Page 68 of One Hot Chase

The moment we step off the plane, the warm, fragrant air envelops us like a lover's embrace. I inhale deeply, savoring the exotic scents of this magical island.

"Welcome to paradise," Declan murmurs, his arm sliding around my waist.

We breeze through customs thanks to Declan's charm. He works his magic on everyone we encounter. Before I know it, we're being whisked away in a sleek black car, the windows rolled down to let in the balmy breeze.

As we wind our way through narrow streets lined with ornate temples and swaying palms, I can't stop grinning. It all feels like a dream---the kind you never want to wake up from.

"You look happy," Declan observes.

"I'm ecstatic." I clutch his hand as a giddy excitement rushes through me. "Can't believe we're really here."

The car turns onto a secluded road, and suddenly we're pulling up to a stunning villa nestled among lush tropical gardens. My jaw drops as I take in the thatched roof, the intricately carved wooden doors, and the glimpse of sparkling blue beyond.

"Declan, this is...wow," I say, fumbling for words.

He grins, clearly pleased by my reaction. "Wait until you see the inside."

As if on cue, a smiling Balinese woman appears, greeting us with folded hands and a gentle "Selamat datang."

Declan responds in flawless Indonesian, because of course he does. Is there anything this man can't do?

"How do you know so many languages?" I ask. "My linguistic skills never went further than high school Spanish."

"I've traveled to many places around the world as part of my philanthropic work. Native speakers helped me learn quickly." He smirks at me with an impish glint in his eyes. "I learn languages the fastest when a woman teaches me."

"I see. Why do I get the feeling you learn languages best when you're in bed with your teacher?"

He smiles with his lips sealed.

Oh, yeah, Declan Wilde definitely acquired his multilingual skills in the bedroom.

After one day in Bali, it's time for us to move on again.

I reluctantly follow Declan back to the car, my mind still reeling from our whirlwind tour of Bali. I steal one last glance at the stunning villa. "I can't believe we're leaving already. We barely got to enjoy the private pool."

He wraps an arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry, darling. Our next stop has an even better one."

"Oh? And where might that be?"

He taps my nose playfully. "I won't tell you, not yet. But I promise you'll love it."

As we settle into our seats in the cockpit of Declan's jet, I think back on how quickly my life has changed. Just a few weeks ago, I was a small-town girl with big ambitions that were never realized. Now, I'm jetting around the world with the most infuriating, irresistible man I've ever met.

With a roar of engines, we're airborne again, soaring over the sparkling Indian Ocean. As the lush green of Bali fades into the distance, I feel a twinge of sadness.

"I wish we could have stayed longer," I say, gazing out the window. "There's so much more I wanted to see."

Declan's hand finds mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We'll come back, love. I promise. But for now, our adventure is just beginning."

I rub my hands together. "So, where are we off to next, Your Knightliness?"

"Egypt."

I sit up straighter, my pulse accelerating. "As in, pyramids and sphinxes and mummies Egypt?"

Declan chuckles. "The very same, darling. Though I can't promise any mummies. They tend to stay tucked away in their tombs these days."

I can barely contain my excitement, bouncing in my seat like a child on Christmas morning. "Holy cow, Declan. I've always wanted to see the pyramids! And the Nile! And---"

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