The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 185

Emerging twenty minutes later, the stains replaced with a sheer gloss instead, I make my way to the huge, opulent dining room and slide in beside him at the table amid the arrival of some of the others. He’s using his phone and completely ignores me. I bristle, knowing this isn’t a normal Jake move but I’m not going to let it get to me, I’m going to act like I don’t care at all and just sit down. I stop myself from looking at him, even though it’s almost impulsive to eye up how gorgeous he always looks.

As soon as everyone is seated, he puts his phone away, leans back on his chair and places an arm across the back of mine while throwing me a triumphant look. I note that his father watches us from a distance at the head of the huge dark wood table and physically still. I have managed to avoid him until now, but dinner will be interesting. I get the distinct impression Giovanni is not all that enamored with his son hooking up with an employee from his own office. Especially a nobody with no fortune and a troubled past.

“You can still back out now, bambino, and we can just enjoy dinner and a lot of fun after.” Jake nudges me quietly, commanding my attention, his eyes steady on my face. He drops his gaze to my mouth and smirks some more at the lack of red lipstick. It only ignites that inner stubbornness.

“Why would I? You’re obviously struggling, Jake, I’m sure if it’s too hard you can just admit defeat.” I smile salaciously and turn my attention to my champagne glass, running my finger around the rim teasingly. He watches me with interest for a moment then gets up with a smile.

“I told Cara I would sit beside her tonight.” He smirks cruelly at me then saunters off to the seat beside the girl, receiving an award-winning smile from her. I almost inwardly curl up and tremble. Nausea and anxiety equally consuming my stomach and a tight gut-wrenching throb. Jealousy punching its way into my gut.

What is he doing? Surely Jake would not do this to me for the sake of a stupid challenge?

Arrick appears in the doorway and immediately sits next to me, greeting me with a warm hello and no sense of surprise at all. I try to smile but it doesn’t come naturally.

“Don’t worry about Cara.” He leans into me conspiringly. “She wouldn’t know what to do with someone like Jake and he only has eyes for you, mia cara.” He nudges me with his shoulder and this time I smile genuinely, at his niceness and at the family trait of mixing English and Italian. Something they all seem to do.

“You’re not worried if your girlfriend tries to run off with your brother?” I pout keeping my eyes away from Jake who’s engrossed in his deep conversation with a devoted fan. Cara is almost salivating over him.

Slut!

“Nah, Jake would never do that to me or you, besides Cara isn’t my girlfriend, she’s just a passing interest.” He studies my shocked face. “I’m more like my brother than you realize and, yes, he told me you two have some sort of bet going … Abstaining from sex until one of you breaks.” He winks and picks up his glass. “I suggest you play him at his own game, Jake hates to lose but he does love the thrill of the challenge.”