Page 35 of One Hot Chase

"Ah, no, it's nothing like that."

"Then how---"

"Does it matter how?"

She lifts her brows. "I'll count to five, and if you haven't answered my question yet, I'm getting the heck out of here and the chase will be over."

I wipe a hand over my mouth, averting my gaze. "I, ah, played a dirty trick on you."

She leans back against the railing, eyeing me with skepticism. "Five, four, three---"

"Enough. I'll tell you." But I hesitate again before I finally spill the beans. "I sort of, ah, stole your mobile phone while you were in the bathroom in my flat and texted one of my employees. He talked me through how to insert a tracker that would allow me to follow your every movement."

Sabrina gawps at me. "You dirty, lying, conniving snake."

I've lost her, haven't I? And I deserve whatever scorn she heaps upon me. Blimey, if she screamed for a copper I wouldn't complain. In fact, I'd hold out my wrists and wait to be arrested.

But she doesn't even gasp. Instead, Bree gazes at me dispassionately for precisely three seconds according to my pounding pulse. Then she laughs.

My brows furrow. "You aren't incensed at my betrayal?"

She laughs again and playfully punches my chest. "Why would I be upset? This is a game, after all. The most fun I've ever had, to be honest. Why on earth would I quit now when it's just getting good?"

I suspect my expression mimics that of a cartoon character who just received a shock.

"Catch me if you can, Sir Hot Stuff."

Before I can react, she's darting away, her laughter trailing behind her as she disappears into the crowded London street where vendors peddle their wares. I stand here for a moment, stunned, before a grin spreads across my face.

"Bloody hell," I mutter, shaking my head and smiling. "You're on, Sabrina Remington."

I bolt after her, weaving through throngs of tourists and locals. The chase is on, and my heart races with exhilaration. Bree's strawberry blonde head bobs and weaves through the crowd, a beacon guiding me forward.

She darts left down a narrow alley, and I follow, my longer strides closing the gap between us. Just as I think I've got her, she spins around a corner, her laughter echoing off the brick walls.

"Come on, Declan!" she calls over her shoulder. "I thought you were supposed to be good at this!"

She never even demanded I remove the tracker from her mobile. And she let me get away with not telling her about my previous relationship.

I growl like a ruddy beast, picking up my pace as we burst out onto a bustling street, startling a group of pigeons into flight. Bree doesn't miss a beat, using the distraction to her advantage as she slips into a nearby shop. I pause outside, scanning the windows. It's a vintage clothing store with racks of colorful garments visible through the glass. Clever girl, I think, smirking. She's trying to lose me in a maze of fabrics and accessories. I push through the door, the little bell tinkling overhead. The shop is a riot of colors and textures, with narrow aisles winding between displays of dresses, hats, and scarves. I weave through the maze, keeping my eyes peeled for a flash of strawberry blonde hair.

"May I help you find something, sir?" an elderly shopkeeper asks, eyeing me suspiciously.

I flash her my most charming smile. "Just browsing, thank you. For my sister."

A giggle from somewhere in the back of the store draws my attention. I move swiftly, rounding a corner to find Bree trying on an enormous, feathered hat. She strikes a dramatic pose, batting her eyelashes at me.

"What do you think, Decky? Is it me?"

"Absolutely stunning. Though I think it might clash with your running shoes."

And I don't even mind that she used Julian's moronic nickname for me.

Bree fake pouts, tossing the hat aside. "Too bad. I was hoping to distract you with my fashion sense."

"Nice try." I step closer. "But I've got you now."

"Do you really?"