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

Chapter 175

Emerging twenty minutes later, the stains replaced with a sheer gloss instead, I make my way to the huge, opulent dining room and slide in beside him at the table amid the arrival of some of the others. He’s using his phone and completely ignores me. I bristle, knowing this isn’t a normal Jake move but I’m not going to let it get to me, I’m going to act like I don’t care at all and just sit down. I stop myself from looking at him, even though it’s almost impulsive to eye up how gorgeous he always looks.

As soon as everyone is seated, he puts his phone away, leans back on his chair and places an arm across the back of mine while throwing me a triumphant look. I note that his father watches us from a distance at the head of the huge dark wood table and physically still. I have managed to avoid him until now, but dinner will be interesting. I get the distinct impression Giovanni is not all that enamored with his son hooking up with an employee from his own office. Especially a nobody with no fortune and a troubled past.

“You can still back out now, bambino, and we can just enjoy dinner and a lot of fun after.” Jake nudges me quietly, commanding my attention, his eyes steady on my face. He drops his gaze to my mouth and smirks some more at the lack of red lipstick. It only ignites that inner stubbornness.

“Why would I? You’re obviously struggling, Jake, I’m sure if it’s too hard you can just admit defeat.” I smile salaciously and turn my attention to my champagne glass, running my finger around the rim teasingly. He watches me with interest for a moment then gets up with a smile.

“I told Cara I would sit beside her tonight.” He smirks cruelly at me then saunters off to the seat beside the girl, receiving an award-winning smile from her. I almost inwardly curl up and tremble. Nausea and anxiety equally consuming my stomach and a tight gut-wrenching throb. Jealousy punching its way into my gut.

What is he doing? Surely Jake would not do this to me for the sake of a stupid challenge?

me, greeting me with a warm hello and no sense of surprise at all. I try to smile but

conspiringly. “She wouldn’t know what to do with someone like Jake and he only has eyes for you, mia cara.” He nudges me with his shoulder and this time I smile genuinely, at his niceness and at the family trait of mixing English and Italian. Something they all seem to

I pout keeping my eyes away from Jake

Slut!

and, yes, he told me you two have some sort of bet going … Abstaining from sex until one of you breaks.” He winks and picks up his glass. “I suggest you play him at his own game,

over, seeing Jake effortlessly sprawled in his seat commanding not only Cara’s attention but the quiet brunette that came with his other cousin too, both fluttering lashes and smiling at him coquettishly. He’s in full flirt mode,

For god’s sakes!

to do it.” He pats my hand and sits back as his starter is laid before him. I lean back as my plate of asparagus spears, boiled egg, and hollandaise sauce piled delicately on top is placed before me by

unaware that despite how I am with Jake, most men still make me feel uncomfortable. Arrick seems to be an exception and sitting with him now, I couldn’t feel more at ease. I guess it’s because he is enough like Jake to feel relaxed around, something about him, much like his brother, makes

… You know how to push his buttons and throw him off his game. Use what you know. It’s obvious that you have an influence over him that no one can even come close to.” He smiles and tucks into his food while I sit and look at the plate, pondering his words. Arrick is a wise one, he has that quick Carrero mind and that flawless confidence. He is one to watch in coming years as he comes into his own and manhood. Jake may have a competitor within the family business

a few things about him. One, that he can get insanely jealous and it’s never a good route to take. I have already proven that more than once. Two, he’s better than most people at games, seems to get a kick out of winning and can read people and situations with deathly speed. Three, when it comes to me, he always takes care of me obsessively, that even when he’s mad, he still can’t

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255