She didn’t even know if he heard her reply. He continued to look at her with the same intensity as before, and she felt weak under his gaze. He looked as if he would take her right there and then, and she wasn’t sure that she wanted to stop him. The silence got so long that Pearl began to wonder if he was expecting her to say more. She opened her mouth to speak, but he finally spoke.
“I see. But, how can I trust that she will be safe with you? You have no experience. How will you handle any emergencies? What if she has an allergic attack or has an injury? Do you know first aid?”
“No, I don’t-” Pearl said but was rudely cut off.
“Do you know any languages or have any other skills that you could teach the child?” he asked, still intensely gazing at her.
“No, sir, but I-” Pearl said.
“Then, what can you offer? Miss James?” he said, leaning over the table and looking into her eyes.
“I know first aid, and I hope you will have a list of doctors to consult in case of emergencies. I know I don’t have any experience or skills to offer you. I know that there are lesser reasons you should pick me over the others. But, I can assure you that I am devoted and passionate. I will give my very best, every single day, no matter what. That is what I can give you, my devotion, and my loyalty.”
He continued to look at her for over a minute before finally, a smirk spread over his face. “I must say, you amuse me, Miss James. I find you fascinating,” he said, smirking. “Tell me, how soon can you start the job?”
“Umm-” Pearl stammered, unable to believe that he was considering her. “Tomorrow, sir?”
“Then I want you to show up at my mansion at 8 A.M. sharp. I will send a company car to your address, which will drop you off at my mansion. You are on trial for a month before I make a final decision about your employment. Just take all the details from Mr. Jones and he will tell you all the details,” he said. “You are dismissed now, Miss James.”
“I-. Yes, thank you, sir,” she said nodding her head, unable to believe that this was happening.
She had never thought that the richest man in the country would even consider her for the job. Especially since he had rejected every nanny that the agency had sent before. They hadn’t even planned on sending Pearl because of how new she was, but they had run out of people and here she was. She had been worrying about her father and the money she already owed despite just moving into this city. Maybe fate was finally on her side.
He waved his hand dismissively, and Pearl got up from her chair. “Thanks,” she said one last time before walking out of the door, still in a state of shock. She would finally be able to get her father the medicine he needed and find him a better place to live.
“Hi! Miss James. Let’s complete all the formalities,” Jones said as he smiled slightly. Pearl nodded and followed him.
She remembered the handsome man that she had just met, and she shivered at the memory. The aura and power he exuded still had her awed. She licked her lips as she thought of how sexy and attractive he was. She sighed as she realized that this was going to be harder than she thought.
After completing all the formalities, she started to make her way down the street, feeling a sense of elation at the thought of sharing the news with her father. She was feeling relieved and happy. After a long time, she had found a reason to smile a little. Her life had been a struggle since her childhood. Pearl and her father had stayed at multiple places after running away from home before finally settling here. It was always a challenge for Pearl to find a job and a house again and again.
She was passing by a telephone booth and she decided to call Mrs. Hayes. She was one of the neighbors in Pearl’s last apartment. She was one of the kindest people that she met on her travels.
“Hey, Mrs. Hayes!” Pearl said as the phone was picked up.
“Oh, hello darling,” the cheery voice replied. “How are you doing? How is your father?”
“All fine. We are finally settling in over here. I have even managed to find a new job,” Pearl said.
“That is wonderful, dear. I remembered how much you used to worry about it all.”
“Well, things seem to be looking up. What about you, Mrs. Hayes?”
“We, it’s mighty lonely without you, dearie. My knee has been acting up again but there is little I can do. The loneliness bothers me the most, you know.”
“I am sorry. I will come to visit as soon as I can.”
“Thanks a ton, darling. Oh, by the way, a young man stopped by asking about you and your father. A rather odd sort of fellow.”
Pearl felt the blood drain from her face as she whispered, “What kind of man? What did he look like?”
“The military crew hair cut is what I remember. He was rather normal looking, if you know what I mean. The scar on his face was odd though.” Mrs. Hayes chatted on, but Pearl was barely listening.
He was slowly getting closer to finding her and there was no way out. Her smile had already vanished.
Chapter 4
“Stop, Uncle Rio!” Laura giggled as Rio continued to tickle her. “Stop!”
“What?” Rio said, picking her up. “The little baby can’t take a bit of tickling?”
“No, I am not a little baby!” Laura said, laughing as Rio swing her around. “I am a big girl, Uncle Rio! I can brush my own teeth now!”
“Oh? So, you are a big girl? Is that so?” Rio said, looking down at the beautiful little girl. Her bright eyes glowed with happiness as she smiled at him warmly. Her tiny little hands clutched his shirt as he held her in his arms.
“Yes, I finished my dinner last night and now I am big,” she said, laughing. “I am going to be as tall as you, Uncle Rio.”
“I can’t wait to see that,” Rio said, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. “Now, how about some breakfast?”
Before Laura could reply, the bell rang. One of the servants opened the door. Rio smelled her before he saw her. He knew it was Pearl. In a few minutes, Pearl was standing at the door, looking just as tempting as she did yesterday.
She wore a simple T-shirt and a pair of faded jeans that hugged every curve of her body. She wore no make-up and yet, she glowed as if she did. Her luscious lips were a beautiful shade of pink, and her cheeks were flushed as she felt his intense gaze on her.
She smelled even better than she had before. It was a mix of floral and something citrusy, and it ignited a fire within Rio. He didn’t even realize that he had been staring at her until Laura said, “Uncle, Rio! What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, Laura,” Rio said, snapping himself out of it. “This is Pearl, and she is your new nanny.”
“Come in! Miss James,” he said slightly nodding his head.
Pearl entered the room. As she walked in, he could see her eyes widening in shock. She looked around the room, clearly impressed by the size and luxury of his house. Rio couldn’t stop a smile appearing on his face as he watched her look around in amazement. A professional nanny would never show her emotions so plainly, but she was an open book. It was quite a refreshing change from the people that normally surrounded him, and he found it endearing.
“This is my niece, Laura,” Rio said, once she had stopped looking around. “You are going to be looking after her every day from 8 A.M to 8 P.M. On days when I have a business meeting or a party, you will be expected to work later than usual. In such cases, you will be more than compensated for your troubles. I will also inform you, a day in advance.”