Chapter 71

Jake regards me over the top of his walnut desk. Both feet are planted on the surface as Arrick leans against the row of tall wide windows and the New York skyline. We’re in Jake’s office at Carrero Corp, and Arry has just finished explaining what I want to do with my life and all the ground rules Arrick has placed on the agreement.

Like a father figure, Jake is weighing it up, having been sent as spokesperson by my family to ‘deal’ with me in any way he sees fit. I squirm in the leather seat facing him, my untouched drink, brought by one of his assistants, fizzing in front of me on a leather coaster and annoying me that she felt soda pop was what I would want. I can’t blame her; Margo, his PA, has known me as long as Jake, and I guess everyone seems incapable of seeing me grow up.

Jake is formidable and intimidating in CEO mode, all suit and tie and looking like he is about to rip companies apart with that furrowed brow and serious expression. I can see why Emma was dra