Page 49 of One Hot Chase

"Well then, Sir Declan," she purrs, leaning in so close I can feel her breath on my lips, "catch me if you can."

With that, she's up and out of her seat, darting toward the door of the pastry shop. I'm momentarily stunned by her sudden movement, but I quickly recover, tossing some forints on the table before chasing after her. Yes, I even thought to get some Hungarian money when I landed in this country.

The cool Budapest air hits my face as I burst out onto the cobblestone street. I spot a glimpse of her strawberry blonde hair whipping around a corner and take off in pursuit. My heart races, partly from the exertion and partly from the thrill of the chase.

We weave through the narrow streets, dodging tourists and locals alike. Bree is quick and agile, darting between people with ease. But I'm no slouch either, my long legs shrinking the distance between us.

"Come on, Your Knightliness!" she calls over her shoulder, laughter in her voice. "I thought you said you'd chase me across continents!"

"Just you wait, love," I shout back, grinning despite my labored breathing. "I'm just getting warmed up!"

We race past ornate buildings and bustling cafes while Bree leads me on a merry chase through winding alleyways and across busy squares. I'm so focused on keeping her in sight that I barely register the stunning architecture around us.

Finally, we burst out onto a wide promenade along the Danube River. Sabrina slows her pace, her chest heaving, her smile lopsided. I close the distance between us, my own lungs burning from the exertion.

She turns to face me with a triumphant grin. "Looks like you managed to keep up after all."

I stumble to a halt mere inches from her, close enough to see the flecks of gold in her emerald eyes. "Did you ever doubt I would?"

Chapter Seventeen

Sabrina

I don't even try to stifle my laughter. "Maybe for a moment there I wondered if you'd turn tail and run for the nearest pub. You aren't as spry as you used to be, old man."

"Old man?" He scoffs, feigning offense. "I'm only three years older than you."

Before I realize what he intends to do, Declan wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me flush against his muscular body. I gawk at him, unable to speak even one syllable. I always feel that way when he crushes his firm body to mine. The heat of his body awakens mine as my chest rises and falls rapidly. He always does this to me.

His voice has become a silken whisper that stimulates me in every way imaginable. "What was that you said about being caught, Bree?"

My lips part slightly as my gaze flickers between his entrancing eyes and his nibble-worthy lips. For a moment, I think he might kiss me right here on the promenade. But then that roguish glint ignites in his eyes again.

"This time, darling, I might be waiting for you instead of the other way round."

"It's doubtful. I had to slow down to make sure you could find me. Otherwise, you might've traipsed down the wrong street."

With a swift movement, I slip out of his grasp and shuffle backward. "Tell you what. If you can find me before sunset, I'll let you claim your prize. But if not..." I let my voice trail off as I back away from him even more. "I guess you'll just have to keep chasing me across Europe, won't you?"

"You drive a hard bargain, Sabrina. But I accept your challenge."

"Maybe I'll even widen the net to take this chase onto other continents."

The suggestive quirk of his lips unleashes liquid fire deep inside my sex, and I'm suddenly breathing harder. Declan always has that effect on me. But when I whirl around, blowing him a kiss over my shoulder, he doesn't even try to follow me. Not yet. As I disappear into the crowd along the Danube promenade, I glance back at Declan---only to find him gone.

What is that sly, shameless Brit up to now?

I weave through the bustling crowd, my mind whirling with thoughts of what he'll do if he reaches our destination first. Just imagining how our game will unfold sends an electric charge down my spine. Declan might think he's a genius, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.

As I duck into a nearby café, the aroma of fresh pastries and coffee envelops me. Through the window, I scan the promenade, searching for any sign of Declan. But I don't see him. Might he be hot on my trail right now? He's good, I'll give him that. And he's totally committed to our game, just like I am.

Slipping out the back door, I find myself in a narrow alley. Perfect for losing a tail. I need to get to the airport, but I wouldn't mind a steamy interlude before we part ways again. So, I move out onto the street, slowing my pace, and allowing Declan to catch up---if he can. Then I notice an outdoor market up ahead and jog over there. Can't make it too easy for Declan to find me.

I'm browsing the offerings when a familiar scent wafts past me---a blend of spicy cologne and something uniquely Declan. My pulse quickens, but I force myself to remain casual, pretending to examine a display of colorful scarves.

"There you are, Bree." His deep, alluring voice shivers through me like a sultry breeze. "If you want to be surreptitious, my sweet, best cover up all that luscious strawberry blonde hair."

I spin around, pretending to be startled, though I doubt he buys my act. "Well, well, Sir Declan. Looks as if someone's navigation skills have improved."