Rio smiled and looked at the man, gesturing for him to leave. The man threw one last look at Rio before turning around and running away at full speed.
“Set the hounds on him,” Rio ordered. “When they finally hunt him down, throw him in the pit again. See if you can get the name of the man who hired him.”
“Yes, sir!” the guard said, saluting him.
Rio frowned as he thought things over and then said, “Run a detailed background check on Pearl James. I know we have information from the agency, but I want you to hire our best detective and put him on the job. I want to know everything about her. Especially, why she is the target of some man’s hunt.”
*
Rio sighed as he finished the work that had piled up on his desk before making his way towards his Lamborghini. He drove all the way back home, his mind turning over the information he had found today. The information he had found about Pearl had been heart-wrenching, but he still couldn’t figure out why anyone would want to possibly hunt her down. What had she done that was horrible enough to deserve being hunted by this man shrouded in mystery?
He reached the building and pressed the elevator button. It took him another minute to reach his Penthouse and he knocked on the door. Even though he had keys, he preferred having the door opened for him. He heard running inside and rolled his eyes as he realized that Pearl was once again running for the door.
As expected, the door suddenly opened and Pearl stood there, panting.
“Sorry. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” she said, breathing hard. “Laura and I were just playing tag.”
Rio barely heard what she was saying, his eyes instantly drawn to the sheen of sweat that covered her body. Surprisingly, she smelled even sexier and attractive than before. His superhuman sense of hearing allowed him to hear her heartbeat, which was beating fast and hard. His eyes traveled down to her chest, which was rising rapidly with the pace of her breath. He watched the voluptuous breasts rise and fall, and he suddenly remembered the dream he had about her. He wondered if they were as beautiful as he had seen in his dreams and felt a strong urge to pull her close and feel them cupped in his hands.
“Is everything okay?” Pearl asked, blushing and turning pink. Rio realized that he had been staring at her without saying a word and feeling embarrassed he walked in, ignoring her.
“Laura is fed and bathed,” Pearl said, closing the door. “I know it’s her bedtime, but she kept asking to play so I just ran around with her.”
“Alright,” Rio said, slipping his coat off and starting to loosen his tie. He could still smell her scent in the air, and he could feel the desire to take her pulsating through his veins.
“The chef made dinner and left it in the fridge,” Pearl said. “I can reheat it before I leave for home.”
“It’s okay, no need,” Rio replied in a cold tone.
“Oh, well then,” Pearl stammered, clearly confused about his response. “I guess I will head home then.”
“Wait,” Rio ordered, without turning around to look at her. “Why is there a man with a scar on his face pursuing you?”
“What?” she asked, her voice suddenly becoming shaky and low. “What did you say?”
“A man with a scar on his face hired the hunter who attacked you in the alley,” Rio said, turning around and looking at her pale face.
“It’s-” she stammered. “How do you know?”
He walked over, standing close to her, and reached out to place his finger under her chin. He made her look into his eyes, even as his heartbeat increased and the desire to take her crashed through him.
“What are you hiding from me, Pearl James?” he whispered, inhaling her intoxicating scent.
“Nothing,” she whispered. “Nothing at all.”
“Are you sure about that?” Rio asked, taking another step closer. Their bodies were now grazing against each other, sending waves of anticipation rolling through him. His thumb reached out to touch her luscious, pink lips, and he slowly traced them. He could hear her heartbeat getting faster and faster, and her chest started to move rapidly as she started to breathe hard.
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice hoarse with desire.
Rio leaned forward, unable to resist her anymore. He didn’t know what spell this girl was putting on him, but he couldn’t control the attraction he was feeling for her.
His lips touched her soft ones and she closed her eyes. She shivered and her lips trembled. He wanted her, and he couldn’t wait to make her his. He had that urge to hug her tightly and kiss every inch of her body.
Chapter 11
“Uncle Rio!” Laura’s voice echoed through the apartment, and Rio instantly pulled away from her. Pearl stood there, her heart beating faster and excitement running through her. Despite the desires that were ravaging through her blood, she couldn’t help but be confused.
“What does he mean by kissing me like this? Does he feel for me? Does he feel the same desire and attraction as I felt? Why would he want someone like me? Someone as poor and as tardy as I?” So many questions stormed through her brain.
“Uncle Rio, you promised me that you would throw me a birthday party,” Laura said. “My birthday is next week!”
“Is it now?” Rio said, picking her up. “I forgot all about that.”
“I think I will leave,” Pearl mumbled, picking up her purse and walking out the door.
“Pearl,” Rio called out, his deep voice making her feel weak in the knees. “Wait.”
Pearl turned around, breathing hard as her heart started to beat fast once again. She looked at him, wondering if he would resume kissing her or explain his behavior.
“I have arranged a party for Laura next week,” he said. “As her nanny, I expect you to attend. You will be working late that night, but don’t worry, I will have a company car drop you home.”
“Right,” Pearl said, feeling disappointed for some reason.
“Also, I believe you have Sundays off?” Rio said, raising an eyebrow.
“Umm, yes-” Pearl started to say but Rio cut her off.
“Good,” Rio said. “I want you to come over on Sunday.”
“But, why?” Pearl asked, feeling more confused than before.
“Well, you are being kind enough to stay overtime and babysit Laura during her part. The least I can do is take you shopping and buy you a new dress,” he said, a smile on his face.
Pearl opened her mouth to protest, but he just winked at her before waving goodbye and shutting the door.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She wasn’t expecting a wink from the most gorgeous billionaire of the country. It made her chuckle.
She headed back home, thinking about the sweet kiss. She could still feel the touch of his lips on hers.
*
The weekend came quickly and it was the shopping day. She was so nervous as she sat next to him on the passenger seat of his luxurious car. She didn’t want him to spend any money on her, but he was not ready to listen.
“I don’t think this is necessary,” Pearl said, once again protesting to the shopping trip. “While I admit that I don’t own a lot of nice clothes, I could have bought one myself.”