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

As much as I try to prepare myself by pulling on my most efficient PA Emma face none of it truly prepares me for the blast of sickening pain when I am finally faced with one Marissa Hartley.

Walking down the stairs and into the dining room I don’t take in the beautiful room, elegant settings, or wonderful smells of food. I just see the girl with the long, curled, brown, highlighted hair. The seductive, Latino looking face with sensual lips, wearing an overly tight floor length animal print dress, fully emphasizing her bust, curvy figure, and undeniably compact baby bump protruding at her front. I also can’t ignore the way her eyes devour Jake hungrily as he walks in behind me with a guiding hand.

She exudes pure sexual energy, every movement calculated for maximum impact, hips swinging and cleavage swaying. Her pouting and hair flicking mannerisms all made for pure seduction.

I hate you so much I want to smash that center piece right into your face.

I glare at her icily, our eyes meeting for a moment, and I catch a glimmer of smugness. She has no qualms about meeting me dead on and even licks her lips in the process. I feel nothing but revulsion and soul scratching hatred for her.

“Jake … Emma.” Her low husky voice purrs our names as she slips effortlessly into a seat ushered by Sylvana, sliding down gracefully and never once taking her eyes from Jake as he settles me into my chair. I glance at the steak knives in front of me and wonder if Jake would mind if I stabbed her in the face with one.

The waiting staff nearby are laying glasses of wine down on the table. I note that both the glass before her and I are full of fresh orange instead, an inner smugness washes over me and I wonder if she will even notice.

See, you think you have something over me, Marissa, I have a secret that you’re going to hate more.

me. Neither of us has said a word since walking in here. I catch his eyes going to the ridiculously sharp cutlery, a slight hint of a smirk draws across his face.

on my face and I’m even more smug at catching Marissa scowling our way. Her eyes narrow at Jake’s affection,

says his hellos, passing smiles and introductions, when Giovanni Carrero saunters in greeting us all unemotionally. I suddenly feel a little more uncomfortable when he’s here, that steady sharp gaze seems to devour this scene, the polite greetings as though he’s walking into a business meeting and not seeing his own flesh and blood. Everyone sits, including Sylvana, and there is an almost fake politeness in the atmosphere as

to send Jake a clear message. She wants him to fix this and ensure her

is how it’s going to be, that this isn’t just about

senses that I’m feeling emotional, and like always, he’s there to ground me. I can’t help but smile at him adoringly. Green

us with a glare of sheer hatred in her eye as the death grip on the fork she’s holding turns her knuckles white. It only strengthens that inner feeling of triumph and I smile toward her

efficient house staff. I flicker up catching both men’s eyes locked across the table, no sort of emotion or message on either face. They are acting like they always do, like two men in a standoff, trying to be polite. Try

to tell you, just not here right now.” Jake’s voice betrays a slight edge in his tone and his father instantly smirks. The irritating Carrero smirk that shows they are undeniably related despite their very different appearances, neither looking away, the air almost sizzling with tension. I

or feeling, ever. An amazing poker face and never seems to have any other moods apart from this one or yelling at staff. Even in his family’s presence there is his usual, air of authority and

reassuring smile. Giovanni is at the head of the table and doesn’t acknowledge Marissa at

order.” Giovanni raises an eyebrow at me, and I choke hard on the piece of broccoli I put in my mouth. My eyes dart around the faces at the table and Jake tenses. The ripples of anger from him surging, instantly, because I’ve been put on the spot

Stammering because I have no idea what

told us you’re his VP now, because you have a good business head and could do a lot of good in the future of our company.” Arrick cuts in, with a knowing smile, and I get the same edgy tone from his voice that Jake has. I notice for the first time the same cool look he gives his father. Arrick is obviously the family mediator when it comes to this volatile relationship, moving in to easily diffuse whatever this is. I