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Authors: Deborah Fletcher Mello

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BOOK: Twelve Days of Pleasure
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Kendrick crossed his arms over his chest. “I think you might be taking this pretend thing a little far,” he said.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Vanessa laughed and shrugged. “But I didn't pick out the wardrobe, remember? Besides, you're one to talk, standing there half-naked yourself!”

* * *

She eyed him from head to toe. He was bare-chested and barefoot, wearing nothing but a pair of tan linen slacks. His upper body was chiseled, every muscle rock-hard and perfect. Standing there staring at her, he looked like a fitness model flexing his pecs, biceps and picture-perfect, six-pack abs.

“Agent Boudreaux, if I have to be kept prisoner, I plan to enjoy it,” she said. “Now, let's get dinner,
husband
. I'm hungry.”

Kendrick shook his head, feeling slightly deviant as he found himself wondering what she might feel like in his arms. He imagined his hands stealing beneath that sheer dress to tease her skin and trailing his fingers across her sweet spots. Heat rushed from one end of his body to the other and he was suddenly grateful for the easy breeze blowing off the ocean waters. He followed behind her as she led the way down to the beach.

Liam greeted them warmly. “Welcome, madam. Welcome, sir. I hope everything meets with your approval?”

Vanessa's eyes widened with wonder. “Everything is beautiful!” she exclaimed as she took in the view. “Isn't it beautiful?” she said as she tossed Kendrick a quick look.

Kendrick nodded. “Thank you, Liam,” he said as the man pulled out a chair for Vanessa to take a seat.

When they both were seated comfortably, the butler filled their empty water glasses. Vanessa requested wine with her food, but Kendrick passed. The meal started with a salad of mixed greens, beets, mango, red bell peppers and yellow tomatoes tossed with cracked pepper, sea salt and a macadamia nut vinaigrette. Dinner was a seafood special of ahi sashimi, sweet lobster cake with a jalapeno and mango chutney, and grilled prawns with a truffle and soy dipping sauce. The meal was beyond delicious, satiating all of their senses.

Vanessa licked her fingers, remnants of the truffle sauce dotting the tips. She sucked her index finger past her full lips then slowly pulled it from her mouth. The erotic gesture caught Kendrick's attention and as he watched her, his entire body froze, his muscles tensing. She suddenly lifted her eyes to his and his breath caught deep in his chest. He took a deep breath of air and then another, fighting to look everywhere but at her.

“Sorry.” Vanessa giggled. “That wasn't very ladylike, was it?”

Kendrick shrugged. “Clearly, you enjoyed your meal.” Amusement danced around the edges of his dark eyes and his tone was teasing.

She giggled. “Like you've never licked your fingers before!” She shifted forward in her seat as he dipped his last prawn in the decadent sauce and drew it to his full lips. She reached for the cloth napkin and extended it toward him. Her grin was miles wide as her eyes dared him to take it from her hand.

His own smile spread slowly as he looked at her. He reached for the napkin with his left hand as he slowly sucked one finger and then another from his right hand into his mouth. When he'd washed all five digits with his tongue, he swiped the cloth over his hands before dropping it into his empty plate. “The food was good!” he said, glancing at Vanessa. She seemed to be holding her breath as she watched him.

“It was divine!” she exclaimed as she reached for her wineglass, savoring the last sip. “Absolutely divine!”

There was a moment of quiet between them as they paused to watch the light shimmer against the water. Small waves broke along the shoreline, the tranquil sound soothing. The temperature was perfect, stars danced in the clear sky overhead and the moon was casting just enough light to give the darkness around them a seductive ambience. Kendrick imagined that for those couples who were honeymooning, Pleasure Island couldn't have been more perfect.

Minutes passed before either spoke, Kendrick finally breaking the silence. ‘It's good to see you relax at last,” he said.

Vanessa smiled, an easy bend to her mouth that moved him to smile back. “This is the first time I've felt safe since...” She hesitated, meeting his gaze for a quick second before dropping her eyes. She took a deep breath before venturing to look back at him. “I feel safe and comfortable. I haven't felt this way in a long time, even before all this mess happened.”

Kendrick nodded, turning to stare back at the ocean.

“I imagine your girlfriend isn't happy about you being here,” Vanessa said, eyeing him curiously.

“I don't have a girlfriend.”

“Your boyfriend, then.”

He laughed. “Not that it's any of your business but I don't date men. Why are you fishing for information about my personal life?”

She laughed with him. “Well, since I didn't see a ring on your hand I didn't want to assume you had a wife.”

“Well, I don't have either, a wife or a girlfriend. This isn't the type of job that's conducive to a relationship.”

“Is that why Zak isn't your partner anymore? Your sister said you two used to be partners.”

“We were. Now he wants to focus his time and energy on being a good husband.”

“What about you? Would you give this up for a woman?”

Kendrick met the intense stare she was giving him as he reflected on her question. “She would have to be a very special woman,” he finally said.

She was still staring at him when Liam came rushing down the path, interrupting the moment.

“Sir, madam, dessert has been set up in your bungalow. Whenever you two are ready.” He gestured in the direction of their quarters.

Kendrick turned to Vanessa. She seemed as confused as he was.

Liam grinned. “Madam ordered the Honeymoon Special to be served in the bedroom when your reservations were made.”

Vanessa's eyes widened. “Oh...yes...I did...didn't I...” she stammered.

Liam didn't look fazed as he gestured with his hand a second time.

“Madam is full of surprises,” Kendrick said as he rose from his seat. He moved around the table to pull out Vanessa's chair. “Shall we, my dear?”

“Why, thank you, honey!”

Reaching for her hand, Kendrick entwined her fingers between his own as he pulled her along beside him. Behind them, Liam wished them both a good-night, then proceeded to clear the table. Kendrick and Vanessa both tossed the man one last look before closing the sliding glass doors behind them.

Inside, it looked as if hundreds of candles had been lit, the room glowing from the multitude of wax pillars that decorated the space. A trail of rose petals led from the living room to the bedroom. Curiosity pulled them both down the short length of hallway to peek inside.

A silver tray sat in the center of the bed. It held a decadent four-layer slice of cheesecake decorated with berries, chocolate shavings and mint. The serving was lavish and meant to be shared, as evidenced by the single spoon resting along its side.

Kendrick suddenly realized he was still holding tight to her hand.

* * *

Vanessa cut an eye in his direction. “It's only pretend, right?” She lifted both their intertwined hands upward.

He tossed his head back and laughed heartily.

Laughing with him Vanessa kicked off her shoes and moved to the bed. Climbing atop the covers she moved to the center, sitting Indian-style before the tray. She reached for the spoon as she gave him another look. “I have a serious sweet tooth,” she said nonchalantly.

Still chuckling Kendrick shook his head. “Half of that is mine,” he said as he took a seat beside her, grabbing the spoon from her hands. He bumped his shoulder against hers, the gesture meant to be playful. He wasn't expecting the sudden rush of heat that shot through his body, an electrical current coursing through every nerve ending. It caught him off guard and in that split second, Vanessa hijacked the spoon.

 

Chapter 6

K
endrick had wakened with a smile on his face. He was still grinning from ear to ear as he took one last lap across the beach and around the path Liam had laid out for him. He'd risen early and the weather had been perfect for an early-morning run. It felt good to stretch his legs and warm his muscles. He and Vanessa had talked until well past the midnight hour. Sharing that dessert had ignited a level of friendship between them that neither had expected, most especially after he'd been able to snag the only spoon. They'd both been relaxed and had laughed and joked about absolutely nothing.

As he came to an abrupt stop, his lungs burned. He leaned forward, both hands resting against his thighs as he fought to catch his breath. The warm air felt good and although the sand had challenged his long legs, the run had done him good. He stood upright, admiring the new-day sun as it rose into the crisp blue sky. Shifting up and down on his toes he waved his arms back and forth pumping blood into his extremities. All the while he was still thinking about Vanessa and the night they'd shared.

There was something about her that he liked. She had an air of maturity that belied her youthful exuberance. He sensed that much like his sister Tarah she wasn't yet ready to grow up and assume the adult title even though she was one. And just like Tarah, being the baby in her family, she was spoiled rotten.

The dessert they'd shared had led to a conversation about food, which had turned into a discussion about their favorite things to do, ending with them laughing hysterically over past antics. He'd revealed to her some things he'd never before shared with anyone. She had told on herself a few times, as well.

Reflecting on that Kendrick was surprised by how easy she'd been to talk to. And how easy she was on the eyes. The woman was intoxicatingly beautiful. It had been easy to ignore his own body's persistent reaction to the closeness of her while they'd been playful but he imagined that if she spent any more time half-dressed, that might become more difficult to do. He was attracted to her and he couldn't be, and more important, he definitely couldn't let her know what he was feeling. He took a deep breath in, shaking his head as he pondered his options.

* * *

There was no answer when Vanessa called Kendrick's name. She'd been alone when she finally managed to open her eyes. Sunlight was streaming through the glass enclosure and she could hear the lull of the seawater through the screened doors. She'd woken to rose petals tangled through her hair and her crotch and the memory of her night with Kendrick stuck in her head. The man had haunted her dreams and waking to thoughts of him had her feeling some kind of way. She'd called out for him and when there'd been no answer she'd risen from the mattress to search him out.

She liked Kendrick. She hated to admit it but there was something about him that moved her spirit. She felt safe with him and that allowed her to let her guard down. They'd spent hours talking over that sweet piece of cheesecake and she'd been comfortable opening up to him. He'd teased her and she hadn't felt self-conscious once. He made her laugh and it felt natural to do so. And despite his kindness toward her, he seemed indifferent to her feminine wiles, never blinking once when she'd tried to be flirtatious.

She looked out to the beach and saw him standing at the water's edge. He appeared to be deep in thought, his focus someplace else. Once again, he was shirtless, his broad back rippling with muscle upon muscle. This time he was wearing swim trunks and his long legs were solid as tree trunks. Vanessa took a deep breath. Any other time, any other place, and she wouldn't have given a single thought to resisting the temptation sweeping through her. But this was the wrong time and the wrong place and clearly, he wasn't thinking the same things about her that she was thinking about him. Blowing a low sigh she headed for the bathroom and a very cold shower.

* * *

“What are you drinking?” Vanessa asked when she finally joined Kendrick on the patio. He was sipping a neon-green concoction through a straw.

“Vegetable juice. This one is kale, celery, spinach, apples and an orange. Have some?”

Vanessa skewed her face in distaste. “No, thank you. I want a real breakfast.” She suddenly jumped when Liam moved to her side to take her order.

“Good morning, madam!”

Her eyes were wide as she shot the man a look. “Liam, you scared me!” she gushed, a hand pressed to her chest. “I wasn't expecting you to be there. Good morning.”

“My apologies, madam. I definitely didn't mean to frighten you.” He swept an apologetic look from Vanessa to Kendrick and back. “What might I get you for breakfast this morning?”

Vanessa pondered the question. “I'll have two eggs over easy, whole wheat toast, bacon—extra crispy—and a large glass of orange juice, please.”

The man nodded. “I'll bring that right out,” he said, disappearing as quickly as he'd appeared.

“Doesn't that make you nervous?” she asked, tossing Kendrick a look.

“What?”

“The way he just shows up out of the blue.”

“It's his job. He does it well.”

“He's creepy.”

“Would you like me to ask them for someone else?”

She shook her head. “No. If he tries anything I think I can take him. He's not that big.”

Kendrick laughed, tossing his head back against his shoulders. “I'd actually pay to see that.”

“I wasn't trying to be funny. I'm dead serious.”

“I'm sure you are,” Kendrick answered. “But if it really makes you uncomfortable there's a do-not-disturb sign that you can hang on the door. He won't enter as long as that sign is up.” He took another sip of his freshly squeezed juice.

“Is there a reason you're not eating real food?” Vanessa questioned. “Are you some kind of health nut?”

“Eating healthy doesn't mean I'm a nut. I just like to watch what I put into my body. You should try it.”

“There's nothing wrong with my body,” Vanessa said as she moved onto her feet to give him a little spin.

“It's all right,” he muttered, feigning disinterest.

Vanessa rolled her eyes. Before she could respond Liam suddenly reappeared with her food and a large bowl of freshly cut fruit for Kendrick. He then excused himself, vanishing one more time. She shook her head.

“So, what's on our agenda today?” she questioned as she took a bite out of the toasted bread.

“I guess we're still honeymooning, or at least pretending to be. What do couples do on their honeymoon?”

She gave him a wry look. “Really? You're asking me that?”

He shrugged, a grin pulling at his full lips. “What? I've never been on a honeymoon before. And I bet you can't think of five things you'd do if you really were.”

She shook her head. “What are you wagering?”

“Excuse me?”

“You want to bet me. What are you wagering?”

A slow smile pulled at Kendrick's mouth. “Whatever you want,” he finally answered.

Vanessa smiled back. She dropped her fork onto her plate and sat back against her cushioned seat. She held up her hand and began to count out a list.

“First, I'd record every minute because someday the footage would make a spectacular movie for our grandchildren. I'm a film student, you know. I imagine we'd take long walks and just talk about our goals. There would be a lot of hand-holding and kisses and just easy, gentle touches. We would skinny-dip at least once, maybe twice. Then of course there'd be great sex. My husband and I would have really great sex. Really great sex all over the place.”

“That's not five things.”

“Yes, it is.”

“No, it isn't. The hand-holding, kissing, touching and great sex are all one thing. You'd have great sex and make a porn movie for everyone to talk about.”

“I would
not
make a porn movie.”

“You would if you're having all that sex and filming while you do.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes as Kendrick continued.

“And you might as well toss skinny-dipping in there, too, since you'd be naked.”

“Skinny-dipping is not sex. I'm sure it could lead to sex but...”

Kendrick laughed. “Okay. So, you'll make a movie, have sex, skinny-dip, have sex and then have lots more sex. I think you're a little sex-obsessed.”

“It is my honeymoon!” she said sarcastically. “Plus, there'd be long walks, too. Then more sex!”

“That's still only four.”

Vanessa paused for a brief moment. “And we would pray together,” she said. “That's five.”

“Finally, something that doesn't have to do with sex.”

“The Bible does say go forth and multiply.”

Kendrick shook his head, clearly amused by the wide grin she was giving him. “Definitely obsessed,” he muttered.

“Do you want me to keep going?”

“No. I have no doubts it would have something to do with sex.”

Vanessa laughed. “My husband won't have a problem with that. He'll be a very lucky man.”

Kendrick eyed the smirk on her face. His head was still moving from side to side. “So, what did you win? What am I going to have to give you?”

Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “Let me think about it,” she said. “I'll let you know at dinner tonight.”

He shrugged as he took the last bite of his fruit salad, avoiding the look she was giving him. “What?” he finally asked.

“So, really,” she persisted, “what are we going to do today?”

* * *

Vanessa stepped into the heated shower to rinse the sand and salt water from her skin. The warm water felt good, the massage showerhead invigorating to her flesh. It had been a long day and she was physically exhausted. Asking Kendrick what was on the agenda had sounded good hours ago but she hadn't been prepared for the workout he'd put her through.

After they were done with breakfast they'd gone out to explore the resort. On the public side of their bungalow were the resort's two larger pools, one nestled beneath a canopy of shade trees. The water was clear and warm and only a handful of vacationers sat poolside. Kendrick had insisted on swimming a few laps and she had watched him, her body extended across one of the lounge chairs as she bathed in the sun. Watching him was quickly becoming her favorite new hobby.

Just minutes from their secluded and quiet retreat were bustling bars, upscale restaurants and designer boutiques. They'd entertained themselves exploring each shop and Vanessa quickly discovered that his tastes were not far from her own. She'd taken much joy in pretending to shop for their fake home back in the States. She'd put on quite a performance for the shopkeepers. It had thrown him the first time, maybe even the second, but by the third time he was rolling the story with her.

On the open beach couples were playing volleyball, the men against the women. Kendrick had insisted they join in. The fun and games had been a good time right up to the moment someone had slammed the volleyball against the side of her head. As she'd put up her hand, hoping to defer the strike, she'd broken two nails. Holding up her hands beneath the water raining over her shoulders, the memory of the incident annoyed her.

They'd grabbed lunch at one of the many buffets set up in the public areas and once she'd feasted on her meal of crab-stuffed fish fillets, Kendrick had been ready to move on. They'd hiked through the lush landscape, stopping only once to enjoy an icy beverage of ginger and pureed strawberry juice over crushed ice. Then he'd spotted the watercrafts. They'd spent the rest of the afternoon on Jet Skis, racing each other on the open waterways. Now she was exhausted, wanting only to catch a quick nap before dinner. She groaned in fatigue as she rinsed the last of the suds from her skin. Stepping out of the tiled enclosure she wrapped a bright white towel around her body. She moved to the sink and brushed her teeth, polishing them to a pearly shine. Once she moisturized her face and slathered her body with coconut oil she moved back into the bedroom and tossed her body down against the mattress top. Seconds later Vanessa was sound asleep.

* * *

Kendrick could hear Vanessa snoring softly from his resting spot in the living room. He smiled, grateful that he was finally able to get a much-needed break. They'd been going full steam since earlier that morning and he'd done everything in his power to keep them both occupied and busy. Spending time with the beautiful woman was more of a challenge than he'd imagined. She excited him and her flirtatious manner continued to catch him off guard. Vanessa could be a tease and she would purposely do things to make him blush, enjoying those moments when she could get a rise out of him. Literally. Maintaining some distance had become a serious necessity. He exhaled a gust of warm breath past his full lips. With any luck she would sleep until morning. Tomorrow was another day and he was already plotting what he might do to keep her occupied.

There was a light knock at the door and he lifted his body, crossing the floor quickly to pull it open. Liam stood on the other side. Kendrick drew his index finger to his lips and stepped outside, closing the door behind them.

The butler held out a Globalstar satellite telephone. “It's Sayed,” the man said.

Kendrick nodded as Liam stepped off to the side, ensuring no one else could hear the conversation.

“How's that honeymoon going?” Zak asked, the hint of a laugh in his tone.

Kendrick chuckled softly. “More of a challenge than I thought it would be.”

“You're a professional. You can handle it.”

“Last week I would have agreed with you.”

“Your sister never does anything without a reason. You know that, right?”

“And you're telling me this why?”

“Just thought you might like to know she set you up. It seems like your witness made quite an impression. Even your mother liked her.”

BOOK: Twelve Days of Pleasure
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