Taking Tiffany Read online

  Taking

  Tiffany

  M.K. Harkins

  Taking Tiffany

  Test copyright @ 2015 MK Harkins

  All Rights Reserved

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this

  publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the above author of this book

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incident either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized by, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Nancy Bailey

  May 6th, 1953 – March 29th, 2013

  Do you remember that little stretch of road

  you’d walk before reaching the school?

  My eyes still travel to that path.

  Half expecting to see you, knowing I won’t.

  But, you’ll always be with me.

  Every time I need light in my world, you fill it.

  All I have to do is think of you.

  Thank you for shattering the darkness.

  I love you.

  Books by MK Harkins

  Intentional:

  Intentional is a real page turner which got me more and more involved. It developed into an intense situation which developed into another and then exploded into a great climax!

  This book is a great read. It is very well written and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in intense romance novels with a little bit of suspense in the process – My eBook Café

  Have you ever read a book and once you are finished you want to seek out the highest mountain to shout to the world "READ THIS BOOK?" Lola Kay

  Unintentional:

  I have to say in all honesty….I LOVED this book!!!!! I actually liked it even more then Intentional. I thought this book flowed very well and I loved how she switched off the POV's during the chapters. I felt we got the full feeling of the story that way. This book is listed as a standalone and I truly believe it can be read as one. The author does a wonderful job of recapping the end of Intentional from Cade's POV , that you really don't miss anything from the first book – Jennifer from Book Bitches Blog

  This story is great. I love how the author gave me a love story with some mystery thrown into it. This is one of those books that you don't want to put down until you've finished it, because you have to know what happens next. So in this book you have a great story, awesome characters, excellent writing, and a happy reader at the end. I highly recommend this book – Leigh Broxton

  Breaking Braydon:

  I was left in complete awe after finishing this unbelievably heart-felt book. M. K. Harkins has stolen my heart, and I honestly don’t want it back. This story left me wanting so much more and yet feeling completely content and satisfied. Watching these amazing characters love and support each other was beyond description at times at how it made my heart swell with pride and admiration. What a magnificent journey I was given the privilege to watch and take part in, and I will forever remember the story that made me cry tears of joy and rapture – Shadowplay (Amazon Reviewer)

  I loved this book! It’s hopeful and uplifting, emotional without being overwrought. And the author has made incredible, jaw-dropping strides in her craft. The writing is clean, the plot swift, the characters engaging, and the dialogue snappy and often quite funny. Even the secondary characters have heart and humor, and it’s my great hope the author will spin-off a story or two for each of them.

  If you enjoy inspiring, witty romance with an upbeat, playfull vibe, Breaking Braydon is for you. It’s the perfect way to spend the day, curled up with Braydon and Jain – Story Girl

  Table of Contents

  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

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Epilogue

  Dear Readers

  Places You Can Find Me

  Acknowledgments

  Sneak Peek Breaking Braydon

  Playlist

  Come On Get Higher – Matt Nathanson

  If I fell – The Beatles

  I Don’t Want to Be – Gavin DeGraw

  Collide – Howie Day

  Tove Lo – Talking Body

  Photograph – Ed Sheeran

  Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

  The music is the sole property of the copyright holder/artist represented.

  You can find all these songs on YouTube or iTunes.

  Before you embark on a journey of revenge,

  dig two graves.

  Confucius

  Chapter One

  THIS WAS GOING to be good.

  He flicked the lighter open and lit the cigarette he’d been holding for the past twenty minutes. His new employer hadn’t lied. The woman at the table with her rich, influential friends stood out, she was breathtaking. Her beaded gold dress clung to a figure that was flawless, and a gorgeous heart-shaped face framed by blond waves completed the package.

  Her name was Tiffany, and he’d been hired to kidnap her. The way it was planned, only a few would know when she went missing, most importantly the man who’d ruined his life. He smiled at his own cleverness, turning his attention back to observe the girl.

  She laughed and swept her hair from her face. The music from the band drowned out their voices, so he couldn’t hear the conversations taking place around the large, oval table. She talked animatedly, appearing to enjoy her friends’ company.

  His temporary hiding place was ideal, just beyond the open French doors on the back patio. The shadows kept him concealed, the glow from his cigarette the only indication he was there. It didn’t matter, though, everyone was too busy mingling to notice him. But, he noticed them. A dossier had been provided on Tiffany and some of her closest friends, but it wasn’t needed. He knew who they were. The planned abduction needed to happen within the next three months, which gave him time enough to observe the smallest of details. The kidnapping required precision, exactly as his employer instructed. She made it clear. No mistakes.

  Nothing escaped
his trained eye. He’d pinpointed where the important people were, and where they'd sit during the auction. It was Valentine’s Day, and the Paramount Ballroom in downtown Seattle overflowed with guests, each attired to impress, not just each other, but the media as well. The organizers spared no expense for the wealthy and pampered. Decked out in shades of pink and ivory, the ballroom’s tables were artfully spread with food that would satisfy royalty. An extravaganza. He’d give them that. Yet, it was another boring fundraiser for charity, this time for breast cancer research.

  He hated everything about these spoiled, rich people, especially one in particular. Entitlement wafted from them like the stink of garbage left too long in the afternoon sun. They were tolerated because it opened doors. He’d been thrust into this life and learned to despise it. Except now. His employer made it clear his background was the reason for his recruitment. The connections due to his place in society were vital to keep him close to the mark, the lovely Tiffany Thompson.

  He scanned her table, and one of the men caught his attention. The man came late to the party and seated himself across from Tiffany. Dark, curly hair, with movie star good looks, seeming like a typical ‘good guy’ with his starched shirt and bow tie. But it wasn’t the man’s appearance that drew his eye. It was the fact he stared at Tiffany. The infatuated man shifted his gaze to her every available moment, keeping his watchful, yearning eyes averted whenever Tiffany looked in his direction. The man undoubtedly believed his feelings were hidden or undetectable. He’d need to deal with Mr. Love-Struck if he became a problem. Nothing would stop him. Twenty million dollars wasn’t the only reason he’d taken this job, although it would be put to good use. Something much more powerful motivated him.

  Revenge

  Chapter Two

  Tiffany

  COLD, HARD STEEL pressed against my back. I stiffened as a hand reached around and covered my eyes.

  “Don’t move,” he whispered in my ear.

  The low voice threw me off for a moment. What was he up to now?

  “Don’t you dare!” I removed the offending hand from my face and glared at its owner, Colin. “You’ll smear my makeup!”

  He flashed his most charming, handsome smile and waved the spoon at me. “You’ve waited almost a year to meet Charlie. You don’t want to miss the big introduction do you?”

  Colin was one of my best friends, a respected scientist, but you’d never know it by his goofy demeanor. Even though he was my age, twenty-eight, he still hadn’t fully left his teenage years behind. It was part of his charm. That, and his disheveled good looks, intelligence, and his fun-loving and carefree personality. I loved spending time with him. He’d joke and say it was because he was gay and content to be himself. But I knew the truth. Colin was simply Colin. He’d act this way until he reached the age of hundred years or more. He was a loyal friend, a trusted confidante, and a kind and caring soul. Well, at least when he wasn’t driving me crazy.

  “You’re right, but I don’t want to meet Charlie looking like a raccoon with my mascara smeared all over my face. How does it look?”

  He examined my face, pulled a pocket square out of his tux, spit into it, and brought it toward my eye.

  I raised a butter knife at him and warned, “Back off. Don’t make me use this. I will not have your saliva all over my face.”

  We’d been two of the first to arrive at the social and philanthropic event of the year: The Breast Cancer Fundraiser at the Paramount Hotel. I’d have plenty of time to reapply my makeup myself.

  He shrugged and rubbed the handkerchief over the spoon in his hand instead.

  “Ugh. Colin, you aren’t going to reuse that spoon? That’s disgusting.”

  He placed the utensil across the table at another place setting. Another charming smile followed. “I’ve always said, what you don’t know—”

  “I know,” I interrupted, “won’t kill you.”

  “You’ve never heard of spit-shine before?” He waggled his eyebrows.

  That did it. I waved to one of the passing wait staff, nabbed a new spoon, and replaced it.

  He scooted his chair closer and put his arm around me. “I have a feeling this will be a great night.”

  I agreed with a nod. The room was stunning with massive chandeliers that cast a soft light over the gleaming hardwood floors. The tables were decked out in the finest linens, antique silverware, and sparkling crystal glasses. It was beautiful, and I appreciated the work that went into creating such an event, but I hadn’t wanted to come tonight.

  “Something has been bothering me all day. Will you promise not to mention it to anyone? Especially Jain? I don’t want her stressed out.” I didn’t want to douse his enthusiasm, but I had to tell him.

  Colin made the cross sign over his heart.

  “Do you ever feel like you should have stayed home? Like something bad is about to happen?” The entire day was one mishap after another. So far, I’d had a fender bender in the grocery store parking lot, a broken heel, a glass of grape juice down the front of my dress, and the finale—smeared makeup. All small things, but it made me wonder if I shouldn’t have left my house today.

  “What are you worried about? An earthquake, terrorists, or a freak hurricane?”

  “No, nothing like that. It’s just a feeling. I know it’s silly and irrational.” I waved in dismissal.

  “You aren’t silly. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” His bright smile warmed his face. “The worst that will probably happen tonight is they’ll run out of those lobster canapés you love.”

  “Yeah, that would be bad.” Our eyes met, and we burst out laughing. “Okay, I get it. I’ll shake it off.” I didn’t want to put a damper on the night, so I changed the subject. “Do you think Jain and Braydon will have their baby tonight?”

  Colin’s eyes softened, and he leaned against me. Colin and Jain had been best friends and co-workers for years. After meeting Jain last year and developing an immediate friendship with her, I’d received Colin as a bonus.

  “I hope not. I want them to enjoy their anniversary before their little human makes an appearance.”

  Laughing, I asked, “Little human? Is that some scientific…”

  He smiled. “Not scientific. It reminds me of something Jain would say. She’s beyond happy. Those two…” He shook his head.

  “I know.” The same warm emotions I always felt when I was with Braydon and Jain enveloped me. Talking about them was the distraction I needed.

  “Speaking of love, I can’t believe I’m finally going to meet your mystery man. You’ve been dating Charlie for over a year, and I’ve never even laid eyes on him.” I’d been hounding him for months for an introduction.

  “Yeah. He should be here any minute. He rarely gets to travel to Seattle. It’s hard doing the long distance thing.” He sighed. “His parents expect him to be available at the drop of a hat. It’s difficult working with family.”

  “Well, he needs to cut the cord, don’t you think?”

  “Says the girl who still lives with her parents.” Colin followed his remark with a pointed stare.

  “Touché.”

  Colin was right. I’d been living in a cocoon of convenience. My parents, God bless them, were the easiest people in the world to live with. Although, technically, we didn’t share the same house. I lived in the abandoned gardener’s cottage three hundred yards from the main home. Technically, I was on my own. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t. As a result, I postponed, procrastinated, and put off my flight from the nest. At the age of twenty-eight, it was well past time.

  “I don’t blame you, though. If I had your parents, I’d probably sit comfortably in my little haven until I was shoved out.” He chuckled.

  “My dad doesn’t scare you?”

  “Your dad? No, he’s a big teddy bear. Anyone can see that.”

  “Yeah, he’s great.” I paused. “But, to be honest, both my parents are starting to drive me a little nuts. I love them, but I think it’s time.”
<
br />   “What are they doing? Trying to feed you caviar for breakfast?” he teased.

  “No, worse. It’s the ‘when are we going to become grandparents?’ question. I don’t think it’d be so bad if I weren’t the only child. I can’t leave the carrying on the family genetics to someone else.”

  “I don’t think it’s genetics they’re worried about. I think it’s some sort of parental requirement to see their children settled down and happy,” he assured me.

  “I understand that part, and I do want to settle down someday. I just don’t want to settle. My parents are partially to blame—I want what they have, or what Jain and Braydon share. They both have a genuine, love connection. It’s the best friend, soul mate type of love.”

  “They do. It’s inspiring and nauseating at the same time.”

  I giggled. “I know! So many of my college friends have married in the past few years, and they get along fine, I guess. But I don’t want fine, or good, or good enough. I want spectacular, or else I’ll adopt some cats. I don’t want an in-between type relationship. Know what I mean?”

  He leaned forward and pressed a kiss on my cheek. “I sure do.”

  The room filled up quickly. I grabbed my clutch and informed Colin, “I’d better go touch up my makeup before anyone sees me. If your boyfriend gets here before I get back, tie him to the table or something. I don’t want to miss meeting him again.” The last time Charlie came to town, I’d missed him by a matter of minutes.

  “Go! Beautify yourself. I’ll be here when you get back.” He smiled and winked.

  “You’d better be.” I leaned over to give him a hug. There was something huggable about Colin. Most people noticed his toned, six-foot-two body, dark, wavy hair, and deep blue eyes. For me, it was his warm and caring personality. He was rare, and I appreciated every minute spent with him.