Page 26 of One Hot Chase

He leans in closer, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. "I look forward to learning every...single...detail."

The way he emphasizes each word makes my insides melt. I struggle to maintain my composure, determined not to let him see how much he affects me.

"Well, you'll have to catch me first," I tease, my voice barely above a whisper.

Declan's eyes sparkle in the dim lighting, his voice deep and raspy with palpable hunger. "Oh, I think I've already caught you, love."

His hand brushes against mine, sending sparks racing up my skin. I can barely focus on the play anymore, too aware of his presence beside me. The actors' voices fade away as a bubble of silence descends around us. Declan leans in closer, his lips nearly grazing my ear.

"What do you say we find a more...private spot to continue this chase?"

My breath hitches in my throat. I nod, not trusting my voice. Declan stands, offering his hand to help me up. As I take it, he pulls me close, our bodies flush against each other for a moment before we move away.

We weave through the crowd, and Declan places a hand on the small of my back, guiding me away. We slip away from the open-air theater, following a winding path that leads deeper into the park. The sounds of the play fade behind us, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the distant laughter of other park-goers.

Declan leads me off the main path, into a secluded alcove hidden by a cluster of willow trees. Their drooping branches create a curtain around us, shielding us from prying eyes.

Then he presses me against the rough bark of a tree, his hands braced on either side of my head. "See? I've caught you, my sexy little fox."

I tilt my chin up defiantly, even as my pulse races. "Maybe I let you catch me."

His husky chuckle makes my nipples tighten. "Is that so? And what do you plan to do now?"

I'm breathing harder now, intoxicated by the scent of him. My voice becomes barely a whisper. "I...I'm not sure."

A crafty smile curls his lips. "Allow me to offer a suggestion, then."

Before I can respond, he crushes his mouth to mine. The kiss is hungry, passionate, filled with all the pent-up desire from our cat and mouse game. I melt into him, letting my fingers glide up his chest to tangle in his hair.

Declan growls low in his throat, pressing me harder against the tree. His hands roam over my body, exciting my ever nerve. I gasp as he nips at my lower lip. But when he thrusts his tongue deftly, forging deep to explore my mouth, I lose myself in the kiss. My body awakens to Declan's touch with an intensity that both thrills and terrifies me. His hands roam lower, anchoring my hips and tugging me flush against his burgeoning erection. I can feel every one of his muscles flexing against me.

"Bree," he whispers, his voice deeper and rougher. "God, you drive me crazy."

I pull back slightly, breathless from the power of his kiss. "Declan, we can't...not here."

He chuckles again, and the sound makes my clit throb. "Why not here? Afraid of getting arrested?"

The mischievous glint in his eyes makes my heart race. I'm tempted, so tempted, to throw caution to the wind and let him take me right here against this tree. But a small part of my brain---the part still clinging to reason---reminds me we're in a public park. Even the willow trees can't squelch the cries I know I'll make if he takes me right here, right now. My only option is to play it cool even while I'm aching for him.

So, I clear my throat and force myself to relax. "As fun as that sounds, I'd rather not give the local cops a show."

Declan's lips curve into a naughty grin. "Always the voice of reason, aren't you, love?" He dips his head lower, his lips grazing the shell of my ear. "But I'd wager I can make you forget all about being reasonable."

He draws my earlobe into his mouth and suckles it lightly.

I struggle to stifle a moan. My resolve is crumbling fast under his erotic onslaught. "Declan," I whisper, half warning, half plea.

Fortunately, he peels his lips away and sighs. But his voice has dropped to an even richer, deeper tone. "All right, darling. Your wish is my command. For now."

The promise in those words sends a shiver of anticipation through me. Declan steps back, creating a sliver of space between us, but keeps his hands on my hips. I immediately miss the heat of his body against mine.

"So, what's your next move, Miss Remington? Are you going to flee again, or are you ready to admit defeat?"

I arch an eyebrow, my competitive spirit flaring up despite my flushed cheeks and racing pulse. "Defeat? I don't think so, Sir Declan. This contest is far from over."

His eyes light up at the challenge. "Is that so? Well then, perhaps we should raise the stakes."

"What did you have in mind?"

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