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

“Now, Emma!” He growls my way and I realize this is futile, he won’t let me leave until I do. I take a deep breath and stare at him, telling him in detail, as much as I can remember. He sits the whole time in silence, jaw clenched and brows down in an angry glare, watching me intensely. I hate him looking at me that way. I’m doubting myself, wondering if he’s thinking I’m being a drama queen. If he even believes me or is wondering why I would assume Dan had done anything wrong.

When I’m done, he pulls out his cell and barks orders at some poor soul, issuing marching orders on grounds of sexual harassment. He stills while they explain something to him on the other end of the line.

“Then set it up … Him, you and whatever legal team representatives are available, first thing … Offer him severance. I don’t give a shit! … I want him gone! No one lays a hand on any woman in this company without consequence … There’s footage from the elevator CCTV, I’ll deal with security myself.” He snaps the commands, eyes fixated on my face, showing contained rage.

There’s a rise of pride within me as I watch him on the cell, that surge of love I always felt around him.

Mr. Commanding “don’t mess with me” Carrero … Scary as shit boss.

One thing that surprised me when I first encountered him, was how passionately he seemed to stand up for women, their rights and giving them respect in the workplace. I guess his relationship with his mother has a lot to do with how he is. It’s one of the reasons I trust him so fully. I know he’s probably one of the few men in this building I am safe around, despite his playboy, womanizing, status.

“No. The woman in question will not be there … I will … on her behalf.” He’s still angry, shouting down his cell to whoever was unlucky enough to have a direct line to Jake.

“Call me back when it’s set up … No matter what time … I’ll clear my schedule … Yes … Goodbye.” He hangs up his cell, his mouth held in a tight line.

“I’m taking you home.” It’s a command, not a question and I know there’s little point arguing with him when he’s in battle mode. After the lift scene, I don’t fancy walking to the station alone anyway. I’m shaken but all I can do is nod and look away unsurely. I sense him move close to me so he’s almost touching my knees with his legs.

“Are you okay?” His voice is so soft and gentle I’m forced to glance up. He’s holding out a hand to me and I accept as he pulls me to my feet. Slowly, he wraps one arm around my shoulders, pulling me against him and gives me a soothing hug, like Jake of old. His chin rests against my temple, letting all the tension seep out of me.

This is the Jake I miss the most, the friend that he always was. This is the Jake who rips out my heart whenever he shows face.

you so

past. He releases me, searching my face for a hint of untruth, but sees nothing. I’m so beyond used to

out of the small room,

space and I wonder if it’s because of Gabrielle. If maybe he doesn’t want to make me feel uncomfortable, enclosed in a small space with him, not that he ever would. Thankfully, the trip to the

it many times before and I know it cost him over a million dollars and I’m

with as much sex

higher paid execs and has a full-time security post wandering around, gated entrance, and a hoard of CCTV cameras, making it feel like Fort Knox. I follow him as the car beeps in response to our approach, signaling it’s unlocking. I walk to the passenger side as he touches the

screams Jake, from every pore; something about its relaxed coolness, sleek sportiness, and intimidating shape. He presses a button by the steering wheel, and it roars into life, sounding like an expensive jet plane, purring with vibrations as he hits the gas. The

dream machine and even though I’ve never been interested in vehicles of any sort, I

and head outs of the underground park, waving to the men who lift the barrier to let us out. The tunnel exit is lit by ground lights guiding us to the outside traffic,

time I’ve actually seen

it back a couple of weeks ago, it’s been away for months, having adjustments to my specs. I also had the color changed … it used to be bright orange.” He’s keeping both eyes on the road, driving carefully as we hit traffic. The engine’s louder than I expected in

looks sitting in the pilot

this the reason you learned to drive with Formula One favorites?” I tease. “So,

of lessons, and a lot of research … This baby is a car made for people who can actually drive.” He flashes me his because I can

like a waste for the streets of New York.”

transported every so often to my family’s home in Italy … They have amazing tracks over there to give this girl a run for her money.” He swells with pride, patting the dash, and smiles at the dark interior, stopping at a red light. The car drops into purring mode, reducing

her?” I laugh at him, but he looks my way

course, you must name your baby. She’s my girl!” He rubs the dash again and croons a little as though soothing an offended woman. “She’s called Miss. Anderson!” He winks at me with a grin, receiving a sigh and a shake of

the window, away from his smile and cheeky expression. Ordinarily I would give anything to