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

“You two look very relaxed.” Sylvana points out, standing by her kitchen island making a salad as we enter, my body flushes seven shades of morbid embarrassment. Jake mock frowns at me and leans in to whisper for my ears only.

“There’s no hiding what you’ve been up to is there?” His mouth lingering seductively by my ear and I give him an elbow jab to move him away. Luckily, Sylvana seems oblivious or at least has the good grace to pretend she is.

“We had a little stroll in the greenhouse and the garages.” He answers his mother smoothly, no hint of shame in his voice or manner. I keep my face down so my hair hides my hues of pink skin, heating all over.

“Oh, my roses are looking beautiful today, I only watered them this morning, that’s if you noticed the flowers, of course.” She beams at us and I catch a knowing look in her eye which only makes me want the floor to open up and take me.

Jake lets go of me and dives into the fridge for two bottles of water and hands me one, I didn’t think I needed it but I’m soon dragging it into my throat like someone who has been stuck in the Sahara for a week. Trying to push down my external blush and calm that internal flurry of panic and awkwardness.

Jake’s quizzing his mother on anything he’s missed within the family for the last couple of weeks as this is the first time he’s been home since being with me. I get lost inside my own head, thinking of nothing, just a sense of fatigue and a slight surreal feeling in the back of my mind. I blame him and his undying energy and libido. I’m in much need of a holiday from him to just lay down and sleep.

I’m a little warm too, both of their eyes on me and I look up warily.

“Emma isn’t really okay with all this yet, Mamma.” Jake warns and pulls me toward him and slides me into a stool by him. I’m confused but say nothing. I must have completely zoned out for a bit and have no idea what they said.

“Well, it isn’t going to go away, and it isn’t exactly the way I expected my first grandchild to come into the family.” She sounds upset and my stomach tightens at the topic.

Great time to zone back in, well done.

“It’s not how I imagined becoming a father either,” he mutters, glancing to me for signs of anger or even emotion but I keep it all locked safely inside and just focus on my bottle of water and the growing heat up my spine. I catch him looking at me with a frown, second guessing my blank expression. Sometimes his knowing me this well is a curse. I tighten my resolve to give nothing away and ignore him.

PA Emma face at all, or my ability to

fortnightly visitation two days a week until the baby is older. Then we’ll re-meet to arrange weekly times and days.” I can still feel his eyes on me, waiting for a reaction, instead I focus on peeling off the label on the bottle, my lip finding its way between my teeth absentmindedly. I catch his frown in the corner of my

one to change her mind like the weather.” Sylvana retorts and for the first time I sense a dislike in her for the girl. “Has your father discussed the DNA test with you?” she adds in hastily and averts her eyes to her task Jake bristles instantly; his body close enough to send out signals

one after the baby comes?” I catch the icy tone and glance up

… That you really are the father.” She leans out and pats his hand gently. “Women can be very manipulative with a means

He huffs, moving back to reach for an apple

quietly; Jake’s eyes snap up to me in surprise at hearing my voice. That I

you, seeing as it’s a moot point.” He looks annoyed with Sylvana yet wary that I’ve started talking about something I

sometimes do all in their power to get it … Marissa has always wanted you back, this isn’t about money or title.” She

pacing to the patio doors, looking outside, his body emanating aggression. The

you believe her; I think it would be best for everyone if we just made it official after the birth.” She is trying to smooth over his bad mood. I take in his straight, stiff posture and know best when to leave him be. He is in angry mode and she needs to stop talking and leave him

is on

it’s true, since sitting here and gulping down water I have started to feel really lightheaded and my cheeks are

hand comes to my face and it’s the

* * *

concern. His normally playful expression now dark and foreboding and his green eyes almost black. Sylvana appears further back,

breathes, as I flutter my lashes open. “You scared me, bambino.” His voice is husky and shaky, his hands gripping both of mine tightly and

I ask weakly, closing my eyes again as exhaustion washes

warm gentle hand stroking my cheek. “Luckily, Jake was quick enough to catch you before you did yourself a terrible injury, you were only out a couple of minutes. I think we need to get a house visit from our family doctor.” She smiles at me as I focus on her face again. I feel nothing but fatigue and disorientation, as though I’ve been

ornate ceiling above me and