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 falls for it hook, line, and

just a game, a stupid game. I don’t need the contract signed. I just need you.” He kisses me and wipes away all my resolve. His arms sliding around me firmly and pressing

Jake.” I breathe into his mouth as his hands work down my curves, he doesn’t need to be

* * *

top of me, my legs coming around his waist and his hands running down 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 into me with his hardness, making me even more wanton than I was down at the pool

startled yelp and I jerk my eyes open. My head snaps up at the direction of the noise and

you’re upset, Emma, and I know when you’re trying to play me. Sweet dreams, baby … Only way I’m sleeping next to you tonight is if your powerless

angrily as it clanks and digs into my skin. Inner rage igniting, torn between disbelief and sheer

turning away as I hurl abuse at him, rolling and trying to get free.

you rip that headboard off too, and before you 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 his teeth and leaving me leashed to this goddamn

up, pulling with all my might but it’s no good. The biting pain in my wrist makes me give in long before the bed does, and I slump. Sitting down dejectedly, 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

For fuck’s sake!

bathroom wearing sweatpants

He slides onto the bed and pulls over a book from the bedside table, settling down to read it and flicking the

leave me like this?” I blanche in disbelief, raising my hands in question ignoring the bite of the cuff

way. Turns a page in his book and crosses his ankles. I feel like screaming at him or at least slapping that book out of his stupid hand. I

snap, hauling back the comforter and maneuvering inside of it awkwardly, I slide off my stockings one at 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, it’s not wholly uncomfortable, it’s just awkward. I huff and sigh and try to get comfy, but I can’t. The anger

sexy.” He chuckles.

Fuck you!