Chapter Nine
Sabrina
Now that I've left Declan behind, I grab yet another taxi and head for Derek and Diana's house to retrieve my luggage. They invite me to stay for tea, but I decline that generous offer. Pippa is disappointed. I can't explain to my new friends why I have to get moving again. I'm letting Declan chase me, and there will probably be mind-blowing orgasms involved. So, yeah, I'll keep my plans to myself.
Where should I go? Someplace touristy but away from Declan's apartment or the Savoy Hotel. A quick look at the map on my phone gives me a great idea. I drop my bags off in a locker at a "left luggage" facility inside a train station. That way, I can access my stuff again whenever I want.
Finally, I'm on my way to my first destination.
The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over everything, just as I arrive at the open-air theater in Regent's Park. The place is bustling with people of all ages who have come to experience whatever play is on tap for tonight. I find a spot on the grass, surrounded by couples cuddling on blankets and families unpacking picnic baskets. I blend into the crowd, my eyes darting around for any sign of Declan. My heart races, partly from the thrill of the chase and partly from the lingering memory of my steamy time with Declan in his luxury apartment earlier.
As I settle in on the grass, I can't help but wonder if Declan will figure out where I've gone.
How could he? I didn't leave any clues for him.
As the actors take the stage, I feel a smile curving my lips. They're performing A Midsummer Night's Dream , one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. The fairy lights strung above the audience twinkle to life, creating a magical atmosphere that even the bard himself would approve of, I'm sure. I try to focus on the actors strutting across the stage, their voices carrying Shakespeare's words through the warm summer air. But my mind keeps drifting back to Declan. His deep blue eyes, that devilish smirk, the way his accent makes even the most mundane phrases feel like verbal foreplay.
As I let myself get lost in the magical world of star-crossed lovers and fairies, my smile broadens into a grin. My own midsummer night's adventure is about to unfold. But even as I laugh at Bottom's antics and sigh at the romantic entanglements, I wonder where Declan is. Has he given up? Or is he hot on my trail? Maybe I gave him the slip too well, and he has no idea where I've gone.
I'm so engrossed in the play that I almost miss the tall, muscular figure slipping into the crowd. My heart races as I spy a glimpse of a familiar head of dark hair. Though I can't see his mesmerizing blue eyes, I'd recognize that man anywhere. It's Declan. How did he find me so quickly?
I duck my head, using the woman in front of me as cover. My heart pounds as I watch Declan scan the crowd, his eyes searching. I hold my breath, torn between wanting him to spot me and hoping to remain hidden. The thrill of the chase courses through my veins, making my skin tingle with anticipation.
Declan moves closer, weaving through the sea of blankets and picnic baskets. My body sizzles just from the way he moves, all fluid grace and barely contained power. He's like a panther on the prowl, and I'm his willing prey.
Just as I think I've escaped his notice, our eyes lock. A slow, wicked grin spreads across his face. He's found me, and judging by the heat in his gaze, he's more than ready to claim his prize.
Declan makes his way toward me, never breaking eye contact. My heart races as he approaches, his tall frame cutting through the crowd with ease. He settles down beside me on the grass, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating off his body.
"Fancy meeting you here, darling," he murmurs. "Didn't peg you for a Shakespeare fan."
I try to keep my voice steady as I reply, "There's a lot you don't know about me, Mr. Wilde."
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?"
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.