Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 118: Take It Off

My pulse pounded as Gabriel’s hard body pressed against my softness, the heat radiating off him like a drug I couldn’t resist. His familiar dark, woodsy scent wrapped around me, intoxicating, making it impossible to think. “So, you don’t like my surprises?” he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear. I swallowed, trying to steady my restless nerves. “Well… I never said that,” I breathed, my body betraying me as it melted into him despite my weak attempt to resist. “Then what is it?” His other hand came up, tilting my chin so I had no choice but to look into his stormy gaze. “Gabriel, you bought the car without asking me first.” His lips curled, amusement and arrogance blending in that infuriatingly sexy way. “That’s typically how surprises work, Clairessa.” His fingers trailed lower, brushing away a stray drop of water gliding down my neck. His touch was so light, yet it sent shivers through me, making it impossible to resist him any longer. I sucked in a shaky breath. “I appreciate it, but I don’t think I can accept it. It’s too much.” “Too much for who?” “For me,” I argued. “People at the office will wonder how I could afford something like that-” He smirked. “So, you’re worried about what people will say?” “No, I’m not,” I shot back, but the way my voice trembled betrayed me. “Then what is it?” His grip on my waist tightened, possessive yet maddeningly gentle. “Gabriel, I-” “You need to get used to this,” he interrupted, his lips barely grazing mine. “You’re dating a man of many means, sweetheart–one who always gets what he wants. And I don’t do small gifts.” His intense gaze burned into mine, silencing the response at the tip of my tongue. “When I have the finest things in the world at my fingertips, why would I give you anything less?” I huffed, exasperated. “Don’t you get it? This isn’t about the money.” “It always is.” His fingers dipped lower, tracing the edge of my towel’s neckline, making my chest rise and fall rapidly. “You know you’re different,” he continued, his hands gliding to my hips, pulling me firmly against him. “Any other woman would have accepted it without pushback–would have fallen over to thank me. But not you.” I glared at him. “So you think a gift is your way of staking a claim on me? Showing you own me and expecting me to fall at your feet?” His smirk deepened. “No, sweetheart. I don’t need a grand gesture to stake my claim–I think I already own you.” His arrogance should have made me furious. And it did. But, God help me, it also set my skin on fire. The way he carried himself, the way he spoke like he was untouchable. It was maddening. It was irresistible. Still, I couldn’t let him see that he was right–that he was winning. I squared my shoulders. “Well, I’m not any other woman,” I countered, despite how desperately I wanted his kisses. “I don’t want to be bought, Gabriel. I refuse to be a mistress you spoil just to keep yourself entertained.” His expression darkened, and before I could take another breath, I was pressed against the wall, his body caging me in. “Mistress?” His voice was rough, almost insulted. “You think that’s what this is?” I opened my mouth to argue, but he didn’t let me. His lips crashed against mine, swallowing my defiance in a deep, passionate kiss. His hands gripped my hips, pulling me tighter against him, making me feel just how much he wanted me. I should have pushed him away, should have reminded him that I was my own person. But I didn’t. Instead, I surrendered, letting him claim me. I kissed him back with the same intensity, my fingers gripping his shirt pulling him closer, needing more. He growled against my lips, pulling back just enough to speak. “You bloody well know you mean more to me than that, Clairessa. Say you believe me…” Before I could respond, his mouth was on mine again, reclaiming me with another searing kiss. His lips trailed down to

me. “I hate you,” I whispered, but it came out breathless, needy. He chuckled, his lips grazing my ear. “Liar” Then, just as abruptly as he had taken control, he pulled back. I was left aching, dazed, my hands still clutching his shirt. “I want you to kiss me,” I demanded before I could stop myself, driven by pure desire. He smirked. “No… not until you tell me you believe me.” I clenched my jaw. “You’re infuriating.” He simply grinned, clearly enjoying watching me crave him. I should have told him to leave. But he already knew he owned me, and God help me–I was letting him. All I needed was his lips. “I believe you,” I gasped, unable to hold back anymore, leaning in until my lips brushed against his. “Thank you for the car…” His smirk deepened, satisfaction flashing in his eyes. “That’s