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