Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 156

Gabriel’s POV

As Clairessa walked out, I stood frozen—caught between chasing after her or letting her go.

And I let her go.

Even though it felt like someone had reached into my chest and torn my heart out without mercy.

The last look on her face—God, I’d never forget it. That raw, agonizing pain in her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks.

I did that.

All because I let my emotions override every ounce of reason I had.

Because of a fucking photo. One I didn’t even trust. I reacted without thinking. Without proof. Without giving her the benefit of the doubt.

I let it poison everything. Let suspicion consume me. Let anger drive me—and now? God, now I might’ve destroyed the one good thing I had.

I may have just destroyed the only real chance at love I’ve ever had. At happiness. At peace.

“Fuck...” I muttered, dragging both hands through my hair, fingers tangling in the strands like I could burn the frustration out through my scalp.

But nothing made sense anymore.

Flashes from the night before hit me like a brutal tide. Standing Clairessa up on the rooftop. Ignoring her messages. Driving to The Cave, letting the music drown out my thoughts.

The burn of alcohol. The lights. The strippers. Tina.

Meeting her. Drinking. Letting her get close.

Bringing her here.

I remembered the strip tease. Her grinding on me. Her hands roaming as she undressed me—lips on my skin, fingers tugging off my shirt… then reaching lower, fumbling with my pants… my briefs.

And after that—nothing. Just a blank space.

I turned around slowly, dreading what I might’ve done.

Tina stood by the door, arms loosely crossed over her chest, biting her lip like she didn’t know what to say.

Like she was sorry.

Like she knew exactly what was running through my head.

“What the hell happened last night?” I asked, my voice hoarse. “Tell me we didn’t...”

I couldn’t even say it. The words refused to come out. My stomach twisted at the thought. I needed to hear her say it. I needed to know I didn’t completely betray Clairessa—physically.

“No, Gabriel,” she interrupted, raising a hand. “You were drunk. Completely out of it.”

I stared at her, the words barely registering.

“What?”

“I mean... I tried," she admitted, looking away. "I used every trick I knew—ones that used to work on you back in the day. But nothing did.”

“We didn’t,” Tina said firmly. “You passed out right after I undressed you. I was already half-naked from dancing—I just lay down beside you. That’s it. Nothing happened.”

“For what it’s worth,” she said softly, “I believe she still loves you. And I think there’s still a chance for you to make this right.”

"I don’t know, Tina," I muttered. "There’s a lot going on, and honestly, I don’t want to keep talking about this right now.”

“That’s fair,” she noted gently, reaching for my hand. “But I want you to know something—you don’t have to go through this alone. Our relationship doesn’t have to be about sex.”

She paused, locking eyes with me as she searched my face. “We can talk,” she continued, her voice low. “About what you’re really feeling. It might help… instead of keeping it all bottled up.”

I pulled away slightly. The only person I’d allowed to see through me in years was Clairessa—and no one else.

Then I looked at Tina—really looked at her. The seductress was gone. Standing in her place was a woman offering me kindness. A friend.

And maybe, in this moment, that was exactly what I needed: a friend to share some of my thoughts with… my confusion. Someone who could help shed light on the clarity I desperately needed, because my emotions were clouding my judgment.

I nodded faintly. "You’re right," I murmured. "Bottling it up hasn’t done me any good. And getting drunk was the worst decision I could’ve made.”

"No kidding," she muttered with a small smirk.

"Talking might help," I admitted. "Because clearly, I can't trust myself when I’m spiraling."

"Then come," she said, tugging gently at my hand. "Sit with me properly. Just talk."

And for the first time in a long while, I let myself.

We sat in silence for a moment before Tina tilted her head and locked eyes with me. I knew the question was coming.

"So... Do you love her?"