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.

a slight hint of a smirk draws across his face. He obviously knows where my brain has been heading and I raise an eyebrow at him as if to say, What? He just shakes his head

please don’t stab her while we have witnesses.” The low husky tone, followed by his chuckle, sets a smile on my face and I’m even more smug at catching Marissa scowling our way. Her eyes narrow at Jake’s

in greeting us all unemotionally. I suddenly feel a little more uncomfortable when he’s here, that steady

fold of the family to send Jake a clear message. She wants him to fix this and ensure her grandchild is not kept from her. She wants Marissa to feel like she’s a part of this, and belongs

her presence in this home with these people who are supposed to be my family one day. The realization that this is how it’s going to be, that this isn’t just about her, Jake, and I, but it’s about all of us and what these people will be in her child’s life. That tug of emotion rises, hitting me hard, swallowing down the pain that threatens to consume me

hand over mine and pulls it to his mouth kissing my knuckles, softly, pulling me toward him a little. He bridges the gap and pecks me softly on the cheek whispering “I love you” as he pulls back. He senses the change in me, 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 eyes locking onto mine, so many messages translating in one tender look. My heart rising a little that I have him and she never will, not in the way she wants

grip on the fork

as the starter plates are slid before us by 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

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 catch a nervous flinch in the corner of Sylvana’s eye

unreadable people I have ever met in my life. He gives no inkling to what he’s thinking 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 emotional distance.

at the head of the table and doesn’t acknowledge Marissa at all. He doesn’t even look her way, keeping his dark set

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 have no idea what to

in, with a knowing smile, and I get the same edgy tone from his voice that Jake has. I notice for the first