Twelve Days of Pleasure (5 page)

“My mother? You spoke to my mother?”

“I did,” Zak answered. “And we knew you were adamant about Gabi not going to a foster home, so your mother said they would ensure her safety at the embassy.”

“Zak and I will make sure she's safe and sound until then,” Maitlyn interjected as Gabi toyed with the pearl necklace around her neck.

Tears burned hot against her lids as Vanessa struggled not to cry. She didn't have the words to explain that Gabi was all she had left of a life that had once made sense. Gabrielle was her last connection to Alexandra and a friendship that had been her lifeline. Maitlyn moved to Vanessa's side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“She's going to be just fine,” Maitlyn assured her. “I promise.”

Vanessa nodded. She pressed a kiss to Gabi's cheek and the little girl laughed, her hands clapping together excitedly as she pointed toward the luxury aircraft.

“'Pane!” Gabrielle squealed. “'Pane!”

“Airplane!” Vanessa said, forcing a bright smile onto her face. “Gabi's going to ride in the airplane.”

“Gabi, 'pane?”

She nodded. “Yes. Gabrielle's going on the airplane. And you be a good girl for Auntie Nessa, okay? Auntie Nessa loves you, Gabi!”

Maitlyn gave Vanessa another warm hug. Kendrick moved to Vanessa's side as Zak escorted his new wife and the giggling little girl to the private aircraft. When the flight crew closed the door, the first of Vanessa's tears dripped past her lashes. As they stood inside the hangar watching the plane taxi out to the runway her tears rained heavy from her eyes. By the time the airplane was in the air she was inconsolable.

Vanessa found herself thinking back to that night when everything had gone bad. Rihanna had been blasting through the speakers and everyone was up on the dance floor. The pulsating rhythms through the nightclub had the place turned out. With her hands waving in the air above her head, she'd been gyrating to the beat, her body rocking from side to side on the dance floor. The Waterside Savoy, one of the premier nightclubs in the Miami area, catered to an elite clientele and Vanessa had been enjoying everything about the VIP treatment, thanks to her best friend, Alexandra, and her husband, Paolo Medina. It had been a while since Vanessa had last had such a good time and it didn't hurt that her date for the night was sexy as hell.

Marcus Bennett had been smitten and Vanessa had used that to her advantage, purposely flaunting her feminine wiles to get her way with the man. Since their initial introduction the four of them had lounged on the man's luxury yacht four days out of seven. Marcus had been the kind of man few women could resist. That night they'd been dancing cheek to cheek and the man had had her feeling all kinds of right. Then things changed.

Marcus had wrapped a tight arm around her slim waist and had pulled her closer to him. His mouth had trailed from her jawline to her ear. “Step away,” he'd whispered as he'd given her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I need to handle some business.”

Vanessa had eyed the stranger who'd walked up behind them, the man looking out of place on the dance floor. For a brief second she'd wanted to protest, the music feeling too good to stop. But the look in both of their eyes gave her reason to hesitate and so she nodded her head instead. Besides, she'd had to pee and that moment had been as good as any. As she'd headed in the direction of the ladies' room she had stopped to shimmy her hips beside Alexandra and Paolo, who were doing their own dirty shuffle in the middle of the crowd.

Alexandra had lifted her hands questioningly. “Where's Marcus?” she'd shouted over the loud clamor of the music.

“Business,” Vanessa had shouted back with a quick shrug of her shoulders.

Paolo and Alexandra had turned to stare where she pointed. When Paolo bristled, suddenly moving in his friend's direction, the two women had tossed each other a look. Concern had blanketed Alexandra's face. The look in her eyes still haunted Vanessa.

She'd turned toward the ladies' room, gesturing for her friend to follow, but Alexandra had refused, shaking her head no. “I just fought that crowd,” she'd said. “I think I'll go back to the table and order us all another round of drinks.”

“Shots!” Vanessa remembered exclaiming. “Let's do chocolate cake shooters!”

Alexandra had laughed, the last time Vanessa would ever see her best friend so happy. Then she'd turned around, following behind her husband.

As Vanessa had moved toward the bathroom the music shifted to a slow jam, the DJ spinning something relaxed and easy. The first gunshot silenced the sounds to a dull drone, as everyone seemed to hold their collective breaths. When Vanessa turned to look, someone shrieked. Then madness ensued. There was a frenzied rush for the doors, people screaming and yelling as shot after shot echoed around them. A man standing beside her had pushed Vanessa down to the ground, dropping harshly against her as the crowd scurried like roaches around them. Her face had slammed into the floor and she'd tasted blood when her teeth bit down against her bottom lip. The moment was surreal and when the clouds cleared, the last thing Vanessa remembered was Marcus Bennett turning an about-face in the doorway, his pistol still in his hand.

Vanessa shook her head, consumed by the memory as it filled her with emotion. Kendrick let her cry, wrapping his arms around her torso and pulling her to his chest. She sobbed into the front of his shirt and when she was all cried out, the last of her sobs shifting into sniffles, he was still holding tightly to her.

 

Chapter 5

“S
o, where are we now?” Vanessa questioned, swiping the sleep from her eyes. The private jet had landed just minutes earlier and was taxiing to a slow halt. Vanessa peered out the plane's window, nothing about the landscape recognizable.

Kendrick met the look she was giving him, her eyebrows arched questioningly.

“Pleasure Island,” he responded.

“Pleasure Island?”

He nodded. “We commandeered Maitlyn and Zak's honeymoon. No one will think to look for us here.”

Vanessa's eyes widened. “Their honeymoon? We can't take their honeymoon!” she exclaimed.

Kendrick shrugged. “It's no big deal. Besides, it was my sister's idea. She and Zak should be headed to Tahiti in the next hour or so after they drop off the kid. They won't be missing out.”

Vanessa blew a deep sigh. “That kid has a name,” she said, annoyance pulling at her expression.

He smiled. “Sorry... After they leave Gabrielle with your mother they plan to honeymoon on the Polynesian Islands.”

There was a moment of pause as Vanessa took in the news. “I don't have any clothes,” she said, the thought suddenly distressing her.

“It's been taken care of. Maitlyn made some calls. You'll have everything you need.”

She finally nodded. “So what do you know about this place?” she questioned, trying to recall everything she'd ever read about the luxury vacation spot.

Kendrick shrugged. “All I know is it's expensive. My new brother-in-law has some deep pockets.”

“It's a little more than that,” she said, suddenly remembering that Pleasure Island was an infamous couples-only retreat. Catering to an exclusive clientele, the all-inclusive resort was renowned for its secluded location, gourmet dining and 24/7 service and amenities. “I think I read somewhere that Jay-Z and Beyoncé come here every few months to keep the zing in their relationship,” she said matter-of-factly.

“Really?” Kendrick said with a deep laugh. “I'll have to ask him about it the next time we shoot hoops.”

Vanessa's expression was blank as she stared at him. She rolled her eyes. “You really don't expect me to believe that you play ball with Jay-Z?”

He shrugged, his broad shoulders tensing slightly. “If you act right I might take you along the next time we get together.”

Vanessa's expression remained unmoved. She shook her head. “It's your lie. Tell it anyway you want,” she said.

Kendrick laughed again. “Okay, whatever.” He changed the subject. “This is what's going to happen. We're checking in as the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Sayed. Call me
honey
, I'll call you
baby
, and neither of us will need to worry about remembering our fake names. You relax in the sun by the pool, I'll do a little fishing, and in a few days I'll escort you back to the States. You'll testify and then I'll take you home. Until then, I promise not to bite as long as you don't.” He chuckled softly.

Vanessa stared at him, finding nothing to laugh about. He moved from his seat into the cockpit to speak with the pilot. There was something about the way he carried himself that unnerved her. His nonchalant attitude also prickled her nerves. But his gaze was soothing, like a warm blanket on a chilly night. He had beautiful eyes and she imagined many a woman had gotten herself lost in them. And then there was that damn smile.

He made everything sound so easy, as if they were doing nothing more than taking a short stroll down a long street. But despite his best efforts she was still filled to her limit with anxiety. The way her stomach was doing flips she sensed there wasn't going to be anything easy about being stranded on a seductive island with the likes of Kendrick Boudreaux.

* * *

Pleasure Island was the epitome of luxury. Renowned for its ambience, the romantic island resort was living up to its reputation and they'd barely been there for an hour. The outdoor landscape was full and lush, bright green fronds skirting the endless water views. There was an abundance of exotic flora that scented the air and Vanessa stopped to sniff the hibiscus.

As she stared about, awed by their surroundings, Kendrick stepped back to watch her. There was something in her demeanor that he found intriguing. He found himself smiling as he watched the tension that had once furrowed her brow begin to slowly fade away. Her apprehensive expression shifted and he could almost see the weight of her circumstances being lifted off her shoulders. She suddenly looked in his direction and tossed him an easy smile before dipping her nose back into a sweet bouquet of orchids, cyclamen, tulips and anemones, the bright hues seeming to soothe her spirit.

* * *

Their private bungalow was at the far end of the resort. Inside, the decor was upscale and inviting. Sliding glass doors led to a secluded terrace with a hot tub and their own infinity pool. In the distance a stone-paved path led to an expanse of white sand. A pristine shoreline kissed the bright blue water on the private beach and they could see the sun starting to descend in the distance. It was the Garden of Eden in all its glory.

From the moment the duo was escorted to their suite, the experience was meant to tempt and satisfy their sensual pleasures and afford them the opportunity to explore and indulge all of their sexual fantasies. Every wish and desire could be entertained, from the most romantic to the most hedonistic.

The brochure encouraged whatever pleasures one could imagine. There were the “nude” and “prude” beaches, never-ending food and drink, massages and clothing-optional activities. And enclosed behind a decorative door in the tiled bathroom was a vending machine filled with erotic toys. As Vanessa stood staring at the vast selection she shook her head. There were some things inside that Vanessa couldn't even begin to imagine.

“You said your sister picked this place out?” Vanessa questioned, cutting an eye in his direction as she moved back into the room where Kendrick sat. She walked to the other end of the sofa and plopped down.

“Yeah. Zak didn't even know where they were going.”

Vanessa nodded.
I think your sister's a freak,
she thought to herself as she scanned the welcome brochure they'd been given at check-in. The four-page pamphlet read like a grocery list of all things decadent.

As if reading her mind Kendrick spoke the thought out loud. “I think my sister has some issues!” he said as he eyed his own brochure.

Vanessa laughed. “It
was
supposed to be their honeymoon,” she said, still giggling.

“There are some things about my sisters that I just don't need to know.”

Moving back onto her feet Vanessa crossed the front living space into the oversize bedroom. Kendrick followed behind her. Glass encased the room on three sides and a king-size bed sat in the room's center, offering extraordinary water views on one side and exquisite garden views on the other. The bedding was an exquisite blend of silks and satins with a wealth of pillows that beckoned one beneath the sheets.

Both Vanessa and Kendrick spoke at the same time. “I'll take the bedroom.”

She cut an eye in his direction. “Yes, I will,” she said, a hint of attitude in her tone. She eyed him with a raised brow. The look she gave him challenged him to contradict her.

Kendrick snapped his finger, feigning disappointment. “I guess that means I'm sleeping on the couch.”

“That's exactly what that means.” Vanessa moved to the bedside and threw her body against the mattress. Her arms were extended out to her sides and she lifted both of her legs in the air as she crossed her ankles one over the other. She bent her legs at the knees and lifted her torso slightly as she adjusted the pillows beneath her head. “A girl could get used to this,” she muttered as she relaxed into the comfort.

Amusement painted Kendrick's expression. “I'm sure a guy could get used to it, too!” he said.

Vanessa leaned up on her elbow to stare at him. A slight smile pulled at his full lips. The intense stare he was giving her was intoxicating. As she eyed him from head to toe a wave of heat flushed her cheeks. For a brief moment, there was invitation in her eyes and she knew it. She was unable to control the wanting that suddenly swept through her. She bit down against her bottom lip and dropped her gaze to the bedspread.

“Maybe we can share,” she said after a brief moment of thought. “I'll get the bed tonight, maybe tomorrow, too. Then you can sleep here one night after that.”

Kendrick chuckled. “You sound very convincing,” he said, the words edged in sarcasm.

A bright smile filled her face as she shrugged her shoulders. “You say that like you don't believe me.”

“I don't.”

* * *

Kendrick was caught off guard as she met the look he was giving her with one of her own. Her eyes were narrowed ever so slightly as she appraised him. There was something curious in her stare. He suddenly turned and moved out of the room. As he'd stood watching her, heat had coursed through his loins. He could feel the beginnings of an erection pulling at his muscles and he knew that only distance would make the sensation go away. He took a deep breath and then a second. When he heard her moving behind him he hurried down the hallway and back into the living space.

As he moved into the room there was an abrupt knock at the door that distracted them both. Kendrick took three quick strides to the other side of the room. He hesitated for a brief moment, his hand on the doorknob. Vanessa had moved to the entranceway, peering out. The two locked gazes for a brief moment before he opened the door.

The man standing on the other side was grinning broadly. He was exceptionally short, standing well below Kendrick's six feet three inches. He had bright blue eyes and thick blond curls. He wore a white linen suit, a white dress shirt open at the collar and white canvas shoes. He stood with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, a white towel folded over his forearm.

“Welcome, sir! My name is Liam. I will be your butler for the duration of your stay.”

Kendrick nodded. “Nice to meet you, Liam.” He took a step back to let the man inside.

Liam nodded in Vanessa's direction. “Madam, welcome!”

Vanessa smiled, tilting her head slightly, but she said nothing.

“You requested
Domaine Carneros
. This is the Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine that you asked for.” He moved to the bungalow's bar and set the ice bucket atop the wooden counter. He looked to Kendrick for direction. “Would you like for me to pour for you, sir?”

Kendrick shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, Liam, but I think I can handle it.”

“Yes, sir. If there is anything you or your bride needs I am just a call away,” Liam said.

Kendrick nodded. “We appreciate that.”

“Will you be dining in tonight, sir? Or would you like to be seated in the dining room?”

Kendrick hesitated for a split second as he tossed Vanessa a look. She shrugged as he deferred the question to her.

“Can we dine on the beach?” she asked softly.

“Not a problem, madam,” Liam replied, his full grin a mile wide. “I'll take care of everything.”

Kendrick opened the door as Liam moved back through it. “Just push the red button on the phone, sir. That will reach me directly,” he said as he made his exit.

“A butler bearing champagne!” Kendrick exclaimed when the door was closed shut behind the man.

“Your sister has great taste,” Vanessa said as she inspected the vintage bottle of spirits. “Do you want a glass?”

Kendrick shook his head. “Sorry, I don't drink when I'm on duty.”

Vanessa shrugged. “Suit yourself,” she said as she popped the cork and poured herself a full glass. She took her first sip and smiled.

Kendrick shook his head. “And why the beach? We could have eaten in the dining room.”

Vanessa tossed him a look as she grabbed the wine bottle and her glass and turned back in the direction of the bedroom. “It's our wedding night, remember? I didn't think it would look very convincing if we were sitting in a public place scowling at each other,” she said.

As she disappeared from view, Kendrick chuckled softly. “I don't think you'd be scowling,” he mumbled under his breath.

* * *

You could see the tent and table from the patio. Kendrick had taken a shower and a nap and had already moved outside, staring down to where Liam and the staff were setting up on the beach. He watched as they put up a bamboo canopy and draped it with a white gauze fabric. Then they moved a table and two chairs beneath it. Large tiki lights were propped strategically around the beach front and the dining area was dressed in white linens and the resort's signature china. As the sun was beginning to set off in the distance Vanessa stepped past the sliding glass doors and joined him.

He turned to stare as she moved to his side. She'd changed into a pale blue slip dress, the hem skirting inches above her knees. The fabric was sheer and when the light caught her at the right angle he could see the outline of her body, nothing else between the garment and her skin.

“Are you wearing anything under that dress?” he asked as he forced himself to look into her eyes.

Vanessa laughed. “Do you always get so personal with your clients?”

Embarrassment flushed Kendrick's cheeks, deepening his complexion a rich shade of red. “I didn't mean to say that out loud.”

“I'm on my honeymoon, remember,” Vanessa said, her tone teasing. “I imagine I wouldn't be wearing a lot of clothes on my honeymoon. Besides, your sister didn't give me a whole lot to work with.”

“Even if you were on your honeymoon there are staff at these resorts who might see you.”

She giggled. “I don't think Liam minds what he sees. But if you're a little sensitive about it,
darling
, I'll try to put more on next time.”