Page 23 of The CEO

“He does,” Pria chimed in from beside me. Her small hand grasped my bicep making my body instantly relax. How had she known to do that? Time was wasting and if we didn’t find Sarah soon, she’d either be lost or hit by a car. “Which way did Sarah go?”

“Yes, yes.” Sid nodded his head rapidly. “You should go find her. She went the way you always come from.”

Maybe she was headed home. “Thanks, Sid, for looking out for her.” I pulled my business card out of my suit pocket and wrote my cell phone number on it. “If you see her again, please call me.”

“Sure thing, Mr. A.”

I took off running. How had I let myself become so attached to these dogs? I knew better than anyone to not get attached,because eventually everyone you loved, no matter how much you loved someone, left you.

The moment my building came into view, my stomach dropped. I expected to see a big gray dog standing outside waiting for me. Instead, there was nothing. Not a single soul was around. The slapping of shoes behind me had me turning around to see Pria running toward me with her arms wrapped around herself. Even from feet away, I could tell she was freezing by the way her arms didn’t swing and the slight blue tint to her lips. Her almond-shaped eyes darted around the area as she neared.

“No Sarah?” she mouthed.

I started to shake my head, unable to speak the words out loud when I spotted the day doorman, George, squatting down in front of my beautiful dog. Darting inside, I ran over to Sarah and wrapped her in a big hug.

“The young lady staying with you mentioned Sarah was lost, so I was keeping an eye out for her. When I saw her sniffing around outside, I brought her inside. I was about to take her upstairs with the others.” George clamored from beside me.

Standing to my full height, I shook his hand. “Thank you for all your help, George.” I wanted to say more but didn’t want him to think because he found Sarah we’d start talking every time we saw each other. Everyone in the building knew not to talk to me if they saw me in passing or on the elevator.

“You’re most welcome, Mr. Avery.” His dark eyes twinkled, and I knew I needed to end this now.

“Oh, you found her.” Pria’s soft voice floated over us and relief was evident in her tone. She knelt down and hugged Sarah for a long moment. If I hadn’t known how upset she’d been, I would have laughed as Sarah tried to escape her arms. Pria stood shakily with her arms once again wrapped around herself. Even though it was warm inside, she still must have been freezing.

“Why don’t we head up and get you warm?” Taking Sarah’s leash, I ushered Pria toward the elevator with her shuffling along behind me.

“Kingston, I’m so sorry,” Pria muttered from beside me as the elevator doors slowly closed. “Please don’t fire me.”

Gritting my teeth, I tried to keep my tone calm. Being an asshole right now wouldn’t do me any favors. “Do you think so little of me?” I didn’t want to think about how if something had happened to Sarah or Orvy and Jimmy, I likely would have found some way to fire her without being sued.

“Well, I… um… I…” she stuttered and looked around nervously.

“Obviously you do, or you wouldn’t have said that.” I tightened my hold on the leash as I turned toward her. Her lips were still slightly blue, and I knew it was because she’d been out for who knew how long in the cold with wet clothes on. Instantly, my tone lightened. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“Thank you.” A shiver wracked her body.

A crazy surge of possessiveness and caring washed through me. I fought my instinct to pull her against me and warm her with my body. Preferably naked.

We were quiet the rest of the short ride to my penthouse. When the doors started to slide open, Pria darted toward them so fast I thought she was going to run straight into them. She paused, looking over her shoulder the second her face would have slammed into the doors and gave a shaky, “thank you,” before shooting into my apartment.

Giving her time, I slowly walked inside. I was immediately met with Orvy and Jimmy running and jumping up to greet me. I always loved how happy they were to see me when I arrived home. It didn’t matter if I was gone for a day or a week, they were ecstatic to see me. I let Orvy place his paws on my shoulders and lick my face before I scratched behind his ears and then helpedhim down so I could greet Jimmy. He greeted me with equal fervor.

“All right, guys, let me get changed out of these wet clothes and I’ll make you an early dinner.” I started for my bedroom but decided to check on Pria. I didn’t want her in her room beating herself up over losing Sarah or crying if she didn’t believe me.

I headed to the guest room, ready to knock on the door, but found I didn’t need to since it was slightly ajar. Imagine my shock when I found Pria slipping out of her jeans and could see everything through her wet, white T-shirt. Her brown nipples were hard peeks, her small breasts outlined within an inch of their life. I wanted nothing more than to cup them through the wet fabric and to feel the weight of them. To taste, bite, and suck on them. As she slipped her T-shirt over her head, I couldn’t hold back any longer.

With quick strides, I had Pria in my arms, and I took her mouth in a desperate kiss. A kiss I’d wanted since the moment she stepped inside my office and saw my semi after jacking off to her in the bathroom before our meeting.

Her gasp was all I needed for me to slip my tongue inside and tangle with hers. My fingers slipped into her dark locks and fisted her hair. Pulling her by her tresses, I tilted her head to get a better angle. I couldn’t get enough of her taste. It was a strange mix of cinnamon and honey that had me intoxicated. I knew from that first kiss I’d never have enough of Pria Wang.

My stubble from not shaving this morning scraped against her delicate skin marking it red. The sight only further turned me on. My other hand made its way to cup her bare breasts.

“King,” she gasped my name. I wanted to hear it again and again and again. Pinching her nipple between my thumb and forefinger it hardened to the point it had to ache.

Pria’s hands landed on my shoulders as she arched into my ministrations. “What are you doing?” she asked in a breathy whisper.

“Touching you.” I kissed down her neck and across her collarbone. “Do you want me to stop?”

Pria shook her head as she ran her delicate fingers into my hair and pulled me closer. I took that as the signal she wanted more.

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