Secret Cinderella

Secret Cinderella
Dani Sinclair

DESPERATELY SEEKING PRINCE CHARMINGHer desperate plan to save her brother left Melanie Andrews with a dead body on her hands, a killer at her heels and nowhere to run–except into Roderick Laughlin's arms. As soon as she saw the seductive, self-made man in the crowded ballroom, she knew she'd found a temporary haven. And as the clock struck twelve, Melanie pressed a burning kiss on his lips and escaped into the night, thinking she'd never see him again.She thought wrong.The taste of her was seared into his mind, and there was nowhere Roderick's mysterious Cinderella could hide. Because she'd gotten mixed up in a deadly game, one only Roderick could protect her from–as soon as he convinced her he was the only man to trust….

Roderick turned and nearly bowled over the petite young woman who had sprung from nowhere to stand directly in his path

“Darling! Thank you. Are we ready to leave now?”

In a single motion almost faster than the eye could follow, she lifted the sable coat from his careless fingers. He had only an instant to notice the shocking bit of glittery green that posed as a dress on her provocative form before both were concealed in the folds of the coat.

“What the devil do you think you’re doing?”

She didn’t even look at him. Her gaze searched the crowd. Instinctively he raised his head to see what had caused the flash of fear that darkened her lively blue eyes. He was still surveying the crowd when, without warning, she stretched up on her toes. Clasping his face, she tugged it down to within inches of her own. Her lips covered his.

“Please help me,” she whispered.

Secret Cinderella

Dani Sinclair

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

For Scott, Megan and Amanda; Ciara, Lisa and Rachel; Justin and Rick; Evan, Trevor, Kyle and Ryan; Mike, Eddie, Rene and Michele, because family is important. And for Roger, Chip, Dan and Barb, as ever. Love you guys!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An avid reader, Dani Sinclair didn’t discover romance novels until her mother lent her one when she’d come for a visit. Dani’s been hooked on the genre ever since. But she didn’t take up writing seriously until her two sons were grown. With the premiere of Mystery Baby for Harlequin Intrigue in 1996, Dani’s kept her computer busy ever since. Her third novel, Better Watch Out, was a RITA

Award finalist in 1998. Dani lives outside Washington, D.C., a place she’s found to be a great source for both intrigue and humor!

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Melanie (Mel) Andrews—The white sheep amongst a family of thieves, she thought she’d escaped her criminal legacy. Now she must use her unusual skills to find a killer.

Roderick Laughlin III—–The wealthy CEO plays Prince Charming for a night—and finds he’s helped a beautiful woman flee a murder scene.

Gary Andrews—Mel’s brother may be a genius when it comes to writing computer programs, but he’s already wanted for burglary. Could he have added murder to the charges?

Carl Boswell—Roderick’s vice president didn’t intend to die. But did he intend to sell out Roderick, or was he trying to trap a thief?

Claire Bradshaw—Mel’s neighbor and good friend has moved on from her own shady past. Or has she?

Harold DiAngelis—Gary’s co-worker moonlights as a security guard. Has he moved into the big leagues with murder and theft?

Shereen Oro—The international model has been dating Roderick exclusively for the past several months, but she isn’t above flirting with the competition.

Larry Wilhelm—The CEO of Roderick’s chief competition may want to compete for more than just business.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Prologue

“Mel?”

Melanie Andrews gripped the phone more tightly and hit the mute button on the television remote.

“Gary? What’s wrong?”

Her brother’s sigh carried clearly to her ear.

“I’m in a jam. I need a favor.”

Seven years older, her brother had never once asked for anything resembling a favor.

“Name it.”

She sensed his wry smile, but it was the ragged sound of his breathing that sent her heart skidding nervously in her chest.