The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO)

Got over his porn star pretty quick.

Daniel takes in my appearance rather obviously.

“She’s not your usual type?” he smirks as the two men greet warmly. Eyes openly undressing me.

“She’s definitely yours though.” Jake smirks, nodding toward the disinterested bimbo, reminding him of their purpose here and Daniel grins. I instantly dislike him.

He’s tall and well built, like Jake, but he has sandy blonde hair and dark brown eyes. He’s handsome in a classic American way but something about his features make him seem shifty. Sleazy maybe.

The other girl looks bored; dark hair cascading over fake breasts, standing tall in stilettos and a short playsuit. She’s picking at her red nails as we move on, following Daniel back into the hotel.

Jake keeps hold of my hand, casting a glance back at the lenses pointed in through the glass entrance, he throws an arm around my shoulders shielding my face from view and I inwardly freeze. My lungs contract and refuse to function.

“Try to relax … You’re tense.” He smiles down at me, close enough that most would assume he kissed me lightly and I know he’s trying to give this impression. I hold my breath, suddenly assaulted with how good he smells and feels so close to me. It’s unexpectedly sensual and the intimate closeness sends me into all out-panic mode.

I react without thinking, to lift a defensive hand to his chest as my heart pounds crazily, ready to push him. I’m overwhelmed and scared. I don’t like the proximity; instinct taking over. He grasps my fingers with his free hand and holds them gently, shielding my reaction and making it look like something else entirely.

I focus on my breathing trying to block out the creeping fear running over me.

Don’t fall apart, I scold myself internally. Hold your shit together, Emma. It’s only pretend and he’s barely touching you.

“I have a room.” Daniel winks at us as though implying something is going on. I almost pass out.

“I figured I would have a use for it afterwards.” He throws a glance toward the leggy, bored, supermodel, who looks like she’s as excited for that as she is about being here. I grimace and flush at his insinuation.

the elevator and throws me a smile, like it’s meant as praise, but I don’t

the desired floor and follow Daniel;

the liberty of ordering a breakfast menu … I know you like to eat, Jakey boy.” He grins Jake’s way and

starving, and I’m sure Emma

recovering. I hadn’t had time to eat this morning, but I’m not

where he laid them, a lasting sensation as though they are still on me. I give

to stop

Chapter 5

will want to recap. I listen intently to them thrash through proposals and possibilities with enthusiasm and can see that these men are genuine friends.

me, his eyes following my legs and arms intrusively as Jake outlines some points of business. He makes my skin crawl and I’m doing my best to ignore him. I

them. The friendship seems genuine, but I don’t see

low down in the armchair like an adolescent with his forearms resting on the arms of the chair. His head nuzzled in the cushioned back,

couch and leaning forward away from the back. He moves a lot when he talks and behaves over energetically when his interest is peaked. I wonder if he’s a firm member of the “Charlie” culture among the rich and famous. Cocaine use is common; I’ve seen a lot of it in the ladies’ bathrooms at the Carrero glitzy parties, events, and promotions. I glance at Jake wondering if he’s someone who uses it too and get a heavy ache in my chest. I hope he’s not; I’ve

sharply. I’m beyond mortified at my own reaction but hide it well. I’ve seen naked before. I’m no virgin and

abdomen is

points, Daniel and we’ll meet again. Next time more formally to discuss this further.” He

bonding over stabbing your fathers in the back. How

drinking session when I get

jokes

to help you pick up on the pretties. You’re pretty useless solo.” Daniel laughs

both know I’m the one with the moves, women just like your pretty boy smile and fat wallet, Princess.” Jake pinches his cheek and