The Carrero Heart - Beginning (Friends to Lovers)

It’s answered quickly, but by Jake instead of Emma, and my stomach drops.

“Sophie? Don’t hang up.” He sounds worried, that familiar deep voice knocks me sideways, not sure what to say, as it’s not who I expected.

“I thought I would get Ems, Jake … I.....” …. I hesitate, losing all courage and hoping Jake isn’t about to go commanding godfather on me. He is laid back and fun until he is pissed, and then Jake is a scary ass mofo.

“She’s napping, Mimmo. Sophs, honey, just tell us where you are. Your parents are frantic, and we have all been out looking for you.” Jake is being gentle, unusual for the bossy cyclone he normally is, but then Emma has been rubbing off on him for years.

“I came to the city, I’m with friends and I’m safe. I just need a little headspace to sort this out on my own. I didn’t mean to scare anyone, Jake. I’m sorry.” I let it out fast, voice trembling and hands shaking. My stomach doing the rhumba. I know by now everyone will know exactly why I ran; my parents will have told them about the plans to lock me up and have me packed off to solitary confinement. Jake sighs heavily.

where exactly?” He asks pointedly. That edgy tone

know only too well what you’re like. I need a little time. Tell my folks I’m okay, really. I’m not partying or being stupid. I need a little space and time, and then I’ll come back. I have real plans this time, stuff to make my life better, and none of it involves getting drunk or high.” I emphasize the latter with sarcasm, chewing my lip now, the little voices of my favorite little people in the background behind Jake make me smile, and then frown. I miss them

really are okay. I can send a car for you to come to my office, or

kidnap me and trundle me home. I know you, remember.” I giggle through a sudden onslaught of tears. Laughing at the man I know is more than capable. He once rescued me from an existence that was barely a life, and he would do it more forcefully if he thinks it’s what I need. Jake will always have a special place in my

at Carrero House all day for meetings, just show up on the sixty-fifth at any time and I’ll drop everything.” Jake is back to gentle mode, trying to coax me and not push for once. Even though I know I won’t, I know he’ll keep asking if I

early night, I promise. I’m staying put, and tomorrow I have places to go to collect some information. I’m thinking of looking into schools or something

again, only this time

kiddo. Promise me you will at least call me again so we can talk more about all of this. Keep your phone on this time; there are lots of people going crazy to get in touch with you, even if it’s only the odd text to Emma, to let them all know you’re breathing. You owe

Please, just ask them to give me some time first. I’ll keep it on, but I’m not ready to take a hundred hostile calls.” I slide down in bed, wriggling under the covers as the wave of