The Carrero Heart - Beginning (Friends to Lovers)

Chapter 148

I storm from the shelves before I get the urge to throw something at him and grab a throw pillow from the couch instead. It’s made from some sort of fur, like real fur; flat, smooth rawhide kind of fur and I grimace as I touch it. It’s awful and I am so anti real fur!

I turn and throw that at him in disgust instead, trying to vent some of this spiraling energy inside of me that’s fit to burst out. He dodges and frowns, still trying not to smile and I do not see what is funny about this at all. Never understood his complete infatuation with my tantrummy side, or that he finds it both cute and amusing when I am on the verge of causing him bodily harm.

He is so fucking weird.

“You can keep your shitty apartment then. You want it this way, you can have it back this way. Pretty sure I can still get mine back, seeing as Jake rented it out and never sold it. Go home and take it back … bin all my sparkly shit and burn my fucking Unicorns.” I sulk, tears hitting now, because I’m tired and when I’m tired, I’m an emotional nightmare. Even I know I’m being psychotic, but sometimes, Arry just brings it out of me. And this shit here, this apartment. It just sucks.

I hate it. Hate what it represents. That my boyfriend thinks my décor tastes are sucky, and clearly hates our home that I thought we were happy in for the past twelve months.

Arry stands for a moment, typically cool and visually unaffected, like always. He picks up the cushion as he sighs and stares at me contemplatively. Unsure whether he should say anything or not. He has that look which says, ‘trying to choose between acting scared, or being indulgent’. It’s filtering into that thick head that I’m serious about this and it’s not just jet lag or Sophie being her grumpy tired asshole self, or ‘hangry’, even though I am also starving. Food won’t fix this! I’m genuinely distraught.

“I didn’t think it would upset you this much… I figured you wouldn’t notice and that you would probably fill it up with stuff you bought here anyway.” The soft voice, the smooth tone of a guy trying to appease me, because he knows he fucked up. I know him too well and I turn my back on him. I hate that since

we got together, it’s so much easier for him to hurt me in such dumb, stupid, meaningless ways. Being in love with him, gives him way too many tools to wound me. Best friend Sophie was way more emotionally stable and immune to the stupid shit he did.

“I’m sorry, baby… I don’t know what else to say. I’m an insensitive jerk and I never thought about how you would take this.” He moves to me, his body heat seeping through my thin cotton dress as he gets painfully close, his breath on the back of my neck and I tense. Warning him not to touch me. I really will knee him in the balls if he thinks touchy and cuddly will sway me.

“Yeah. Cos telling me that you hate my taste and don’t actually like what I’ve done to your apartment is not hurtful at all.” I sniff as tears hit my cheeks, despite my efforts to hold them, shaking my head at all of this. He sighs heavily, the warmth of his breath flutters down the back of my dress, telling me he is right behind me and I shiver with the sensation. My skin goosebumps involuntarily and makes my stomach flip with little butterflies. Even mad at him, he still makes every part of my body react to him so effortlessly.

“I love you, and I’m an asshole.” His fingers come up and gently trace the back neckline of my dress, moving my hair and making my skin erupt in tingles. I know what he’s doing. What he always does when he upsets me and is trying to make amends. He wins me round with soft touches, sweet words and gentle Arry that I normally have no resistance to. I’m stronger than that and this is one step too far. It’s not just a stupid thing, it’s a huge thing, that I can’t just let him brush away.

“Sometimes I hate you.” I sulk back. Refusing to let him weaken me, retorting in good old-fashioned childishness.

“Ouch, that stings. You know how to make me bleed, baby… Hate me even if I let you fill every room with sparkly, pink, fluffy, unicorn themed and a million candles you forbid me from lighting?” the lighter tone in his voice, the “I’m sorry” huskiness gets me and I lift my chin a little higher in stubbornness,

stiffening my spine. Refusing to sway so easily over something this big. He won’t win me round with sweet boy antics this time.

“Why? Just so you can hate this place too?” I mumble drily as I move forward, to get his fingers off my skin, his breath off my neck. I’m stronger when he’s not making me react to his proximity and more able to withstand his power over me.

“I don’t hate what you did to our apartment, and it is ours, not mine… Like this place is. I was wrong, baby. I just okayed the first ones she showed me for a quick move. I wouldn’t be happy in our New York pad without all the little Sophie touches. I missed them when they were gone. You do make it feel like home, I love coming home to it, feeling you in every detail and you’ll do the same here.”

“Hmmm.” I huff loudly. Softening despite myself.

“Pretty sure you will also punish me by maxing my credit cards in the next week too, to make up for it. Drag me to every boutique in Paris and carry a shit load of bags and boxes for you.” He moves to me again, this time running his fingers down my arms, making me tremble, and soothing me a little with fast words and offers to let me spend all his money. Arry always knows how to play me and brush away my tantrums and moods, even when I think he has no chance. My tears have stopped, and I wipe them away moodily, still trying to make a show of being unimpressed. He isn’t getting off that lightly.

“Better up your limit… or add a couple more cards.” That heavy ache in my stomach lifts a little as I let go some of the churning hurt and regain control now the shock of arrival is wearing off. Looking around defeatedly and still sighing with how disappointing it is.

It’s not my home.

“This is really going to cost me isn’t it? And I don’t just mean in terms of money.” He sighs too as I turn and glare at him over my shoulder, wickedly. Those beautiful hazel eyes focused on me; that soft look

of a guy who is completely smitten and trying to appease his stroppy love. He has become a master of doing just that in the time we’ve been together, and I know I can be a pain in the ass sometimes.

Arry can too though, and no one makes me as crazy as he does sometimes. Even if he is still the hottest male I ever encountered on the planet and still has a sexy body that I never tire of looking at. If anything, in the past year he has grown even more manly and matured. He’s beyond irresistible to me.

“Hope your couch that you picked is comfy… The bed’s mine.” I raise a brow and push him back with my butt playfully. Lifting my chin defiantly as I stalk off towards the bedroom once more while trying to kill the smile that’s aching to spread across my face. Smirking at that one little punishment that gets to him every time.

“Baby? Really? … I’m sentenced to the couch? … Sophie? Come on?” He follows me, but not fast enough and I’m in the bedroom down the hall before he is. Shutting the door in his face as he catches up, with a sense of utter satisfaction. I turn to look at what I expect to be another punch in the face room, getting ready for another wave of hurt feelings at decor that I hate, and soften when I see it’s not. In fact, it has the complete opposite effect on me.

It’s a huge bed, with a million furry throws and cushions, surrounded by fairy lights and a whole romantic vibe in here. Same neutral palette that we agreed on, yet the prints I chose are all hanging in here and there’s a mirrored vanity with a display of ornate perfume bottles. Huge candle filled lanterns hanging in one corner at different heights, by a large organza layered window that looks out over the twinkling streets of Paris in a surreal way. There’s even a silver statue of a unicorn nestled on the sill, just peeking out at me like a little surprise treasure. It’s beautiful and exactly what I envisioned when I set up those endless mood boards. My heart somersaults and my mood lifts enough to put a smile on my face at least.

The knock on the door of a guy that knows he’s in the doghouse, makes me grin, interrupting my star struck moment, and I sigh as I look about once more. Trying not to give away that I’m softening a lot

after seeing this room as I still think I owe him a little suffering.

Why deny the guy some groveling practice when he’s clearly needing a little work?

So maybe he can be forgiven for his man room out there, if the rest of the apartment looks like this. It’s not so bad. These are things I chose; this room screams of me and exactly what I love, and I can imagine us curled up together in it already.

The door opens slowly, and he edges in, apprehensively; probably bracing himself for something to be thrown at his head and glances at me in mild surprise when he sees me calm and semi smiling. A half smile on his cute face brings out his dimples I adore so much. I have to sometimes remind myself that his pretty face is not a reason to forgive him any time he is a moron, but it’s just so hard. Arry is such a gorgeous specimen and with the right look, dimples on show, I’m weak.

“This room I was a bit more specific about… Seeing as it’s where we do spend most of our time.” He edges closer, testing the water with trailing fingers across my wrist as he comes in behind me, hand sliding around my waist gently and pulling me back against him snugly when he gets no hint of resistance. I surrender a little too easily, even while my stubborn self is telling me to make him suffer a little longer.

“Except you won’t… Cos, you know? Couch!” I cross my arms as his hand edges upwards and block his attempt at a seduction move. Arry does like to cop a feel of my boobs at every opportunity and I’m not in the mood to be yielding to that Carrero libido just yet. I can’t just back down so very quickly, he has to learn that you don’t mess with a woman’s decisions. If I let Arrick get it easy he’ll walk all over me with that stubborn head and messy mind. He needs a little guidance in how to be a good boyfriend. Our whole happy vibe relies on it. He’s a trying man at times and needs me to take him in hand more often than not.

“I am not sleeping on the couch on our first night in our new place.” He nuzzles my neck with his soft teasing mouth, trailing little pecks up towards my hairline, trying to be smooth about his attempts at winning me round.

“Pretty sure you are.” I answer flatly, eyes closing against my will as he trails kisses over my skin and molds a little more firmly to my body, pushing my hair aside gently. His other hand slides up to start unzipping my dress slowly, seductively. I know I need to be firmer and tell him to back off, but the weak little wimp in me who crumbles at Arry’s every touch is too busy turning me into a bowl of Jell-O. My breathing is already hitching in anticipation for the pleasure I know he can bring me, and my stubborn side is already thinking of taking my underwear off.

Damn him. Sophie get a spine.

“Want to make a bet that I get in that bed with you before the sun goes down?” That sexy husky tone, right in my ear, extracting goosebumps. The zipper already below waist level and I hadn’t even felt it go down. I open my eyes and give a little squeak when he slides his hand up my dress and connects in the one place, he knows is all his, rather skillfully.

Almost got some stealth ninja moves of seduction going on; cheeky little man whore of mine.

I slap his hand away by connecting with his arm and throw him back a look that’s meant to tell him off, but he just grins. Amused, unaffected and smug because he knows he’s got me right where he wants me. Moving into this room only made getting me into bed a whole lot easier.

“Unfair. Enjoy your couch for that.” I pull away and try like crazy to reach the zip on my dress, but Arry is relentless. Hooking me with his arm and pulling me around so I’m face to face before he plants a hard kiss on my lips. His hand is fast, and he has me in a flash, up in a show of strength and speed, and flat on my back on the bed. I let out a muffled gasp with how effortlessly he got me here, startled into giggling at that devilish maneuver.

He’s on top of me with a hand planted firmly between my thighs in the blink of an eye, looking pretty darn pleased with himself.

I know this is futile, I know my weakness for him runs deep and already I’m sliding my legs apart to give him full access, despite my mental protests. Sensual longing coursing through me with the intimacy of this position.

“I prefer it here… Then the couch, maybe explore other areas of our new pad too. Pretty sure either place will have you sleeping next to me though, after I’m done with you.” He kisses me softly, wickedly confident in his sexual prowess and I don’t refuse. Hating myself for being so pathetic, but at the same time, how can I ever turn down all the hotness of the single sexiest man I have ever known.

All hard muscle and tattoos and a face that makes me go to goo. His kiss alone has me surrendering my soul and I open my mouth, so he can slide his tongue against mine, bringing me to complete control with the way he only can make love to my mouth. Arry is working his fingers under the edge of my underwear and I exhale slowly, urging him to keep going even as I pull away and frown at him sternly.

“Sex isn’t the answer to every time you’re a jerk.” I point out breathlessly. Although while I’m saying it, I’m curling myself around him, tilting my head so his lips graze mine more intimately, allowing him to move against me snugly and turn me on effortlessly. He still feels like he was made to fit me perfectly and every time we connect in this way it only highlights it. We are matched in every way and sex has never been anything but mind blowing with him.

“Maybe not, but it works… And we’re good at it.” He smiles at me cheekily, dipping to graze my mouth with his. Hands have found their reward and I gasp as he moves across my warmth gently, trailing strong fingertips softly across my skin under the fabric of my panties. I exhale, body turning to liquid instantly and struggle to not close my eyes and get lost in how it feels. He can ignite fire with a touch, and I have to bite my lip to curb the moan resting in my throat.

“I’m redoing the rooms I hate.” I breathe out, groaning slightly as his finger probes me gently, carefully edging into me, testing to see if I am ready. Always a gentle lover, always cautious, even if he seems to be taking control.

“Let me sleep with you in here, and it’s a deal.” Those perfect pretty eyes lock on mine, pupils dilated and brows low as he puts everything into looking at me like he wants to peel my clothes off with his teeth. My stomach tingles in anticipation and I know I’ve lost; no one makes me feel as beautiful and sexy as he does with just a look. Arry is my ultimate Achilles heel. I love him so much it’s not normal, and he knows it.

“We’ll see… Not sure I’ve forgiven you enough.” I turn my head as he dips for another kiss, giggling as he goes for my neck instead, sucking and nibbling me softly. Closing my eyes to savor what his mouth does to me when he pushes his hand further against me, his finger deepening so that I arch under his body and moan softly with the pleasure that shoots through me.

God my boyfriend has skills with his hands.

“Pretty sure I know how to win you round, baby. Guess we won’t be exploring France tonight.” He moves his nibbles to my jaw, trailing across until he leans over to get to my face and kisses me again, passionately. Guiding my face back to him with just a kiss, parting my lips and tracing my tongue with his once more. Pulling back to scatter more soft fluttering kisses across my cheek and towards my ear.

“Hmmm. Don’t think you can win me round with just sex!” I’m aiming for protest and just sound pleading.

“We don’t have just sex, baby. I like to think we have some acrobatic bedtime fun, and then some.” Husky confidence, right in my ear as he grinds against me, pressure deepening the fingers he has inside of me and sends my body heat through the roof.

From fire to volcano in less than thirty seconds.

“You know what I mean!” I pant… Trying to sound exasperated and instead sound wanton and needy.

“You can redecorate, spend a shit load of money and punish me to your hearts content… We both know I like it when you get feisty.” He slides his hand from between us, much to my clear disappointment and that gets me another smug smile. He knows I am his for the taking and he is now luxuriating in the power he has over me. He pushes up on his arms to lock me in the eye for a second, bringing his lust filled gaze to mine with an expression of sheer confidence that should infuriate me, but I am too lost in this.

“Why are you so weird?” I poke him in the dimple, smiling at its prominence and cuteness, even when he looks crazily screwable.

God, he has me so horny now.

“I have to be, to be the perfect fit for you… No normal guy would keep up with you, Sophabelle.” He winks and I eyeroll.

“You owe me a day of sightseeing our new city, lots of gifts, and maybe dinner somewhere pretty.” I sigh in defeat, knowing fine well when it comes to Arry… I can never stay mad for long. He’s too alluring and now my body is vibrating for sex and I want to stop talking and get to it.

“Anything else?” He grins, knowing he has me right where he wants me. Now I am half nakedly wrapped around him and practically urging him to hurry up and have his wicked way with me.

“An orgasm or two, if you are up to the task.” I screw up my nose at him, suppressing a grin as he smiles wider. Definitely smug about his influence over me.

Asshole.

“When am I not?” He winks again and that earns him his second eyeroll.

“Stop being such an ass… Arrogance is not an attractive trait you know.” I furrow my brow right back at him and only get a know it all look and still that infuriating smile that showcases his Hollywood white straight teeth.

“Yet here we are, with your legs around my waist and clearly very attracted to me in this moment.” He bumps his groin into me to emphasize the point and gets a little laugh yelp in response and a soft slap to his shoulder.

“You’re lame and you’re an asshole.” I giggle, knowing fine well it’s true.

“And you’re a Diva and a Princess.” He sparks back with a cute frown that would make anyone forgive any of his misdemeanors. I sigh at the pointlessness of fighting this any longer. My underwear is ready to melt off and if I delay sexual gratification then my body may self-implode. He definitely got that good Carrero DNA when it comes to making women turn into sex mad insatiable freaks.

“Shut up and kiss me!” Every part of me gives up as I slide my arms around his neck, ready to get jiggy with it and let him do what he does best. Keeping me happy between the sheets for the next few hours until sleep overtakes us.