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.

stop calling me.” I state forcefully, trying to keep

at Carrero Corp. The hustle and bustle of office noises and

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

is ravaged; I know Arrick better than most, I’m one of the few people he openly gets emotional in front

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

you need me? What if I need you?” He sounds desperate, his voice straining and his calm demeanor

needed me, and I need to learn to stop needing you. I won’t be going back down that route of self-destruction and booze, so you can be happy knowing I’m sorting myself out. I’m trying to be a better person, for me, and I’m trying to find a way to get on in life. I can’t do