Gabriel’s POV
Clairessa looked breathtaking. The white, sheer gown she wore clung to her curves, framing them perfectly, making me want to caress every inch of her skin. Every step she took made the fabric sway, teasing me with glimpses of her smooth skin. I couldn’t help but admire her, my eyes drinking her in at every opportunity. She was stunning, and I was completely captivated.
As I held her hand and we walked along the beach, I couldn’t help but imagine all the delicious ways I could be making her mine right now. But instead, here I was, heading to dinner with Sergio and Raquel. I sighed inwardly, forcing myself to focus.
As we neared, I spotted Sergio and Raquel waiting for us. They had set up an intimate table by the beach, complete with candles and soft music playing in the background. It was romantic-almost too romantic for a casual dinner.
Sergio’s signature grin widened. “Look who finally decided to show up.”
Beside him, Raquel’s eyes sparkled as she spotted Clairessa.
Clairessa shot me a glare, gritting through her teeth. “Gabriel, please smile… so they don’t think we’re bad guests.”
My features hardened. If only she knew the plans I had for us tonight. I leaned in, my breath hot against her ear. “We could be doing a lot of naughty things right now, but you chose this,” I murmured, dragging my tongue lazily down her neck. A shiver ran through her body beneath my touch.
“Mr. Storm… they can see us,” she protested, wiggling out from under my arm.
I smirked as I caught the blush creeping onto her cheeks. She tried to cover it up with a light chuckle, shaking her head in disbelief.
She felt exactly what I was feeling, and it only made me want her more. I fought back a groan, keeping my expression neutral as we approached the table.
“Clairessa, you look absolutely stunning,” Raquel cooed, stepping forward to take her hands. “That gown is perfect for the beach. Where did you get it?”
A faint blush colored Clairessa’s cheeks. “Thank you, Raquel. Just something I picked up before the trip.”
Sergio clapped his hands. “Now that we’re all here, let’s eat!”
The table was filled with plates of fresh seafood and glasses of wine. Conversation flowed easily, but my focus stayed on Clairessa. She was talking in hushed tones with Raquel, completely oblivious to the way I was completely captivated by her.
Sergio chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re completely smitten.”
I tore my gaze away from Clairessa. “What?”
“You. You haven’t stopped looking at her all night,” he mused, sipping his drink.
I leaned back in my chair, feigning indifference. “That’s not true.”
Sergio smirked. “Gabe, come on. Look at yourself. The stress lines? Gone. You’re practically glowing.”
I shrugged, lifting my glass to my lips. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, of course you do,” he continued, clearly enjoying himself. “I’m glad you finally took my advice and went after her. You two make a great couple. Was she with you on the yacht?”
I sighed, knowing he wouldn’t let it go. “Fine. I took your advice. We have an exclusive arrangement now. And yes, she was with me on the yacht. Can we move on?”
Sergio’s brow lifted. “Exclusive arrangement? Forgive me, I’m old school-what the hell does that even mean?”
“It means,” I muttered, swirling my wine, “that you don’t need to know every damn detail of my life.”
Sergio’s grin widened. “As long as you’re happy and in a committed relationship… Who knows? You might be proposing next.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “Proposing?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “Sergio, stop pushing it. I’m never getting married again, and you know it.”
His expression turned thoughtful. “But what if Clairessa wants to?”
“What happens between Clairessa and I, is none of your business.” I groaned, raking a hand through my hair. “How’s the proposal coming along?” I deflected, eager to shift the conversation.
He grinned. “I know you’re changing the subject, but it’s alright. The planning is going great, and it’s happening tomorrow evening.”
“Congrats, man,” I patted his shoulder.
“I was hoping Clairessa could go out with Raquel tomorrow, keep her busy and off my back. That woman is nosy. If I don’t check in every hour, she will hunt me down.”
“Don’t worry,” I assured him. “I’ll talk to Clairessa. It’ll be fine.”
My gaze drifted back to Clairessa, who was still deep in conversation with Raquel. She looked beautiful, but slightly tired, a yawn escaping as her smile faded.
Maybe it was time to retire. We’d spent almost two days on the yacht and then at the villa-she probably needed rest.
I stood from my seat. “Sergio, I’m calling it a night. I’ve got to get some rest.”
Sergio’s grin turned mischievous. “Gabriel Storm, feeling tired? That’s a first. What’s been wearing you out?” he teased.
I shook my head, ignoring him as I walked over to Raquel and Clairessa. “Raquel, thanks for dinner. It was great,” I took her hand, and squeezed affectionately.
Clairessa stood as well, her smile warm but tired. “Yes, thank you. It was wonderful.”
Raquel beamed, pulling Clairessa into a quick hug. “Anytime, darling. We’ll have to do this again soon.”
“We most certainly do,” Clairessa replied before briefly bidding Sergio goodbye as well.
———
As we walked back to the villa, I tightened my grip around Clairessa’s waist, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.
“You okay?” I murmured, my lips grazing her temple.
She leaned into me, her soft curves pressing against my side. “Just a little tired. It’s been a long day.”
I tilted my head, pressing a lingering kiss to her temple. “Let’s get you to bed.”
She stopped just short of the villa door, turning to face me. Her dark, sultry eyes locked onto mine as she lifted onto her toes, brushing her lips against my jaw-a featherlight touch that sent heat racing through my veins.
She was inviting me to kiss her but I held back and sucked in a breath as she trailed those soft lips along the column of my throat, her warm breath teasing my skin.
“Clairessa,” I warned, gripping her hips, my fingers digging into the silky fabric of her gown. “Don’t start what you can’t finish.”
She let out a breathy little laugh, her fingers tracing the buttons of my shirt. “Who says I won’t finish?”
Damn it.
I felt my control fracturing as she slowly unbuttoned the top of my shirt, exposing my skin inch by inch.
She dragged her nails lightly down my chest, then leaned in-her tongue slowly licking at my collarbone before she nipped at it. A teasing bite.
My fingers tightened on her waist as a low growl rumbled deep in my chest. “I thought you were tired,” I ground out, my voice thick with need as she unfastened another button.
“How thoughtful of you, Mr. Storm,” she whispered, her lips brushing against my pulse. “But what if I don’t want to sleep? What if…” She pressed her body against mine, her curves molding perfectly to me. “…I want to do those naughty things you talked about earlier?”