Clairessa’s POV
My eyes shot open. I stretched slowly beneath the duvet before reaching for my phone and glancing at the screen. It was past ten. I’d slept in longer than planned, but I had no one to blame but myself. Most of the night had been spent tossing and turning, restless and frustrated by the memory of Gabriel turning me down yet again. Keeping up this bad-girl act was draining, and I couldn’t help but wonder if revenge was worth all this effort.
Men like Gabriel had been with countless women—elegant, experienced women who were probably far sexier than I was. It was clear I wasn’t his type. Still, as much as I told myself to give up, I knew I couldn’t. He consumed my thoughts.
I shook my head, trying to clear it as I rose from the bed and headed to the bathroom. Staring at
