Page 39 of One Hot Chase

Though I open my mouth, ready to lob another sarcasm arrow at him, I stop short of doing that. He sounds genuinely upset. Because of me? That's never happened before. But Declan has sneaked past my defenses too, and yeah, it's knocked me off kilter. I take a moment to compose myself before I reply. "Do you still want to chase me? Or would you rather go home? Go our separate ways?"

"We hardly know each other, pet. Ever since Eleanor left me, I've been careful about whom I take into my confidence. I've allowed the tabloids to portray me as a playboy, but that's far from the truth.." He bows his head, seeming to struggle with dueling emotions. Then he looks up at me. "But with you, I've let my guard down like never before. So, if you want to continue our chase, you can count me in."

I feel light-headed, as if I've been swept up inside a tornado and only now am I falling back to the ground. "I'm in, Declan, all the way."

His lips gradually curl upward into a devilishly steamy grin. "You won't regret it, Bree."

"Want to spice things up a bit?"

He flicks his tongue out, languidly sliding it across his lips. "Oh, yes, darling, I'd love that."

"Let's take the chase beyond the UK. I've always wanted to see Europe."

"Now is your chance, Bree. You will choose the locations, and I shall attempt to keep up with you." He brushes his fingertip over my bottom lip. "I will give you a two-hour head start. Use any means necessary to achieve your goal. That's what I'll be doing."

"This is the most erotic, exhilarating vacation ever. I'm already wet just thinking about what will happen when you find me again."

"Sabrina Remington, you are full of surprises." Declan hooks a thumb under my chin to place a soft kiss on my lips. "I can't wait to unravel more of your mysteries."

"Well, you'll have to find me first, Sir Declan."

"Challenge accepted, Miss Remington." He crushes me against his firm body for one more searing kiss before he releases me. "Your two hours start now. Make them count."

My heart racing, I grab my purse and dash out of the park, my mind already whirling with possibilities. As I hit the streets of London, I pull out my phone and start frantically searching for locations I might want to visit. My friends will provide anything I need to fund my journey, but I need to book a flight. Or do I?

When I find a cafe that isn't too busy, I call one of my new friends.

"Sabrina, how's it going?" Derek Hahn says. "Did you find your perfect guy yet?"

"Not quite. But I have some possibilities, and I could use a helping hand."

I hear a muffled voice, but I can't understand what the person said.

Derek chuckles. "Relax, Diana, I'll put you on speaker." Shuffling follows, then I hear Derek again. "Chill out, baby. She can hear you now."

"I do not need to chill out, love. Sabrina, what can we do to help?"

"Um...Let me borrow your jet? And the pilots?" She'll say no, for sure. It's a crazy ask.

"Of course, dear. Our jet is at your disposal for as long as you need it."

I jump up and down in my chair, but only the few patrons in the cafe can see that, thankfully. "That's amazing. Thank you so much. I'd kiss you both if I could. On the cheek, of course."

Two hours later, I'm settled into the plush leather seat of the Hahns' private jet, sipping champagne and plotting my next move. The thrill of the chase has my head spinning, and I can't help but grin as I imagine Declan's face when he realizes I've left the country---in a private jet.

"Where to, Miss Remington?" the pilot's voice crackles over the intercom. He has a pleasing British accent, but it's not as steamy as Declan's voice.

I pause, considering my options. Europe is a big place, and I want to make this as challenging for Declan as possible. My mind flashes back to last night and a conversation we had about his travels. Yeah, we actually talked a little bit. He mentioned a few places he'd never been.

"Never made it to Greece," he'd said with a wistful smile. "Always wanted to see the Parthenon."

Perfect.

"Athens, please," I tell the pilot. "And step on it. We've got a British gentleman to outrun."

"Happy to oblige, miss."

As the jet takes off, I settle back into my seat. This is it. The adventure I've been craving, the chance to break free from my carefully constructed walls and truly live. If I'm being honest with myself, the prospect of Declan pursuing me across Europe is more than a little exhilarating.