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

The casino is everything I imagined it would be; I’ve watched enough episodes of CSI to not be awed at the splendor of the vast red carpeted room, filled with machines and tables and noise. He tries his luck at a few tables and soon looks bored. He’s never been much of a gambler; he likes to have situations laid out in a way that he controls the players and always wins. It’s why he’s his father’s second in command with his inherited skills. Although after the Hunter merger, I’m beginning to think his skills surpass that of Senior, seeing he knew how to play him well.

“You want to hit a club instead of this?” he’s close to me and I can already tell he’s fed up with the casino. I glance at a couple of women appraising him up and down and am mildly irritated. Maybe I should point him in the direction of the two leggy blondes and go back to the room. Have my quiet night after all. Seeing them look him over like fresh meat I pout; I’m irritated by it again and I’m aware it’s unattractive. I glare and turn my attention back to him.

“Sure.” I decide defiantly as I catch blonde girl licking her lips and thrusting her boobs forward, readying herself to approach him from the corner of my eye.

No doubt the slutty pair don’t mind group sex.

He grins happily, unaware of the female attention he’s receiving. Impulsively, I slide my arm through his possessively, throwing back my hair and sending the “hoes” a signal.

Back off, he’s not interested.

* * *

The nightclub is dark and booming and we get in easily; they know who he is, even though we’re far away from home. A common Carrero curse. I spot some well-known faces and gush when I realize there are some celebrities here and even more so when a couple of them wave his way. He’s holding my hand and pulling me through the crowds. Jake is never wary of unfamiliar places, and new crowds, he feels at ease wherever we go.

I’m trying to go easy on the alcohol, but Jake’s a seasoned-drinker and frequents the bar for top ups faster than I can drink. He has me half-drunk already and I don’t know how many times he’s pulled me onto the dance floor; everything bumping and thumping around me. He’s a good dancer and even though we have danced close at times, I get the impression he’s trying to keep a gentlemanly distance. He’s still flirty and having the usual banter with me, but there’s a definite coolness in him now we’re here. He is also staying sober, considering the way I have seen him fall into hotel rooms after a night out.

The upside to having a famous face and travelers’ blood, I guess. We sit with them and share a few drinks before I get up to dance with a girl named Lolly, who can’t keep her eyes off Jake: it’s irritating as hell. It only makes me snarky and I find I have no warmth for the girl at all. I cut in a few times to

mauled by some overbearing red head

need to have women leave him be and let him enjoy his

leaves to go to the bar with one of the men that we have started to party with. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him on the big screen, but I’m too shy to ask and his

me and tries some groin to butt hump dancing. I remove his fingers icily, aware of that rise of bile in my stomach at a male touch, and stumble to the bar feeling thoroughly cringe; looking for the one guy I feel safe with. I don’t want this creep’s hands on me, his breath on my neck. I want Jake’s presence and the security it offers from

my hands. I’m sure there’s some sort of joke in it, but I’m thirsty and it tastes amazing. It reminds me of the drink he gave me in his office the first time I ever met him. He regards me weirdly and shakes his head in

over my ass, copping a feel with a

the hell is

beer in one hand and his cell in the other, staring down at the illuminated screen;

glares, and the shady familiar face lifts his palms in mock apology. Still towering behind me a little too closely. I move nearer to Jake in

mate … You said she was just a friend,” he’s slurring,

sure how to react

Where is feisty Emma?

he stayed over. His stiff body and electric sparks crackling in the air, even from back here. Angry Jake is not much fun. Whatever sleazy is saying to him, he doesn’t seem to like it at all. I can’t hear their mumbled conversation over the music,

especially in black tailored shirts; and those ass hugging black jeans. He has the nicest ass. He has the swooniest male body if I’m being honest, no matter what he wears. He’s still so cool and in control, regardless of his