One Hot Chase (Hot Brits #12)

Chapter Eighteen

Declan

Sabrina absconded again, but I'm getting accustomed to that. We did agree that I would chase her. But she didn't provide any clues this time to help me figure out where she might be jetting off to next. Though I haven't known Sabrina for long, I feel as if I understand her well enough to make an educated guess about her destination.

How will I do that? It's simple. I have a secret weapon Sabrina doesn't know about yet.

So, I race to the Budapest airport and head out onto the tarmac. But I bypass my jet. I would recognize Diana Hahn's jet if I saw it, having taken a ride in it once so I could get to Milan on time to head a fundraiser there.

As I scan the area, I spot Diana's plane. Unfortunately, it's taxiing down the runway. I can't possibly catch up to it or stop the jet from taking off. Time to employ my secret weapon---namely, becoming a nosy arse.

I rush back inside the airport and track down the first employee I can find. He doesn't know where Diana's jet is going, but he points me to a flight attendant who is dating Diana's jet captain. She tells me the plane is heading for Marrakesh.

Yes, all right, I lied slightly to get that information. I told the flight attendant my girlfriend and I had a minor argument and she flew away without me to make a point. I'm to join her in Marrakesh. Well, that's at least partly true.

Now that I have my destination, I climb into my jet and head for a locale I have never visited before. Marrakesh sounds quite romantic.

As my jet soars over the Mediterranean, I grin at the thought of surprising Sabrina in Morocco. My heart beats faster, my pulse pounding in my ears, as I imagine how incredible the sex will be this time. Even better than the other times, I'd wager. The thrill of the chase is intoxicating, and I find myself more invested in this game than I'd care to admit.

As I approach Marrakesh Menara Airport, the air traffic controller informs me that we're next in line for touchdown. I peer out the window while I wait, taking in the ochre-hued buildings and palm trees swaying in the distance. When I finally hop down the steps to exit the jet, I'm hit by a wave of sultry warmth that oddly reminds me of Sabrina. I scan the area, wondering if she'll magically appear to greet me with a teasing smile. But of course, it won't be that easy.

I hail a taxi and head straight for the medina, figuring it's the perfect place for Sabrina to hide out and revel in the sensory overload of colors, scents, and sounds. The driver weaves through narrow, winding streets, and I find myself leaning forward, eyes darting from side to side, searching for a glimpse of strawberry blonde hair or the sound of that infectious laugh.

As we near the heart of the medina, I spot a flash of familiar freckles disappearing into a spice shop. My heart races as I practically throw some dirhams at the driver and leap out of the cab. I weave through the bustling crowd, dodging donkey carts and groups of tourists, my eyes locked on the shop's entrance.

I burst through the beaded curtain, my senses immediately assaulted by the pungent aroma of cumin, saffron, and a dozen other spices I can't name. The shopkeeper eyes me curiously as I scan the dim interior, searching for Sabrina. My eyes finally land on a shapely figure examining jars of spices in the back corner. As if sensing my presence, she turns, and those sparkling green eyes meet mine.

"Took you long enough, Your Knightliness," Sabrina quips, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "I was beginning to think you'd given up on our little game."

I cluck my tongue, erasing the distance between us with a few long strides. "Give up? Darling, you should know by now that I never back down from a challenge."

She raises an eyebrow, her fingers toying with a jar of bright red paprika. "Oh? And what makes you think I'm a challenge worth pursuing?"

I lean in close, my voice dropping to a low murmur. "Because, Bree, you're the most intoxicating spice in this entire shop."

Her cheeks flush, matching the paprika in her hands, but she recovers quickly. "Smooth talker. But it'll take more than pretty words to win this game."

I chuckle, reaching past her to pluck a jar of cinnamon from the shelf. "Then how about we raise the stakes? Dinner tonight, my treat. If you can guess which spice I use in the main course, you win. If not..."

I trail off, letting the implication hang in the air.

Sabrina's brows lift as her lips curve into a playful smile. "And what do I win, exactly?"

"Whatever your heart desires, darling," I reply, deepening my voice to a seductive register. I know that drives her mad.

Sabrina's eyes widen for a moment, betraying her interest, but she quickly composes herself. "Careful what you offer, Declan. My desires might be more than you can handle."

I move in closer, my lips tickling her earlobe. "Try me."

She shivers slightly, then steps back with a coy smile. "All right, you're on. But don't think I'll go easy on you just because you tracked me down in this labyrinth."

"When will you learn that I never take anything for granted?" I offer her my arm. "Shall we explore this magical place before our culinary duel?"

Sabrina hesitates for a moment, then links her arm through mine. "Lead the way, Mr. Wilde. But remember, this doesn't mean you've won anything yet."

We step out into the bustling streets of the medina, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the terracotta buildings. As we weave through the narrow alleyways, I notice how perfectly Sabrina fits into this vibrant, chaotic landscape. Her eyes dance with excitement as she takes in the colorful textiles hanging from shop fronts and the enticing aromas wafting from food stalls.

"You know," she says, tugging me toward a display of intricate silver jewelry, "I half expected you to give up after Budapest. Most men would have."

I chuckle, watching while she admires a delicate bracelet. "I'm not most men, darling. And you're certainly not most women. Besides, you had never gone on a true man hunt until you met me."

"What makes you think I haven't?"

"Any other blokes you tried on for size couldn't possibly have understood your needs and desires." I shuffle a bit closer. "Why else would you have let me fuck you with my hand in the Beaufort Bar? Or let me take you to my suite for a night of uninhibited shagging? You are one of a kind, just like me."

She glances up at me, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "Is that why you're chasing me across continents? Because I'm not like other women?"

I pause, choosing my words carefully. "I'm chasing you because you are Sabrina, the man hunter. Unpredictable, brilliant, maddening Sabrina. And I can't seem to get enough."

A flash of something---surprise? pleasure?---crosses her face before she masks it with a casual smile. "Well, don't get too attached, Sir Declan. This is just a game, remember?"

"Is it?" I murmur, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

She shivers at my touch but doesn't pull away. "Of course it is. What else could it be?"

I don't answer, instead letting my gaze linger on her lips. The air between us crackles with tension, and for a moment, I think she might close the distance between us. But then she clears her throat and steps back.

"So, about that dinner," Sabrina says, her voice a touch breathier than usual. "Where exactly are you planning to wow me with culinary delights?"

I grin, glad for the slight reprieve from the intensity of the moment. "Ah, that would be telling, wouldn't it? Let's just say I have connections in interesting places."

She rolls her eyes, but I can see the curiosity sparkling in them. "Of course you do. Is there anywhere in the world where Declan Wilde doesn't have a friend with a favor to cash in?"

"Probably not," I admit with a wink. "It's part of my charm."

We continue our stroll through the medina, bantering back and forth as we explore the labyrinthine streets. As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks, I guide Sabrina toward a hidden doorway tucked away in a quiet corner of the medina. She raises an eyebrow as I knock in a distinctive pattern that sounds almost musical.

Her brows knit together. "Secret knocks now? You really are going all out to impress me."

I wink at her. "Oh, love, you haven't seen anything yet."

The door swings open, revealing a dimly lit passageway. I place my hand on the small of Sabrina's back, guiding her inside. As we walk, the narrow corridor opens up into a breathtaking courtyard. Lush greenery surrounds us, and the gentle sound of trickling water fills the air. Lanterns hang from the trees, casting a warm, intimate glow over the space.

Sabrina's eyes widen as she takes in the romantic scene. "Declan, this is...wow."

I stand up taller, my chin held high, all because of her compliment. "Only the best for you, pet."

An elegantly set table for two sits in the center of the courtyard, surrounded by flickering candles. As we approach, a waiter appears as if by magic, pulling out Sabrina's chair.

"Your Highness," I tease, gesturing for her to sit.

She tries to play it cool but can't hide her smile as she takes her seat. "You're ridiculous."

I settle across from her, my eyes never leaving her face. "Ridiculously charming, you mean."

"Jury's still out on that one," she quips, but there's a softness in her gaze that makes my heart skip.

The waiter returns with a bottle of champagne, popping the cork with a flourish. As he pours the bubbling liquid into our flutes, I raise mine in a toast.

"To the thrill of the chase," I say, my eyes locked on Sabrina's.

She clinks her glass against mine. "And to the sweet satisfaction of being caught...maybe."

We sip our champagne, the tension between us palpable. The waiter discreetly places the first course before us---a delicate salad of fresh figs, arugula, and goat cheese.

"So," Sabrina says, spearing a fig with her fork, "are you going to give me any hints about this mystery spice I'm supposed to guess?"

I shake my head, clucking my tongue. "Now where's the fun in that? You'll just have to pay close attention to every bite."

"Challenge accepted, Mr. Wilde."

As we make our way through the courses, I watch Sabrina's face intently, searching for any hint that she's identified the secret spice. She savors each bite with exquisite attention, her brow furrowing in concentration. It's adorable, really, how seriously she's taking this little game.

While the waiter clears our plates, I rove my gaze over her body ever so slowly. "You look positively edible when you're deep in thought like that."

"Careful. Flattery will get you nowhere."

"Oh, I beg to differ," I murmur, reaching under the table to caress her thigh. "I think flattery has gotten me quite far already, wouldn't you say?"

Sabrina's eyes widen, but she quickly recovers, lifting her chin defiantly. "Don't get cocky. I haven't forgotten our little wager."

"Ah yes, the mysterious spice," I say, signaling to the waiter. "Are you ready for the grand reveal?"

She nods vigorously and rubs her hands together like a child about to unwrap her birthday gifts. The waiter appears with two covered dishes, placing them before us with a flourish.

"Ladies first," I gesture, watching intently as Sabrina lifts the silver dome.

The rich aroma of lamb tagine wafts up, filling the air with an intoxicating blend of spices. Sabrina closes her eyes, inhaling deeply. When she opens them again, there's a glimmer of triumph in those emerald eyes. She takes a bite, savoring it slowly, her expression one of intense concentration. I find myself holding my breath, waiting for her verdict.

"Well, darling?" I prompt, unable to contain my curiosity any longer. "Care to hazard a guess?"

She sets down her fork, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Oh, Declan. Did you really think you could stump me with something as simple as ras el hanout ?"

I can't stop myself from laughing. I'm impressed and chagrined in equal parts. "I should have known better than to underestimate you. How did you figure it out so quickly?"

Sabrina leans forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's just say I have a few culinary tricks up my sleeve. A girl's got to have some secrets. But truthfully, I looked it up on my phone under the table while you were contemplating your chicken tagine."

I throw my head back and laugh, genuinely delighted by her cunning. "Oh, Bree, you never cease to amaze me. I should have known you'd find a way to outsmart me."

She grins, raising her champagne flute in a mock toast. "What can I say? I play to win."

"That you do," I concede, clinking my glass against hers. "So, my clever girl, what prize shall you claim for your victory?"

Sabrina's eyes sparkle with mischief as she sets down her glass. "Hmm, let me think..." She taps her chin thoughtfully, drawing out the moment. "I believe you said 'whatever my heart desires,' didn't you?"

I nod, suddenly feeling a bit nervous about what she might request. "I did indeed. And I'm a man of my word."

She leans toward me, her lips grazing my ear. "I want you, Declan. Tonight. In a hotel that has all the Moroccan charm that Marrakesh has to offer. I want---No, I demand that you treat me to the spiciest night I've ever experienced, complete with multiple orgasms and moves I've never seen before. Think you can handle that?"

I feel a jolt of electricity shoot through me at her words, my pulse quickening, my voice rougher from the hunger she inspires in me. "I thought you'd never ask. I know just the place."

With a discreet nod to our waiter, I stand and offer Sabrina my hand. She takes it, her fingers intertwining with mine. We weave through the maze-like streets of the medina , the anticipation building with each step.

Finally, we arrive at a small, unassuming door set into an intricately tiled wall. I knock, and it swings open to reveal a hidden oasis. The riad is breathtaking---a central courtyard with a bubbling fountain, surrounded by arched doorways that lead to luxurious rooms.

I lead Sabrina to the most opulent suite in the most incredible hotel in Marrakesh. As we enter the palatial accommodations, Her eyes widen, taking in the sumptuous decor. Rich jewel-toned fabrics drape the walls, and intricate lanterns cast a warm, intimate glow. The enormous bed is piled high with plush pillows, looking impossibly inviting.

"Well, Your Knightliness," Sabrina purrs, trailing her fingers along my chest. "You certainly know how to set the stage."

I capture her wandering hand, bringing it to my lips. "Oh, my sweet, you can't possibly imagine what I have in mind for you."

With a swift movement, I pull her flush against me, one hand tangling in her hair as I claim her mouth in a searing kiss. She responds instantly, her body melting into mine as she parts her lips, inviting me to go deeper.

I break away, trailing kisses down her neck as I slowly back her toward the bed. "Now, fair Sabrina, it's time to unleash our naughtiest, most secret desires, and we won't stop until dawn breaks. No running away this time. You belong to me tonight."