Chapter 33: Dangerously Close To Breaking

Gabriel’s POV

Chapter 33: Dangerously Close To Breaking

“Mr. Storm…” Clairessa’s voice echoed softly through the intercom, and something inside me tightened.

“Clairessa, my office. Immediately,” I said, my tone firm, my mood darker than I cared to admit.

Ever since that night at my house–the night I lost control and let the passion between us overtake me- she had made it a point to avoid me. She barely spoke to me, kept her distance, and buried herself in work as if nothing had happened. I should have been relieved. After all, I was the one who pushed her away, drawing a line between us that she now refused to cross. But instead of relief, all I felt was… emptiness.

I missed her.

God, how I needed to see her. It was something I didn’t even want to admit to myself. Yet every time she walked into a room, the atmosphere shifted. She was a burst of energy, a breath of fresh air in my otherwise suffocating world.

Now, she had grown cold–so distant that I barely recognized her. And it was my fault. I deserved her indifference, her coldness. But it didn’t stop me from wanting her close.

I was playing a wicked, selfish game with her emotions–and mine. But I didn’t care. Clairessa had gotten under my skin, into my system like a drug I couldn’t quit.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could answer, she walked in.

“Mr. Storm, you asked to see me?” Clairessa’s voice was firm as she approached my desk. She wore a

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Chapter 33: Dangerously Close To Breaking

gray pantsuit, her shirt crisp and white, her hair neatly tied in a ponytail.

She looked stunning, as always, but today, something was different. She seemed distant, detached–more than usual.

I narrowed my eyes, fighting to control the emotions threatening to surface. “Why did it take you over an hour to respond to my email?” I asked, leaning back in my chair, my gaze fixed on her.

Her eyes flashed with annoyance. “I was busy with other projects, Mr. Storm,” she replied curtly, her voice defiant.

The warm smile she used to grace me with was gone, replaced by a cold, stern expression that fueled the fire inside me. God, she was beautiful, even when angry. No–especially when angry. It infuriated me that I found her even more attractive this way.

She rolled her eyes, and my blood heated instantly. Was she trying to provoke me? The memory of her gasping my name that night came rushing back. I had been so close to having her, and I’d stopped. Why? I didn’t even know anymore.

defiance made me ache to finish what I had started. I had been so close to having her, and

I fumed. For a moment, I thought I

my eyes, Mr. Storm,” she retorted,

working. The fire in her eyes made me want to pull her across my desk and remind her exactly who was in charge. But two could play this

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Dangerously Close To Breaking

smart with me, Clairessa,” I warned,

her shoulders, the way she straightened when

worked on the brief I sent you?” I asked, shifting

87%

the chance,” she crossed her arms. “I’ve been busy with other responsibilities that pertain

today? Fine. “Enlighten me,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “What

designs for the launch,” she replied steadily, though the fire in her eyes

how long have you been working on it?”

I are almost at the

a smug grin,

can’t do that!” she exclaimed, stepping closer

just did,” I replied, wearing a cocky grin, watching her reaction.

fury only fueled me. “That’s unfair!” she fumed. “I’ve put

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Dangerously Close to

pulling me off it without any reason?”

you’re overstepping 1 cautioned, standing from my chair and walking toward her. “From now on, you

onto mine with fury as she pointed a finger at me. “You want me

close enough to catch the faint scent of her perfume. “You’ll fit into whatever role I choose for you. There

muttered under her breath, shaking her

I’d heard her clearly, I wanted her to say it again.

she said with a fake smile that made me want to kiss

is on my desk before the end of the day,” I commanded. “Not

it

will require some changes. Be ready to

a pay increase?” she asked, raising an

be fair, wouldn’t it, Mr. Storm?”

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