Page 15 of One Hot Chase

"Absolutely. That falls right inside my wheelhouse."

My shoulders slump. "That sounds perfect, but I doubt I can afford your services."

Diana aims a motherly smile at me. "Don't worry, love. There will be no charge. If Spencer Halfenaked recommended you, that's all we need to know."

"Oh. That's great." Do I sound like a moron or what? Sheesh.

Derek studies me for a moment. "Tell us about the jerk who's been following you around."

"He's been trailing me since---Well, that part doesn't matter." I almost let it slip about my wild night with Declan. Being stalked is exhausting. "This guy seems to have connections everywhere, and they're all willing to help him harass me. He even convinced a hotel clerk to give him my room number and a taxi driver to tell him that I went to Trafalgar Square. That's how he found me again."

"Do you know the stalker's name?"

"Yes, unfortunately. He goes by Declan Wilde, but who knows if that's his real name."

Diana shifts in her seat, suddenly looking at me as if I've just revealed that I was abducted by aliens. "Did you say Declan Wilde?"

"Yes."

Diana and Derek exchange puzzled glances, then she cautiously asks, "Are you absolutely certain that was his name?"

"I'm positive. He told me so himself."

She stares at me with disbelief for a moment before relaxing back into her chair. "I'm sorry, love, but that can't be right. Sir Declan Wilde is one of England's most esteemed philanthropists as well as a successful businessman. He was awarded a KCB---Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire."

"A what?" I can't believe what I'm hearing. Declan is evil. "That creep is no knight in shining armor."

"Knight of the Order of the British Empire is a ceremonial title."

Derek's brows furrow as he glances at his wife. "Baby, I think there must be something else going on here. Sir Declan must have a reason for his actions. But I trust Bree's account. Why don't I pay Sir Declan a visit myself? Then I can decide if any further action needs to be taken."

I perk up. "You would do that for me?"

"Of course I would. If it turns out Declan has a secret life as a stalker, I'll expose him so hard he won't know what hit him."

Diana smiles lovingly at her husband. "My love, you are the sweetest man in the world."

He leans in close and whispers, "Don't go spreading that rumor around. I have a reputation to maintain."

She playfully pats his cheek. "No need to worry. Bree won't tell a soul. Will you, pet?"

"Nope. My lips are sealed. But I'm still in shock about that jack---I mean, Sir Declan's behavior." Every time Diana uses the word pet, I feel weird about it. Why? Because Declan also likes to call me that, though with very different intentions.

Derek jumps out of his seat. "You lovely ladies can stay here. I'll go have a chat with Declan."

I leap up too. "I'm coming with you."

"No, Bree, that's not a good idea."

"But he's been stalking me. And what if he uses hypnosis on you? He's the devil."

Derek is desperately trying not to burst into laughter, and I can't blame him. Even I think I sound like a lunatic. But Derek is too kind to say so.

Instead, he places a comforting hand on my shoulder and gives me an empathetic smile. "I get that you're upset by Declan's behavior. But if you can trust me, we'll get this all sorted out, I promise. Does that sound good?"

"Yes, thank you. I swear I'm not normally like this."

As he leads me away, he tells Diana, "We won't be long, baby. Don't worry."

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