The Carrero Heart - Beginning (Friends to Lovers)

“You never told me that, baby girl?” Christian’s voice floats my way as Jenny nudges me gently and nods across the aisle. I had finally gotten into my book after all and blanked them all out as I was pulled into a magical world of Vampires and Werewolves fighting over human girls. I look up nonplussed, catching Arrick glancing my way with that infuriating unreadable expression and yet a softness to his face that I haven’t seen in a long time. He almost looks a little bit happy and it just makes me feel shittier.

“What?” I look to Christian, who is now leaning with elbows on his table casually and pondering me with an open expression, everyone seems to be looking at me. Which only makes me feel more antsy and confused.

What did I miss?

“That you were some sort of adrenaline junkie adventurer, who used to do things like base jump and snowboard with Arry here. He says he even taught you some self-defense moves when he was training. You’re like a little stealth ninja. Now all I can picture is some sort of blonde wonder woman in very tight ski suits. Woof Woof.” He winks suggestively and I tense, hoping to God he realizes the Carrero brothers are not people you can make any sexual or lewd remarks in front of when it comes to me. I know what he’s like, and if he says anything a little less safe, they will both tear his head off. I throw him a wary look in a bid to warn him to be careful with what he says.

“We just used to hang out; if he did something, I wanted to try it too, that’s all.” I answer flatly, eyes on Christian in my serious “leave it alone” look. I turn back to the novel I’m reading, hoping to become oblivious once more. My hair is used as a veil to hide behind, especially as I’m pale and nervous suddenly and thoughts of Jake ripping Christian’s spine out, flits through my mind.

“Sophs was always fearless; she saw everything I did like a challenge and always kept up with me.” Arrick sits back in his seat, adjusting his jeans as he does so, inadvertently drawing my eyes to his crotch. I blush wildly and glance away, turning a page quickly, gulping down the stupid reaction I’m still having to him. Chastising myself that I even did that, looked there, and see that he packs something worth looking at. Luckily, he doesn’t seem to notice.

Stupid girl!

“Pretty amazing for a girl as dainty as her, to not only try but handle everything I threw at her.” He finishes, sounding somewhat proud and I glance up catching the half-smile at me, eyes more hazel again, he seems lost in memory. A little moment of reminiscence between us that yanks harder at the pain in my chest, and I can’t stay locked his way. I don’t even know what to say to that, it’s like he’s trying to make things okay between us, probably trying to make the atmosphere less tense. He has no clue how far down the road to no longer liking him I am, and nothing can ever come of trying to be friends again. He ruined it, all of it and I have no desire to forgive him.

only makes me genuinely smile back at him, lifting my mood slightly. He has a way of making me feel lighter, even without

mirrors Jakes normal frown. It’s in Christian’s direction then he looks away out of the window and seems to be trying to bring back his usual unreadable expression. It’s obvious he doesn’t like Christian’s affection for me, and as he is still playing it “straight” and implying I am his girl, it gives me a little tug of power inside. A sense of justice, that he knows a tiny ounce of what it feels like to be on the jealous side, watching

onto something with this game of illusion.

back in his seat casually and looking very much like a guy that is comfy in his own skin. He’s been unusually quiet for the last part of the conversation and seems to be observing. I wonder what that quick brain is summarizing, knowing he is most definitely in paternal mode and not cheeky brother.

he hates when I call him that, almost as much as he hates me calling him dad. I get

with a sigh, while Jenny giggles beside me.

been giggling and blushing a lot, although a heck of a lot more since Nate sat down. She isn’t immune to them the way I am and has just fallen victim, like every other female in New York, to that old Carrero charm, and good genes. Sadly, also to that wolf-like skill Nate has of

voice, clearly still sulking over Christian’s adoration of me. He’s trying to be his normal jokey self, but I can see through it, although subtle. I can see his jaw is tense as his eyes grow greener, and lack any warmth. The tone alone is devoid of his usual humor and despite the urge to bite and tell him to go fuck himself, I sigh sweetly. He’s taken on the very cool and distant Arrick look, lost in his thoughts and

let him get to me on any level. With the skills of a trained actress and completely controlled mannerisms of a girl who feels nothing anymore. It wasn’t unknown for him to goad me into a Carrero brother argument, and them torturing me as teammates in the past. I know the drill, I play along for

needs big brothers to take care of her.” Jake winks at me now, all that irresistible charm of his, wrapped up in a Hollywood perfect smile, effortlessly at ease with knowing he is hot. That devilish air of Jake, a man with a plan, and I wonder what he is up to. He

problem where he is concerned. His head torn between protector and brother, who long ago planted me firmly behind platonic boundaries and vowed to always keep me safe. That he will always struggle to separate that damaged little kid, who cried into his chest many times over the dark memories and nightmares with

thoughtful expression, before turning to look out of the window, almost oblivious to those around us. I wonder if he is pondering the same thing I am,

girlfriend isn’t here on this flight. She’s been to every other party in the past two years and it isn’t like him to not have her clinging to his side at

Not that I care.