The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 75

“I’m still here.” I’m quiet and weak all over. I guess opening up this damn of tears has caused considerable damage, I can’t seem to stop them nowadays.

“Who hurt you, Bella?” his voice is soft and gentle. His pet name causes another fresh tear to roll down my face. “You need to tell me who he is, so I can have them sweep the building.” He coaxes gently and firmly, sounding so warm and safe to me right now.

“I hate him …” I whisper softly, the child in me making herself known. I sit in silence for a moment. My throat constricting painfully but I am starting to pull through.

“Talk to me, Emma … Please. I can’t stand this.” Pleading and gentle. Jake’s irresistible to me right now, I wouldn’t deny him anything when he is back to being the man I miss so very much. The one I can rely on.

“My father … He came here.” I sniff, wiping away residue tears, starting to gain control over them too; he just calms me effortlessly and he has absolutely no idea. He’s my lifeboat in a storming sea.

“To the offices?” a startled response, much like mine was.

“Reception, on the ground floor.” I swallow and sit up, able to take a steadying breath, my voice getting stronger.

“What did he do, Bella?” his voice is barely above a whisper. Treating me like fragile glass.

God, Jake, I need you so much.

“He asked me for money … To stay away from me.” I smirk bitterly through the pang it causes and laugh sardonically. I sound heartbroken. Maybe I am. There’s a deathly silence then curses quietly, calling my biological an awful name. Jake at least gets it.

“I slapped him in the face … My hand hurts.” I drop my eyes down to the bright red skin on my palm and the throb it’s emanating. It was worth it.

“I would have broken his neck,” he snarls. “Emma, you need to calm down, okay. I’m getting on the first flight back, Bambino … I’ll be home as soon as I can get there.” The genuine affection in his voice causes a fresh wave of tears, more relief. I want him home more than anything in the world and he’s finally coming.

“Why did you leave me?” it comes out before I can stop it, emotion fueled. Desperation at finally having normal Jake back.

“Don’t talk about this now … When I’m home.” He breathes, as men come into the stairwell, feet clanking on the floor and door creaking; they call my name out from above.

“Security is here.” I whisper and hear him sigh with relief.

“Go with them … show them what he looks like on the security footage, then I want you to go home … to my apartment. Stay there until I’m back, wait for me.” Bossy Carrero is back, but I won’t argue, this is who I need. I won’t even refuse going to his place, I want to be there when he gets back.

“Okay.”

“Emma?” he adds as an afterthought.

“What, Jake?” I pause.

“You won’t get fired for slapping that fucker in the elevator. The tapes will be wiped … I’ll deal with him myself.” The gruffness of his voice is reassuring; I sigh, sniffing and finally calm my tears. Relief that he will take care of everything, like he always does.

The man above me on the stairs is holding my shoes out to me and I accept gratefully, the other offers a hand to help me up. I’m suddenly aware of the mess I’m in, a little self-conscious now at being caught by two strange men this way.

“I need to go now,” I whisper into the cell reluctantly. I don’t want him to go.

“Put one of them on,” he commands gently so I hand the cell to the one holding my shoes.

“He wants to talk to you.” I hold it out and he accepts, and promptly puts it to his ear.

“Yes, Mr. Carrero?” …. “Yes, sir.” He glances at me and away again. “Right away, sir.” ….. “As soon as she identifies him.” …… “Understood!” ……. “Yes, sir, She’s … She’s calming down.” He looks me over again, this time I frown at him. Fully calm and back in control of my faculties, but I just feel drained. “Okay, sir.” He hands the cell back to me and I notice it’s still in call mode, I put it back to my ear.

“It’s me,” I utter softly.

“Go with them, do as they say … I’ll be back as soon as I can. Try not to think about this until I’m home.”

I tell him I need to go, calmer and grounded. Commandeering Carrero has taken control and suddenly there’s nothing but fatigue. I say goodbye before I hang up; a wash of warmth, relief overtaking me.