Page 27 of One Hot Chase

Declan turns to the side, leaning against the tree, his focus exclusively on me. "If I can hunt you down again before midnight, you have to spend the entire night with me in my flat or at the Savoy, your choice."

A rush of heat floods my cheeks and spreads down to my sex, all because of Declan's proposition. A whole night alone with him, no interruptions, no chance of escape...The thought is both tantalizing and unsettling. "And if you don't catch me?"

"Then it's lady's choice. You may choose our next adventure, and it can be anywhere in the world. I'll take you there, darling."

The offer is tempting, almost too good to pass up. But the competitive part of me, the part that's been enjoying this cat and mouse game, isn't ready to concede just yet.

"Deal," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "But you have to give me a ten-minute head start."

Declan traces a finger up and down my arm. "Five minutes."

"Ten minutes," I counter, trying to keep the breathlessness out of my voice. "Come on, Declan. You've got those long legs and insider knowledge of the city. Ten minutes is only fair."

"Always negotiating, aren't you?" He folds his arms over his chest and sighs. "All right, ten minutes it is. But don't think that extra time will save you, pet."

He steps backward, pushing away from the tree.

I take a deep breath, desperately trying to clear my head, still intoxicated by his nearness.

"The clock starts counting down right now," Declan declares. "Better run, little fox."

I don't need to be told twice. With one last challenging look over my shoulder, I dart out from beneath the willow trees and back onto the main path. My heart pounds as I weave through the park, my mind racing as fast as my feet. The cool night air whips against my flushed cheeks, a stark contrast to the heat Declan's touch had ignited within me. I can still feel the ghost of his lips on mine and the scent of him lingering around me.

Where should I go? I need somewhere busy, crowded, where I can lose myself in the masses. Somewhere Declan might not think to look, at least not immediately. An idea strikes me, and I change course, heading for the nearest tube station.

As I descend into the underground, I'm hit by a wave of warm, stale air and the rumble of approaching trains. It's the perfect cover for me. I hop onto the first train that arrives, not caring where it's headed. As the doors shut behind me, I allow myself to briefly revel in the first leg of our game. Let's see how well Declan can track me through London.

I settle into a seat on the tube---what Americans like me call a subway---my heart is still racing from the encounter with Declan. As the train lurches forward, I pull out my phone to check the time. Eight minutes left before he starts his pursuit. I need a plan.

My mind whirls with possibilities as the train hurtles through the dark tunnels and passengers engage in conversation. I could jump off at the next stop and double back, or ride it to the end of the line. But Declan's probably familiar with the underground since he lives in London. I need to be unpredictable if I'm going to shake him off my tail.

At the next station, I make a split-second decision and dart off the train just as the doors are closing. Racing up the stairs, I take them two at a time and emerge onto a bustling street I don't recognize. Excitement zings through me.

While I blend into the crowd of late-night revelers and tourists, I allow the flow of people to carry me along like the current of a river. My gaze flits back and forth as I search for any sign of Declan's tall frame, his dark hair, or those gorgeous blue eyes. But I don't see anything. So far, so good. And I've just spotted my destination, a random place Declan might never think of.

I duck into a nearby pub. Inside, it's packed with people enjoying their Friday night. The warm glow of lights and the sounds of laughter spill out onto the street every time the doors open and swing shut again. I hesitate, unsure of where I should sit. It should be visible from the doorway. Don't want Declan to miss me in the throng of patrons.

I squeeze my way up to the bar, ordering a gin and tonic to calm my nerves. I'd prefer a glass of Grey Goose vodka, but a girl has to make do with what's available. As I sip my drink, I scan the room, half expecting to see Declan's smirking face appear at any moment.

But he's nowhere to be seen. I relax a little, letting the buzz of conversation and clinking glasses wash over me. Maybe I've actually given him the slip this time.

Just as I'm starting to feel smugly certain I've lost him, my phone buzzes with a text. My heart skips a beat. Clever girl, using the tube. But you can't hide from me forever, darling. The hunt is still on.

A frisson of anticipation races over my skin, mixed with a touch of nervousness. How did he figure out so quickly that I'd taken the tube? I down the rest of my drink, the gin burning pleasantly as it slides down my throat. Time to get moving again. The chase won't be as thrilling if he finds me so soon.

I slip out of the pub and back onto the bustling street. The night air feels cool against my cheeks, though my wool coat keeps the rest of me warm. When I glance at my phone, I realize it's been twenty minutes since I left Declan in the park. He could be anywhere by now.

On impulse, I hail a taxi.

"Where to, miss?" the driver asks as I slide into the backseat.

I hesitate for a moment, then grin. "Westminster, please. Drop me off at the best pub."

As we weave through the London traffic, I keep an eye out for any sign of Declan. I can't wait for our next adventure, and I have a fantastic idea for that.

Chapter Ten

Declan

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