Page 24 of One Hot Chase

But she seems uncertain. What on earth did her ex do to make her so skittish? I suppose my behavior didn't help matters. I need to figure out how to ease her worries. But first, I must take care of another need.

"Ah, give me a moment, love. Nature calls."

Her brows knit together.

I rush into the bathroom. Once I've relieved my immediate needs, I take the time to spruce myself up a bit with cologne and a breath mint. And for reasons I cannot explain, I hesitate as I reach for the doorknob. If Sabrina is about to tell me to bugger off...No, I shouldn't think that. I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin, then saunter out into the bedroom.

Sabrina is gone. So are her clothes.

"Bollocks!" I hiss as I race into the living room. "Sabrina, wait!"

I've caught her at the door. She's wearing the blouse and bra she'd torn apart earlier, though she seems to have tucked them in somehow as a stopgap measure.

Sabrina freezes, her hand on the doorknob. She turns slowly, her eyes wide. "Declan, I..."

Mustering all my willpower, I take a step closer, careful not to crowd her. "Please, don't go. Not like this."

She bites her lip, glancing between me and the door. "I'm sorry, I just...I panicked. This is all happening so fast."

"I know," I say softly. "And I understand if you need space. But running away isn't the answer. Talk to me, Bree."

She takes a deep breath, her shoulders sagging slightly. "It's just...I'm not used to this. To feeling so...exposed. Not just physically, but emotionally. It scares me."

Her fear is visible and palpable, like an unsettling aroma in the air. She wants to flee. She had intended to do that, believing I was still in the bathroom. What can I do? I have only one option.

So, I reach out, gently taking her hand in mine. "If you feel you need a bit of space, I understand. But you don't need to run away. I have an alternate suggestion."

"Like what?"

"You can run, go wherever you like. But I am going to chase you."

Her brows fly upward, then her jaw drops. She seems incapable of speaking.

"You wanted to hunt for your perfect catch," I remind her as I shuffle a few inches closer. "You can still do that. Hordes of men would clamor to win your heart. All I'm asking is that you let me chase after you as well, and that you permit me to use whatever means necessary in accomplishing my quest."

"Why in the world would you do that?"

"Because you are worth it, darling."

Sabrina's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and something softer flickering across her face. For a moment, she seems at a loss for words, her usual quick wit failing her.

"I... I don't know what to say," she finally manages, her voice barely above a whisper.

I take another small step closer, careful not to overwhelm her. "You don't have to say anything right now. Just...don't run. Not like this. Keep me posted on your general whereabouts. I'll do the same for you. Or we could use an app that will let us find each other's location. It can be turned off at any time."

"Well, I guess we could try that." She glances down at her makeshift blouse as a rueful smile tugs at her lips. "I suppose I'm not exactly dressed for a dramatic exit, am I?"

I chuckle as relief washes over me. "No, not quite. Though I must say, you make even torn clothing look fetching."

Sabrina gives a derisive snort, but I detect the hint of a blush on her cheeks. "Why would a wealthy, handsome Knight of the British Order care so much about winning me over? I'm not worth it."

"I intend to prove you wrong on that count."

She pulls the door open further, about to leave.

"Wait, love." I snatch her shoes up off the floor and hold them out to her. "You'll want these, I assume."

"Oh. Yeah. Thank you."

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