t wait any longer. In fear, I barged in. My heart pounded as I saw her lying under the water, her arms stretched over the tub’s edge, completely still. Her eyes were closed, her face serene, but her body was motionless.

“Clairessa!” I rushed to her side, dread tightening its grip on me. My hands shook as I grabbed hers, feeling the coldness of her skin.

“Clairessa, wake up!” My voice was full of fear as I gripped her hand, desperate for a response. Without waiting, I plunged my arms under her, lifting her out of the water, holding her soaking, limp body against my chest.

the bed and laid her down gently, her wet body against the sheets. My hand instinctively cradled her face, trying to bring her back to me,

there? Talk to me, Clairessa,”

she whispered, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” Her hands clutched her knees, pulling them close to her chest, her

when it hit me–she was naked, shivering from the cold. I hurriedly dashed into the bathroom and

are your clothes?” I asked, my

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Keeping Her

pointed, and I went over, rummaging through her dresses until I found a silk nightgown and matching panties. I smiled at

she

the soft rise of her breasts that peeked through the neckline. The gown traced the shape of her body in a way that was almost too perfect…

my heart pounding as I drew

so vulnerable. How could anyone want to hurt her? And here I was, staring at her like I had no sense. I quickly looked away, cursing myself for

to hide my attraction

more trauma. I pulled back the sheets and guided her to

feel better?” I asked, brushing a strand of

clean now that I’ve gotten rid of

pain. “Can I get you anything?” I asked, softly caressing her hair. A deep need to protect her surged through me as I took her hand and led her to the

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16: Keeping Her Safe

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eyes. I pulled the duvet over her and stayed by her side until her

leave when I felt her hand

with me,” she pleaded, her voice so tender I couldn’t

sure that’s a good idea,” I replied, trying to

sleep alone tonight. Stay,” she urged, her voice

eyes, and it infuriated me to know what that bastard had put her through

sofa. As I lay down, my mind raced with thoughts of her just a few steps away. I unbuttoned my shirt, trying to get comfortable, but sleep was impossible with her so close. It took all my willpower not to lay beside her… to comfort her… to ensure she was truly okay. The day

capable of rape. Guilt wracked me inside and out. I had thrown false accusations at Clairessa. Instead of talking to her, I assumed the worst because I was jealous, and now she was paying the price for my callous ways. I was a monster, and deep down, I knew she must be blaming and hating me. I wish I’d never brought

under my care. I was going to make sure he paid dearly–not just in jail, because I knew he had money to bribe judges, but I was going to hit his