Page 69 of One Hot Chase

"Slow down, love," he laughs, placing a steadying hand on my knee. "We'll have plenty of time to explore. I've arranged for a private tour of the pyramids and the Sphinx at sunset."

"A private tour? How did you manage that?"

Declan's lips quirk. "I have my ways."

"Naturally," I roll my eyes, but can't keep the smile off my face. "I'm engaged to Indiana Jones, aren't I? Is there anything you can't do?"

He roams his gaze over me, his attention landing on my breasts. "Well, there is one thing I haven't managed yet."

"Oh really? What's that?"

In one fluid motion, Declan unbuckles his seatbelt and stands, towering over me. "Getting you to join the mile-high club."

My throat constricts as he extends his hand, an invitation and a challenge in his eyes. For a moment, I hesitate. We're alone in the cockpit, though no one else is on board anyway, but still...The responsible part of my brain tries to protest, but Declan's smoldering gaze silences it instantly.

With a coy smile, I accept his hand. "Well, I suppose there's a first time for everything."

He pulls me to my feet, his strong arms encircling my waist. "That's my girl."

The world falls away as Declan's hands delicately massage my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I melt into him, all thoughts of propriety forgotten. His lips blaze a path down my neck, and I can't hold back a soft moan.

"Shh," he murmurs against my skin. "Wouldn't want to scandalize the autopilot, now would we?"

I giggle like a freaking schoolgirl, the sound turning into a gasp as his teeth graze my earlobe. My fingers tangle in his hair, and when he kisses me, it's the deepest, most possessive, tongue-thrusting liplock ever.

But I have to ask him a question. So, I peel my lips away from his. "Declan?"

He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes. "Yes, darling?"

"Are you sure this is safe?" I ask, even as my body arches into his touch.

His low chuckle sends shivers down my spine. "Trust me, love. I've got everything under control."

And with that, he sweeps me off my feet---literally---carrying me to the small bedroom at the back of the jet. As he lays me gently on the mattress, I love how perfectly I fit in his arms.

"Now, pet," he purrs, hovering over me with a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Where were we?"

Hours later, as we descend into Cairo, I'm still floating on cloud nine. As we step off the jet, the heat hits me like a wall. The air is dry and dusty, a stark contrast to the lush humidity of Bali. But there's an electric energy here that suffuses the air with ancient mysteries that seem to pulse through the very ground beneath our feet.

Declan rests his hand on my back, guiding me through the crowded airport. "Welcome to Egypt, Sabrina."

I can't wipe the grin off my face as we make our way to a waiting car. The driver greets us with a warm "Ahlan wa sahlan," and Declan responds in flawless Arabic. Does that man know every language on earth?

As we wind through the chaotic streets of Cairo, my eyes are glued to the window. The city is a fascinating blend of old and new---gleaming skyscrapers rising next to crumbling buildings, ancient mosques nestled among modern shops. The streets are a cacophony of honking horns, shouting vendors, and the occasional bleat of a goat.

"It's so...alive," I breathe, unable to tear my gaze away from the vibrant scene outside.

Declan claims my hand. "Just wait until you see the pyramids, love. They'll take your breath away."

As if on cue, we round a corner and there they are---the Great Pyramid of Giza, rising majestically against the golden sky with the two smaller pyramids around it. My heart skips a beat at the sight.

"I've always wanted to see Egypt," I whisper, awestruck. "The pyramids are incredible."

Declan's eyes are on me, not the scenery. "You're incredible."

As we approach our hotel, a stunning oasis nestled near the pyramids, I can hardly contain my excitement. The lobby is a marvel of modern luxury with touches of ancient Egyptian decor---golden statues, hieroglyphic-adorned pillars, and a towering palm-fringed atrium.

"Your suite is ready, Sir Declan," the concierge says with a respectful nod.

---