Chapter Twenty-Three
Sabrina
As we fly over the Pacific Ocean, heading for the Indian Ocean, I can't hide my excitement. It feels like a palpable, undeniable force. Just like me, as Declan quips. I pepper him with questions about Bali, eager to learn everything I can before we arrive in paradise.
"Will we stay in one of those thatched-roof bungalows? Oh! Can we visit a monkey forest? I've heard there are sacred temples everywhere. Will we get to see those too?"
Declan laughs, delighted by my enthusiasm. "Slow down, love. We'll have time for all of that and more. I know a fantastic little villa right on the beach in Canggu. It's quieter than the touristy areas, but still close enough to explore everything."
My eyes must be bulging now. That's how excited I am. "A villa? On the beach? Declan, that sounds incredible."
"Only the best for my fiancée," he says with a wink.
I think I might be blushing. Only Declan Wilde could ever turn me back into a teenager with a crush on the hunkiest guy in school.
He leans in close, his breath tickling my ear as he whispers, "And wait until you see the private pool. It's perfect for skinny dipping under the stars."
"Declan Wilde, are you trying to seduce me at high altitude?"
His deep chuckle reverberates through me. "Darling, I'm always trying to seduce you. It's part of my charm."
I playfully swat his arm, but I can't deny the heat blooming in my cheeks. "You're incorrigible."
"And you love it," he quips, capturing my hand and pressing a kiss to my knuckles.
As we begin our descent into Bali, the lush landscape unfolds beneath us. Emerald rice paddies, pristine beaches, and volcanic peaks paint a breathtaking panorama. My heart races with anticipation as we touch down on the runway.
The moment we step off the plane, the warm, fragrant air envelops us like a lover's embrace. I inhale deeply, savoring the exotic scents of this magical island.
"Welcome to paradise," Declan murmurs, his arm sliding around my waist.
We breeze through customs thanks to Declan's charm. He works his magic on everyone we encounter. Before I know it, we're being whisked away in a sleek black car, the windows rolled down to let in the balmy breeze.
As we wind our way through narrow streets lined with ornate temples and swaying palms, I can't stop grinning. It all feels like a dream---the kind you never want to wake up from.
"You look happy," Declan observes.
"I'm ecstatic." I clutch his hand as a giddy excitement rushes through me. "Can't believe we're really here."
The car turns onto a secluded road, and suddenly we're pulling up to a stunning villa nestled among lush tropical gardens. My jaw drops as I take in the thatched roof, the intricately carved wooden doors, and the glimpse of sparkling blue beyond.
"Declan, this is...wow," I say, fumbling for words.
He grins, clearly pleased by my reaction. "Wait until you see the inside."
As if on cue, a smiling Balinese woman appears, greeting us with folded hands and a gentle "Selamat datang."
Declan responds in flawless Indonesian, because of course he does. Is there anything this man can't do?
"How do you know so many languages?" I ask. "My linguistic skills never went further than high school Spanish."
"I've traveled to many places around the world as part of my philanthropic work. Native speakers helped me learn quickly." He smirks at me with an impish glint in his eyes. "I learn languages the fastest when a woman teaches me."
"I see. Why do I get the feeling you learn languages best when you're in bed with your teacher?"
He smiles with his lips sealed.
Oh, yeah, Declan Wilde definitely acquired his multilingual skills in the bedroom.
After one day in Bali, it's time for us to move on again.
I reluctantly follow Declan back to the car, my mind still reeling from our whirlwind tour of Bali. I steal one last glance at the stunning villa. "I can't believe we're leaving already. We barely got to enjoy the private pool."
He wraps an arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry, darling. Our next stop has an even better one."
"Oh? And where might that be?"
He taps my nose playfully. "I won't tell you, not yet. But I promise you'll love it."
As we settle into our seats in the cockpit of Declan's jet, I think back on how quickly my life has changed. Just a few weeks ago, I was a small-town girl with big ambitions that were never realized. Now, I'm jetting around the world with the most infuriating, irresistible man I've ever met.
With a roar of engines, we're airborne again, soaring over the sparkling Indian Ocean. As the lush green of Bali fades into the distance, I feel a twinge of sadness.
"I wish we could have stayed longer," I say, gazing out the window. "There's so much more I wanted to see."
Declan's hand finds mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We'll come back, love. I promise. But for now, our adventure is just beginning."
I rub my hands together. "So, where are we off to next, Your Knightliness?"
"Egypt."
I sit up straighter, my pulse accelerating. "As in, pyramids and sphinxes and mummies Egypt?"
Declan chuckles. "The very same, darling. Though I can't promise any mummies. They tend to stay tucked away in their tombs these days."
I can barely contain my excitement, bouncing in my seat like a child on Christmas morning. "Holy cow, Declan. I've always wanted to see the pyramids! And the Nile! And---"
"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.
Declan's arm slides around my waist as we follow the bellhop to the elevator. "I hope you don't mind sharing."
"I suppose I can tolerate your company for a few more days," I tease, leaning into his embrace.
The elevator doors slide open, revealing a private foyer leading to our digs. As we step inside, my jaw drops. The room is nothing short of palatial, with soaring ceilings, intricate mosaic tiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a magical view of the pyramids.
"Declan, this is..." I trail off, at a loss for words.
He grins, clearly pleased by my reaction. "Only the best for you, darling."
I wander to the window, mesmerized by the sight of the ancient wonders bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Declan's arms encircle me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.
After a sumptuous meal and a good night's sleep, we take a river boat trip down the Nile to visit more ancient monuments. The gentle lapping of the Nile against our felucca's wooden hull is hypnotic. I lean back against Declan's chest, savoring the warmth of the Egyptian sun on my skin and the cool breeze coming off the river.
I tilt my head up to gaze at him. "This is heaven."
His blue eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles down at me. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, love."
Our traditional sailboat glides effortlessly down the Nile, the shoreline a patchwork of lush green fields and sandy banks. Palm trees sway in the breeze, and occasionally we spot a herd of water buffalo cooling off in the shallows.
"Look!" I exclaim, pointing to a flock of white ibises taking flight from a nearby marsh. "They're so graceful."
Our felucca captain, a weathered old man named Hassan, calls out to us in Arabic, pointing to something on the shore. Declan translates for me.
"He says we're approaching the Temple of Kom Ombo," Declan explains. "It's one of the most unique temples in Egypt, dedicated to two gods at once---Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon god."
As we draw closer, I gasp at the sight. The temple rises majestically from the riverbank, its golden sandstone columns gleaming in the sunlight. Two identical entrances face the Nile, a testament to its dual nature.
By the time we return to our hotel suite, we agree that we need to move on tomorrow. Declan suggests a stop in Spain, and I trust his judgment completely. The next morning, we head back to the airport.
As we settle into our seats on Declan's jet once again, I experience a mixture of excitement and wistfulness. Egypt was beyond amazing, but Spain promises its own unique charms.
"So, where exactly are we heading in Spain?" I ask, buckling my seatbelt.
"How do you feel about flamenco and tapas ?"
"Seville?" I guess, my heart skipping a beat.
He clasps my hand and kisses it. "Got it in one, darling. I thought we could use a bit of passion and spice after all that ancient history."
The flight passes in a blur of stolen kisses and whispered promises. Before I know it, we're touching down in Seville, the warm Andalusian sun greeting us as we step off the plane. A driver awaits us on the tarmac and whisks us through the winding streets of Seville, past whitewashed buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies and colorful tiles. The city is a vibrant tapestry of old and new, with modern shops nestled alongside ancient churches and palatial mansions.
As we pull up to our hotel, a stunning converted palace in the heart of the old town, I'm fascinated by the beauty of this place. Declan takes me to our suite which is, of course, ginormous and gorgeous. After a good night's sleep, the time has finally come.
We are flying straight to London.