Page 44 of One Hot Chase

I smack his chest again, but I can't help the laughter that bubbles up from my throat. "You're incorrigible, Declan Wilde."

That roguish grin always makes my knees weak. "And you love it, Sabrina Remington."

I'm about to issue a scathing retort when a nearby church bell chimes, reminding me of our precarious situation. I glance around nervously. "We should probably keep moving."

Declan nods, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Right you are. I know just the place. Remember that taverna I mentioned?"

"Ooh, yes, food. That sounds incredible. Our workout in the Propylaea burned off all my energy. I'm starved."

He reclaims my hand, leading me through a maze of narrow streets. The adrenaline is still coursing through my veins, making everything feel heightened and surreal---in the best way. We pass colorful doorways and balconies overflowing with flowers, the scent of jasmine mixing with the salt air and the faint aroma of grilled meat. As we turn a corner, I catch sight of a small, unassuming taverna tucked away in a quiet alley.

Declan pulls me inside, and we're immediately enveloped in the warm, inviting atmosphere. The walls are adorned with old photographs and rustic decorations, and the air is thick with the scent of garlic and roasting lamb.

"Ah, Declan!" A boisterous voice booms from behind the bar. An older man with a salt-and-pepper mustache waves us over. "Back so soon?"

"Nikos, my friend." Declan greets him with a hearty handshake and half hug. "We're in need of sustenance and perhaps a bit of...discretion."

"Ah, I see," Nikos says with a knowing wink. "The usual table in the back, then?"

Declan nods gratefully, and Nikos ushers us to a cozy corner booth partially hidden behind a wooden partition. As we slide into our seats, I marvel at how easily Declan seems to charm everyone he meets. It's like he has friends in every corner of the world.

I raise an eyebrow at him once we're settled. "So, the 'usual' table, huh? Just how often do you bring women here after defiling ancient monuments?"

Declan's eyes bulge in mock offense. "I'll have you know, Miss Remington, that you are the first and only woman I've ever brought here after such illicit activities." He curls a lock of my hair around his finger as he nuzzles my cheek. "Though I must admit, you're making me wish I'd started this tradition much sooner."

Clearing my throat, I reach for the menu to hide my flustered expression. I try to play it cool, refusing to let him see how intensely he affects me. But yeah, my resolve lasts about five seconds. That's when Declan clasps my hand, lifting it to his lips, and feathers them delicately over my skin.

Fortunately, Nikos appears with two glasses of ouzo and a knowing smile. "For the lovebirds," he says with a wink. "Now, what can I get you to eat?"

We order a feast of Greek delicacies -- dolmades, spanakopita, moussaka, and more. As we wait for our food, sipping our ouzo, I'm struck by how surreal this all feels. Just a week ago, I was drowning in paperwork at my mind-numbing insurance job in Asheville, North Carolina, and now I'm on the run from Greek security guards with a devastatingly handsome Brit. Life has a funny way of surprising you.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Declan asks, his fingers tracing lazy circles on the back of my hand.

I take a sip of ouzo, savoring the anise flavor. "Just thinking about how crazy this all is. A week ago, I was living the most boring life imaginable. And now..." I gesture vaguely at our surroundings.

"Do you regret it? Coming with me, I mean."

I consider his question for a moment. Do I regret throwing caution to the wind and jetting off to Europe to play naughty games with a man I barely know? Do I regret the heart pounding excitement, the breathtaking scenery, the body-shattering climaxes? I peer into Declan eyes and feel my heart skip a beat, the answer suddenly clear.

"Not for a second," I reply softly, surprising myself with my honesty. "These past few days have been...incredible. Terrifying at times, but incredible."

Declan grins with a radiance that's dazzling. He leans across the table, his lips just inches from mine. "I'm glad to hear it, because I've got plans for us, Bree. Big plans."

"Oh, really?" I arch an eyebrow, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens from his proximity. "And what might those be?"

"For starters, I was thinking we could hop on my friend's yacht tomorrow and sail to Santorini. I know a little cove there---"

"Uh-uh-uh," I chastise, wagging a finger at him. "We agreed to a chase, not a lazy getaway in the Mediterranean."

That devilish amusement twinkles in his eyes again. "Ah, but who says we can't have both, love? A bit of leisure between the thrills?"

I lean back, crossing my arms. "I thought you were supposed to be this big, bad adventurer. Don't tell me you're going soft on me already."

"Never, darling. But even the most daring adventurers need a moment to recover their breath." He slides his hand onto my thigh, caressing my flesh with his fingertips. "Besides, I have some ideas for that yacht that are anything but soft."

Declan is sneaky, but he won't distract me with silky promises, not this time. "That's not how this game is supposed to go. You chase me."

He slumps against his chair. "As you wish."