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 much!

and tense; nothing like our hugs of the past. He releases me, searching my face for a hint of untruth, but sees nothing. I’m so beyond used to men behaving that way toward me that I’m no longer affected by it as I should be;

in the garage.” He takes my arm and guides me out of the

of us knowing what to say or how to behave. He lets me go and moves away, giving me some space and I wonder if it’s because of Gabrielle. If maybe

it many times before and I know it cost him over a million dollars and I’m stunned by just how seductive it is. It’s jet black and looks almost sinister, sat in his personal parking space, like a shadowy bat-mobile in

with as much sex appeal as

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 handle and lifts the car door up toward the sky to let me into the molded seats and high-tech interior. He then pushes the door down, concealing me behind the tinted windows before gliding round to

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 interior lights up from a display in front of us, whirring and electrical noises from the rear as a tail fin comes up from the smooth sleek flat

machine and even though I’ve never been interested in vehicles

He grins over to me like a boy with his favorite toy, all bad moods lifted at being re-united with it. He reverses out of the space, expertly in control of his beast 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, giving it a sense of driving out of some concealed spaceship into the air above. The loudest, roaring machine I’ve ever heard. I can sense the way we’re sticking to the road as it

this is the first time I’ve actually seen it?” I blink around

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

he looks sitting in the pilot seat of this monster, effortlessly taking control

Formula One favorites?” I

I bought the car after many years 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

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

at him,

croons a little as though soothing an offended woman. “She’s called Miss. Anderson!” He winks at me

smile and cheeky expression. Ordinarily I would give anything to have the casual humor between us back, but