Chapter 3 Make Me Yours

Clairessa’s POV I saw Gabriel heading toward a dimly lit hallway, one that I guessed led to the restrooms. My heart thudded as I realized this might be my only chance. Without overthinking, I followed him. The hallway was quiet, the music from the main room faint in the background. Halfway down, Gabriel must have sensed me behind him because he suddenly stopped and turned around. I froze as his intense gaze locked onto mine. Before I could take another step, he moved swiftly, closing the distance between us and pinned me against the wall. His muscular body pressed hard against mine, his hands trapping my wrists above my head. My breathing quickened, trapped between him and the cold wall, his face just inches from mine. "You again," he said, his voice low and laced with amusement. His eyes locked onto mine, searching. "What are you doing here? Following me?" For a moment, I couldn’t speak. The way his eyes held me made my head spin, and it wasn't just from the drinks I'd had earlier. Instead of answering I leaned closer, brushing my lips against his as I whispered. "I came for you." A sly smirk spread across his face as his eyes travelled over me, slow and knowing. I felt exposed, but I didn’t care. His look sent a shiver through me, making my body tremble under his hold. “What’s your name?” he asked, his voice calm, but there was a certain force in it. “Clairessa,” I replied, my voice a little shaky. “How old are you?” he asked next, his eyes still on mine. “Twenty-two,” I replied quickly, then realized my mistake. “Oh no... twenty-three.” The alcohol made my thoughts foggy, and I could tell he wasn’t convinced. He looked at me like he was seeing right through me. “You’ve been drinking,” he said plainly. “I don’t mess with little girls who can’t think straight.” I straightened my back, summoning whatever courage I had left. “I’m thinking clearly enough to know what I want,” I shot back. “And what’s that?” His eyes narrowed slightly, waiting. “You,” I answered without hesitation. For a moment the air between us felt electric. Then he leaned closer, his face inched closer to mine, his breath warm and tantalizing. “You don’t know what you’re asking for,” he said, his tone low, a warning laced in every word. "Maybe I do," I countered, tilting my chin up. "I know what I see-a man who wants me just as much as I want him." His lips twitched into a brief smile. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But I'm not the kind of man you chase after. I'm too old and dangerous for you. "That’s exactly what I want—the danger," I murmured, almost breathless now. His hard body pressed so closely against mine was driving me mad with need. I had to feel more of him. His eyes darkened as his grip tightened on my wrist. "I'm giving you a chance to walk away, or I won't be able to stop myself." His lips curved into a wicked smile. For a second doubt crossed my mind. This man was right, I hardly knew him, yet here I was ready to offer myself to him, even when everything about him screamed danger. But the ache in my chest and the fire in my veins refused to let me back down. "I'm not leaving," I said softly, despite the rush of emotions coursing through me. His hands released my wrists, but instead of moving back, his fingers grazed along the neckline of my dress. The light touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, my skin burning where his fingertips lingered. “You should,” he murmured, his lips brushing against the curve of my jaw. “Run while you still can.” “I’m not afraid,” I declared, my voice trembling, not with fear, but with the overwhelming desire coursing through me. I knew he was giving me another chance to run, but I couldn’t. My limbs felt numb under him, but my body was wide awake with a need no one had ever aroused in me. This was beyond the alcohol—it was all him. I stared at him, unashamed, before whispering, "I want you... right here... right now." His lips hovered over mine, his breath mingling with my own as he spoke. "Once I start, there's no turning back." I nodded, my body trembling under his touch. My eyes dropped to his lips, full and tempting. I watched, craving more, as his tongue slowly swept across his bottom lip. "How could I possibly want you to stop when my body is aching for your touch." The words slipped before I could stop them. For a second, I thought he would push me away again, but then something in him snapped. His lips inched closer to mine, and his fingers lightly stroked my cleavage. The touch made my breasts push higher against my dress, my nipples tightening, my chest heaving as my heartbeat raced. It was all getting too intense, and I was tempted to run and pretend this never happened. But the ache between my legs was too strong to ignore. I wasn’t about to let this moment slip away. “Kiss me," I whispered, pressing my body closer to him in a slow, seductive tease. “Make me forget him....” —----------- "Clairessa! Wake up!" Jessica’s voice cut through the dream I was having, along with the constant shaking of my shoulder. I groaned, burying my face deeper into the pillow, trying to hold onto the last bit of the dream that was quickly fading. "Come on, you’re late for your first day!" Jess’s voice grew more urgent, and the words finally hit me—my first day at Storm Innovations. That was all I needed to jump out of bed. The sudden movement made my head spin, and a wave of dizziness and nausea hit me. "Oh no," I muttered, pressing my hand to my pounding forehead. "What time is it?" "It’s already 7:30. You’re supposed to be there in half an hour," Jessica said, looking worried. “I tried waking you earlier, but you were out cold.” “Damn it,” I cursed under my breath. I had never been late for anything in my life, and now, on the most important day of my career, I was messing up. As I stood there, trying to shake off the grogginess, flashes of last night came back—hazy and disjointed, enough to make me cringe. "So, it wasn’t a dream," I muttered, the images replaying in my mind. The club, the drinks, the dangerously attractive man, his intense eyes, his touch, the kiss. My heart raced as I remembered it all—a mix of regret and excitement. I had kissed a man I didn’t even know. And I had let him touch me... What was I thinking?