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

“I’m still here.” I’m quiet and weak all over. I guess opening up this damn of tears has caused considerable damage, I can’t seem to stop them nowadays.

“Who hurt you, Bella?” his voice is soft and gentle. His pet name causes another fresh tear to roll down my face. “You need to tell me who he is, so I can have them sweep the building.” He coaxes gently and firmly, sounding so warm and safe to me right now.

“I hate him …” I whisper softly, the child in me making herself known. I sit in silence for a moment. My throat constricting painfully but I am starting to pull through.

“Talk to me, Emma … Please. I can’t stand this.” Pleading and gentle. Jake’s irresistible to me right now, I wouldn’t deny him anything when he is back to being the man I miss so very much. The one I can rely on.

“My father … He came here.” I sniff, wiping away residue tears, starting to gain control over them too; he just calms me effortlessly and he has absolutely no idea. He’s my lifeboat in a storming sea.

“To the offices?” a startled response, much like mine was.

“Reception, on the ground floor.” I swallow and sit up, able to take a steadying breath, my voice getting stronger.

“What did he do, Bella?” his voice is barely above a whisper. Treating me like fragile glass.

God, Jake, I need you so much.

“He asked me for money … To stay away from me.” I smirk bitterly through the pang it causes and laugh sardonically. I sound heartbroken. Maybe I am. There’s a deathly silence then curses quietly, calling my biological an awful name. Jake at least gets it.

“I slapped him in the face … My hand hurts.” I drop my eyes down to the bright red skin on my palm and the throb it’s emanating. It was worth it.

“I would have broken his neck,” he snarls. “Emma, you need to calm down, okay. I’m getting on the first flight back, Bambino … I’ll be home as soon as I can get there.” The genuine affection in his voice causes a fresh wave of tears, more relief. I want him home more than anything in the world and he’s finally coming.

“Why did you leave me?” it comes out before I can stop it, emotion fueled. Desperation at finally having normal Jake back.

“Don’t talk about this now … When I’m home.” He breathes, as men come into the stairwell, feet clanking on the floor and door creaking; they call my name out from above.

“Security is here.” I whisper and hear him sigh with relief.

to my apartment. Stay there until I’m back, wait for me.” Bossy Carrero is back, but I won’t argue, this is who I need. I won’t even refuse going to his place, I want to

“Okay.”

adds as an

“What, Jake?” I pause.

him myself.” The gruffness of his voice is

and I accept gratefully, the other offers a hand to help me up.

the cell reluctantly. I don’t want

commands gently so I hand the cell to the one

it out

Mr. Carrero?” …. “Yes, sir.” He glances at me and away again. “Right away, sir.” ….. “As soon as she identifies him.” …… “Understood!” ……. “Yes, sir, She’s … She’s calming down.” He looks me over again, this time I frown at him. Fully calm and back in control of my faculties, but I just feel drained. “Okay, sir.” He hands the cell back to me and I

I

say … I’ll be back as soon as I can. Try not to think

control and suddenly there’s nothing but fatigue. I say goodbye before I hang up; a wash of warmth, relief

coming back … He’s coming back for me. He’s going

* * *

apartment, I have dozed in and out of sleep, listening to distant sirens and noises from afar. The calming hustle and bustle of Manhattan. It’s late, I’m tired yet I’m not. I’m

retired to bed and the apartment security is out wandering the outer halls again. I’m aware of the faint sound of a crackling radio occasionally although they never really venture inside the main part of the apartment, but I like knowing they’re out there. Jake isn’t one for much security, but his father insists. He doesn’t see the need for it when he’s home, he rarely uses it when we’re on business either. I guess

I know he’s coming home, and

that he’s been …? I don’t want to think about what

suddenly. Distant, but they’re coming in. I’m not sure why they would

It’s Jake’s voice, he’s

home. I can’t control the wave of euphoria or buzz of energy this gives me. I sit up in

Don’t be stupid.

squash it. I let myself out of my room quietly and pad along the hall toward the noise, it’s one of the security men and …

a couple of feet away from Jake, looking bored, but I recognize her instantly. She’s one of “his” Leggy Bimbos and it hits me like a sucker