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.

miss you

but it’s awkward and tense; nothing like our hugs of the past. He releases me,

of the small room, keeping me close beside his warmth and heads for the

the atmosphere becomes strained, neither 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 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 ground floor

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

that his car would scream with as much sex appeal as he

by the 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

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

and even though I’ve never been interested

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

this is the first time I’ve actually seen it?” I blink around in the dark interior,

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 the open air and I can hear a whizzing wheeze of a turbo.

at him, awed by how good he looks sitting in the pilot

to drive with Formula One favorites?” I tease. “So, you can drive your own

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 grin,

like a waste for the

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,

you haven’t named her?” I laugh at him, but he looks

as though soothing an offended woman. “She’s called Miss. Anderson!” He winks

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