The Carrero Heart - Beginning (Friends to Lovers)

Pulling my cell from my bag stubbornly, intent on ending this if it kills me, I swipe to my block list, find his name and press unblock. I at once follow it with ‘call’ before I lose my nerve or change my mind. I sit back, heart pounding through my chest and pulse rate erratic, but I must stop this once and for all.

He answers after two short rings, and I have to control the stab of pain that his voice gives me.

“Sophie?” He sounds shocked, yet emotional.

I pull myself together and sit up straighter. Taking a long deep breath to steady my inner chaos and center myself so I sound calm and mature. My stomach twists and my hands shake.

calling me.” I state forcefully, trying to keep all traces of weakness or warmth

I told you we needed to talk about this.” He sounds strained, so unlike his normal cool self, and the noise in the background suggests he is at Carrero Corp. The hustle and bustle of office noises and the reason he’s keeping his tone

because I need to, and nothing can fix this except space. What is talking going to do, Arry? Huh? Are you going to suddenly not love Natasha anymore and ask me to settle down and be your girlfriend?” It comes out nastily, hurt moving in, and I scold myself for sounding so pathetic. Hate myself for lashing out at him, when really, he’s done

Your head is not’ the only one which has been fucked up by this.” His tone is ravaged; I know Arrick better than most,

me move on, Arry. I’m begging you. Stop calling me, stop texting, and just leave me alone. Let me get over you and get some sanity back. Maybe after that, we can see each other ... but not until then.” A knot of emotion hits me hard in

you?” He sounds desperate, his

person, for me, and I’m trying to find a way to get on in life. I can’t do that if you keep pulling me back to you. If you care about me, like you say you do, then let me go. Let me do this on my own.” My voice wobbles and breaks; clear signs that I’m not as strong