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

I have to play this out if I’ve any chance of beating him.

Lifting my wine glass, the other hand tugging a strand of my hair, to wash down the cream cannelloni, I shiver with the smallest breeze behind me as someone passes and glance up expecting to see the maid. The elderly gentlemen walks by and leaves the room with a puce colored face and bored expression. Heat envelopes me as an arm comes around my shoulder unexpectedly and a firm hot mouth kisses me on the exposed skin.

“Hey, bambino … You okay?” that inner triumph sparks as Jake surrounds me with his heat and smell. Sitting in the recently evacuated seat next to me. I glance down, noting he’s brought his glass of wine with him and push down the urge to beam in his presence, instead keeping my tone controlled and flat.

“I’m fine.” Just enough of a sigh to portray that I’m not.

I should get an Oscar for this.

“You want to go for a walk or go upstairs?” He sounds concerned, a hesitation in his voice that maybe he’s pushed things too far. My little boy Carrero in full flow, so unsure and sweet.

Don’t melt at it, stay strong.

“No. I’m good, thanks.” I keep my face turned from him and push the rest of my dessert around the plate absentmindedly. I know it looks to him as though I’m upset.

“You know I would never do anything, baby? I love you; I’d never hurt you like that.” The tone in his voice betrays more than apprehension, he’s trying to reassure me. He’s back peddling this evening and my inner smugness rises up. I keep my expression blank and my exterior controlled.

“I know.” I smile tightly and pull away from him to get up, announcing I need to go to the ladies’ room and excuse myself quickly. Jake follows close behind me, catching me in the hall.

“Emma, wait.” He catches my arm, pulling me to him and encircles me with his arms. “Baby, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have behaved like this and made you feel this way. Look, can we just forget all of this, bambino? You know me. I would never do anything to make you leave me. Come upstairs and we can just go to bed early. Veg out and watch one of those trashy movies you love so much.” His narrowed brow and genuine concern make me melt and even feel slightly guilty.

This is the guy I love to death, right here. This one with the beautiful green eyes and loving heart.

away as though I’m surprised he cares, and he

contract signed. I just need you.” He kisses me and wipes away all my resolve.

as his hands work down my curves, he doesn’t need to

* * *

the silkiness of my stockings hungrily, finding their way into the lace of my thong. His mouth covers my neck and the swell of my breasts trying to burst out of my bra. I’m panting and heaving as he devours me, grinding

as cold metal encircles my wrist causing a startled yelp and I jerk my eyes open. My head snaps up at the direction of the noise and Jake pulls away, sitting back on his haunches with a satisfied smirk as I realize he’s handcuffed me to the bed by one hand. I tug at

when you’re trying to play me. Sweet dreams, baby … Only way I’m sleeping next to you tonight is if your powerless to touch me.” He climbs off the bed and strolls to

free my hand and glaring at him angrily as it clanks and digs into my skin. Inner rage igniting, torn between disbelief and

pen?” He asks mercilessly, turning away as I hurl

ask, I borrowed them from Alessandra. Seems she’s no loyalty to which side wins.” He walks into the bathroom and turns on the tap, brushing

the rage rising inside of me crazily. He’s always one step ahead. Always knows how to shut me down at every turn, even using Alessandra to borrow these cuffs as

For fuck’s sake!

finally walks out of the bathroom wearing

table, settling down to read it and flicking the TV onto a chick flick for me, pushing cushions behind him and getting

me like this?” I blanche in disbelief, raising my hands in question

out cold.” He doesn’t even look my way. Turns a page in his

a time and throw both at his face angrily. He doesn’t react, just lets them fall down his shoulder and leaves them propped there with a satisfied smile on his face. “Well, goodnight then.” I snort and lay down so that my arm is held up above my head on the cushion,

He chuckles. Actually

Fuck you!