Deborah Mello - Twelve Days of Pleasure

Twelve days isn’t nearly long enough…

Vanessa Harrison’s holiday spirit goes from humdrum to armed and dangerous when the filmmaker becomes an eyewitness to a crime. Spirited away to a Caribbean hideout for her safety, she isn’t prepared for her instant attraction to gorgeous, take-no-prisoners FBI agent Kendrick Boudreaux. On Pleasure Island—where every sensual fantasy is fulfilled—her vow to never trust another man melts in the heat of Kendrick’s sizzling embrace.

Kendrick must keep Vanessa safe. But in his protective arms, desire ignites, and soon they’re giving in to their deepest passions. Now he’s determined to turn their days of pleasure into a lifetime of bliss. Until a shocking revelation threatens their future together, forcing Kendrick to choose between his career and the woman he has come to cherish….

Vanessa suddenly kicked her legs in the water, splashing them both. “Let’s go!” she exclaimed, moving onto her feet.

Kendrick looked up at her. “Where?”

“You still owe me, and I’m ready to collect.”

He laughed. “You still haven’t told me what you’re claiming.”

“I guess then you need to get up and come on,” she said, her hands falling against her thin waist.

He shook his head. “Now I’m scared.” He lifted his legs out of the pool of water and stood up. As he came to his feet, Vanessa took his hand and pulled him along behind her.

She led the way down the stone path toward the beach. The sky above was blue-black, just the shimmer of moon and twinkling of stars lighting the ground in front of them. When they reached the edge of the water, she turned toward him, a wide grin across her face.

Kendrick eyed her curiously. “What are you up to?”

“We’re going skinny-dipping,” she said matter-of-factly.

Kendrick hesitated for a brief moment, and his eyes widened in disbelief. He cocked his head ever so slightly as he stared at her. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Ms. Harrison.”

She laughed. “Get your clothes off, chicken. You bet, you lost, I won and I’m collecting.”

His head was waving from side to side. “We need to talk about this.”

“Anything I want. Isn’t that what you said?”

He laughed. “I did say that.”

“Then drop ’em,” she said, pointing to his shorts.

She reached for the hem of her tank top and proceeded to pull the garment up and over her head.

DEBORAH FLETCHER MELLO

has been writing since forever and can’t imagine herself doing anything else. Her first romance novel, Take Me to Heart, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005, she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations for her novel The Right Side of Love, and in 2009 won an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for her ninth novel, Tame A Wild Stallion. With each new book, Deborah continues to create unique story lines and memorable characters.

For Deborah, writing is as necessary as breathing, and she firmly believes that if she could not write she would cease to exist. The ultimate thrill for her is weaving a story that leaves her audience feeling full and satisfied, as if they’ve just enjoyed an incredible meal. Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah now considers home to be wherever the moment moves her.

Twelve Days of Pleasure

Deborah Fletcher Mello

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dear Reader Dear Reader Stallion Family Tree Boudreaux Family Tree Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Copyright ,

I love that with each new book I am challenged to do better than the last story. It’s why I adore the Boudreaux family. They stand firmly on a foundation of faith and family. Not without flaws, they are also perfection as much as the words on a page will allow. Kendrick and Vanessa gave me a run for my money. But like his siblings, Kendrick Boudreaux wasn’t afraid to simply be the man he was raised to be and Vanessa loves that about him.

I continue to be humbled by your support. I appreciate you more than words can ever express. So, thank you! Thank you for all that you do to show me, my characters and our stories your love.

Until the next time, please take care of yourselves and may God’s many blessings continue to be with you.

With much love,

Deborah Fletcher Mello

www.deborahmello.blogspot.com

To MeeMi’s beautiful little angel,

Micaela Susie Mello

You are my heart and your granny loves you

more than you will ever know!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Twelve days isn’t nearly long enough… Vanessa Harrison’s holiday spirit goes from humdrum to armed and dangerous when the filmmaker becomes an eyewitness to a crime. Spirited away to a Caribbean hideout for her safety, she isn’t prepared for her instant attraction to gorgeous, take-no-prisoners FBI agent Kendrick Boudreaux. On Pleasure Island—where every sensual fantasy is fulfilled—her vow to never trust another man melts in the heat of Kendrick’s sizzling embrace. Kendrick must keep Vanessa safe. But in his protective arms, desire ignites, and soon they’re giving in to their deepest passions. Now he’s determined to turn their days of pleasure into a lifetime of bliss. Until a shocking revelation threatens their future together, forcing Kendrick to choose between his career and the woman he has come to cherish….

Introduction Vanessa suddenly kicked her legs in the water, splashing them both. “Let’s go!” she exclaimed, moving onto her feet. Kendrick looked up at her. “Where?” “You still owe me, and I’m ready to collect.” He laughed. “You still haven’t told me what you’re claiming.” “I guess then you need to get up and come on,” she said, her hands falling against her thin waist. He shook his head. “Now I’m scared.” He lifted his legs out of the pool of water and stood up. As he came to his feet, Vanessa took his hand and pulled him along behind her. She led the way down the stone path toward the beach. The sky above was blue-black, just the shimmer of moon and twinkling of stars lighting the ground in front of them. When they reached the edge of the water, she turned toward him, a wide grin across her face. Kendrick eyed her curiously. “What are you up to?” “We’re going skinny-dipping,” she said matter-of-factly. Kendrick hesitated for a brief moment, and his eyes widened in disbelief. He cocked his head ever so slightly as he stared at her. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Ms. Harrison.” She laughed. “Get your clothes off, chicken. You bet, you lost, I won and I’m collecting.” His head was waving from side to side. “We need to talk about this.” “Anything I want. Isn’t that what you said?” He laughed. “I did say that.” “Then drop ’em,” she said, pointing to his shorts. She reached for the hem of her tank top and proceeded to pull the garment up and over her head.

About the Author DEBORAH FLETCHER MELLO has been writing since forever and can’t imagine herself doing anything else. Her first romance novel, Take Me to Heart, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005, she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations for her novel The Right Side of Love, and in 2009 won an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for her ninth novel, Tame A Wild Stallion. With each new book, Deborah continues to create unique story lines and memorable characters. For Deborah, writing is as necessary as breathing, and she firmly believes that if she could not write she would cease to exist. The ultimate thrill for her is weaving a story that leaves her audience feeling full and satisfied, as if they’ve just enjoyed an incredible meal. Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah now considers home to be wherever the moment moves her.