Cut

By Emily Duvall

Jessica Cahill is having one perfect night. In six weeks she'll walk down the aisle and marry her long-time boyfriend. But for tonight, she's celebrating hard at her bachelorette party. It's the time of her life until... she takes things too far. Brent Harrison is having the worst night of his life. Across town, seven rare diamonds are tucked safely in the vault at his brother's mansion. These diamonds are special. They hold significance. They belong to the infamous Abbott Tiara. The task should be easy, he should have them by the morning. That's when everything goes wrong. That's when he runs into her. One tiara Seven diamonds Sometimes beautiful things come at a cost...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
• Release date: Mar 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781633556041

Book preview

Chapter 1

The best night of Jessie’s life dangled in front of her. Music blared. People around her sipped drinks. An electric current filled the bar at Per, the swanky start to Jessie’s bachelorette party. She wore her short black dress, the mandatory wardrobe for the night’s festivities; Jessie looked hotter than ever. Even her breasts stacked up with the expensive bra and did her cleavage some justice. She blazed a trail of beauty with each step she took. What a night this had turned out to be. This place was insane, the energy contagious.

Jessie slurped the last of Maiden Voyage, a sweet concoction of vanilla, raspberry vodka, and some other magical ingredient. A light flickered to her side and she did a quick look to find her Maid-of-Honor, Clara, appear with some fine-looking guy with a dumb smile.

This is the bride! Clara shouted to the guy.

Hey, he said.

Clara noted the glass in Jessie’s hand. You’re empty.

Jessie shook the glass so the ice clanked. I’m waiting for your boyfriend to buy me another.

I’m Axel, he said, and the next round is on me. What are you drinking?

Anything with alcohol.

Axel drew Clara close to him and whispered in her ear. Clara nodded and giggled.

Is he even twenty-one? Jessie said, laughing.

No idea, Clara answered with a twinkling smile.

Jessie scanned the room, a place lit by faux candles hanging from the ceiling on invisible wire strands. Shades of red, pink, and gold covered the place from the curtains for the private parties to the cushions placed around the room. Music added to the subtle, sexy tones of the bar’s interior. So, where’s the rest of our group? she said.

I saw Louise head upstairs to the lounge. She’s going to find everyone else. Clara took out lip gloss from her purse and reapplied. I can’t believe you’re getting married.

Six weeks. Another bachelorette party appeared at the corner of the bar. The bride wore a veil. Jessie wrinkled her nose. I’m so glad you didn’t make me wear one of those.

I thought black dresses made for a better statement. You’ll bury your single life come December eighteenth.

I’ve only waited eight years.

Then make sure tonight is one of the best nights of your life. Clara draped her arm around Jessie. Did you notice that group of men over by the bar? The guy in the gingham shirt has his eye on you.

Jessie’s eyes followed the direction of Clara’s gaze. He’s so cute.

I think you should talk to him.

He can come over and talk to me. She glanced around. So, what’s next on the fabulous bachelorette task list you ladies are making me complete?

Wait for it. Axel’s coming back.

Axel walked towards them with a drink in each hand. Jessie grinned at the sight of this guy. What a beautiful man.

Here you are ladies, he said, handing over the glasses.

Jessie took her drink. Clara also reached for the drink, but Axel put his face in the way and kissed her. Thankfully, Jessie caught sight of another member of the bachelorette party, her dear friend Louise and four other girls in their group. They spotted Jessie too and made their way over.

Clara re-joined the group; a big smile on her flushed face. Axel took a step behind her and gave her some space. Ladies, Clara announced, producing a piece of paper.

Everyone in their immediate group paid attention. Louise clinked her glass against Jessie’s.

You’ve still got work to do, Clara continued. Let’s see what else is on our checklist.

Prior to the bachelorette party, all six women had created a list of items for Jessie to complete throughout the night. The first item had been for her to get three drinks paid for by a stranger, the second task, she had to get a guy to give her an article of clothing off his body—she’d secured a bulky watch. The list gave Jessie a last-chance to flirt hard one last time. Live up the night. Have fun. Feel great. The most important part was to have no regrets. Everything would change after the wedding. Jessie raised her glass. She beamed with confidence. She was having the night of her life.

Jessie looked over at the list in Clara’s hand. She squinted to make sure she’d read her friend’s small handwriting. You want me to do what? Jessie said.

Kiss a guy, Louise said, and slung her arm around Jessie. We want you to have your last first kiss.

You don’t even have to use tongue, Clara said, ripping the list out of her hand. You just can’t pick Axel. He’s mine.

Uncomfortable, but willing to hear their plan, Jessie said, What about Carl?

You don’t think Carl did something crazy at his bachelor party?

He golfed and went to dinner with his friends. You’ve met them. Odds are slim.

Louise reassured her with a grin. Don’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with. I got the idea from my sister. She did something similar at her bachelorette party. I thought the task would be fun, but there’s zero pressure.

Oh whatever, Jessie said, feeding off the unpredictability of the evening. I’m in!

Everyone around her burst into cheers and laughter.

No big deal, right?

A kiss without tongue meant nothing, whereas her life with Doctor Carl Hughes would be forever.

A preppy guy at the bar seemed like a good choice. She took a step forward too late. A girl joined him and soaked up all his attention. Another guy in the same group made eye contact with her. She stared back in a way that said, you’ve got five seconds to get over here. To show good intentions, she stepped forward. He did too, but this time a brunette got in the way. This other woman threw her arms around him and they began making out. A quick are-you-kidding-me glance at her friends and they lifted up their glass with their big smiles and laughing eyes. Their egging her on only made her want to do this more.

Onward to someone else. Jessie spun around and bam, tripped over someone’s foot. A scream hurled out of her mouth on the way down and her face was about to collide with the floor. A strong arm stopped her fall. She blinked at the black shoe less than an inch away from her face.

Whew.

The arm lifted her upright like a crane. She looked up at him and did a double take. The drinks were officially messing with her head. This face in front of her… She knew him. From somewhere. She continued to stare at his face. The dark eyes matched the black suit he wore, except for the patch of skin showing through the collar. Stubble ran over his chin, and an angular nose, all of these features came together with such…wow. What a face. A familiar face. She continued to stare at his unfriendly eyes and a nagging feeling tugged at her midsection. This man reminded her of someone else. Kind of like...no way. Maybe it was him. Jessie shook her head. This was a coincidence. The man in front of her resembled her sister’s husband, a man named Luke Harrison, and by all means, her enemy.

For one sobered second, Jessie allowed herself to think of Melanie. The only person she swore not to think about tonight. The sister who should be here. The sister who should be her Maid-of-Honor. Jessie hadn’t even been invited to Melanie and Luke’s wedding, and even though Melanie had been invited to hers, she’d declined. Her sister had checked the regrets box on Jessie’s beautiful invitation. Not one word Melanie had written on the card. Not even a hello or congratulations. Just a cold ‘X’ to indicate she wouldn’t attend. The image still stung. A lot. If Melanie wouldn’t come to her wedding, there could be no forgiveness between them. Ever.

Excuse me, familiar guy said, and stepped around her.

Wait. Jessie’s hand flew to his arm and she pulled him back around. How many brothers did Melanie’s husband have? One? Two? Three? She couldn’t remember. The last time she saw the Harrison brothers they’d been sitting on the opposite side of the courtroom. That was almost ten years ago. Jessie kept a firm foot in front of this man. She drank him in hard and fast like a shot of something strong. The light shifted into white and put a spotlight on his face. The image of his face burned down her throat and ears. Do I know you? she said.

No, he retorted and sidestepped her again.

Again, she blocked him. You’re sure we haven’t met?

This time he didn’t try to leave. Instead, he leaned in closer. Close enough to feel the warmth of his breath on her face. The faintest scent of alcohol breathed into her open mouth. His gaze bore over her face and lingered on her lips. I’m sure.

Jessie’s hand flew to his chest like she could stop him from moving. How can you be sure?

I’m sure. The crook in his mouth deepened. Are you going to move?

She held her breath. No.

Is this the one you want? Louise said with enthusiasm and moved towards Jessie without catching the warning glance to stay away. Did you know that my friend here is getting married?

He raised an eyebrow. She’s engaged?

Louise, really, it’s okay—

My friend needs one little kiss before we can move to our next bar.

A grin formed at his lips, like a challenge.

The hesitation prompted Louise to add, You don’t think she’s pretty enough?

He shrugged.

This provoked Louise further. My friend is gorgeous. She’s marrying a doctor.

The guy outright laughed. Then he’s a fool.

He is not, Jessie said, defensive of Carl.

The stranger laughed again. Good luck to him.

You don’t have to be such an ass, Jessie said, louder than intended.

The shift in his gaze happened immediately. A flicker of something predatory. Jessie took a step back. He put his hand on her arm. Rough hands on her soft skin. He dragged his finger down her forearm to her wrist and then her hand. She felt his fingers brush her knuckles. She held her breath as he drew her hand up to his line of vision. There he casually looked at the rock set in white gold.

Abruptly, he dropped her hand.

What? she said, annoyed.

His gaze shot to her lips. If you were mine, you wouldn’t beg for another man’s kiss.

Boom. Heat rushed up her breasts and down her back. It’s not like that.

It’s exactly like that.

Jessie’s heart beat fast. Forget this. She started to back away. But someone pushed her directly into his chest. His hand gripped her waist with an all-consuming possession. She hadn’t expected this. She didn’t have time to think. His lips crashed down on hers. The trace of liquor on her lips blended with his. Their mouths fit together; their lips moved in-sync, even as he deepened the kiss and drew her against him with such force. He drove his tongue into her mouth. The effect made her nipples hard and her panties damp. The kiss stirred up everything within her all at once. Each blunt movement of his lips took her one step closer towards trouble. His hands slid down her waist. His fingers molded the indent of her sides. Somewhere in the background she heard the music flip from fast tempo to slow make-out music.

Someone laughed and the sound brought her back to reality. Jessie broke away. She stumbled back and looked at him. You weren’t supposed to kiss me like that.

Is there any other way to kiss you?

You don’t even known my name.

He lowered his lips to her ears. My name is Brent, if that makes you feel better.

The name wasn’t familiar. Luke’s brother was named Derek or Damien or something with a D. Probably Dick. Brent couldn’t be Luke’s brother. She gave a small sigh of relief. Apparently, he just looked like a member of the Harrison family. To be sure one last time, she looked at him again. The face matched; the name didn’t. There wasn’t anything left to say. She needed to get back to her friends and her party.

Good luck to you, he said, and moved away.

Jessie turned her back to him. The kiss unsettled her. She put her hand on her midsection to calm the knot in the pit of her belly. She dared to look at her friends. Each one of them stood still with drinks in their hands and their eyes wide. They all looked like they’d been hit by a tornado.

Jessie straightened and walked over. Cross the last item off my list, she said boldly. Let’s get out of this place.

Clara handed her a glass full of clear liquid. You’d better have a drink first.

"Did you see how he kissed me?" Jessie said, folding her arms over her chest.

Oh yes, Louise said in a scandalous voice. We did.

He just came at me. I tried to break away.

Louise and Clara exchanged a look. They said nothing and didn’t have to.

The kiss shouldn’t have happened. Red-hot heat burned through her midsection. She blamed Brent. Those arms of his had trapped her, on purpose. She tried to ignore his presence, but he was in her line of vision. He’d already moved on without as much as a backwards glance in her direction. There he sat at the bar with a woman already by his side. The volume of the music beat louder. The room swelled with people and good times, but not for Jessie. Not now. She couldn’t ignore the obvious. She’d never been kissed like that before.

Chapter 2

Brent hadn’t forgotten her face—or her. The last time they’d seen each other she’d been younger, in her mid-twenties maybe. Who knows really, because they were all packed into a courtroom. She had sat with her family on one side and the Harrison brood seated on the other. The trial of Jessie’s older brother, Mark, hadn’t been something he’d thought about in years. Until now. Until he ran into Jessica Cahill.

Of all the women to run into tonight.

He gave a casual glance over the bar to see if she’d gone. He spotted her. She stood with her friends. The smoothness of her cheeks and her perfect pouty lips enticed him even from where he sat. He turned back to the bar and sipped his drink. Far more important events dictated his night than Jessica. If anything, she made his decision to go more urgent than ever. He couldn’t waste time with her or any other woman. She had the potential to slow him down. She’d already gotten in his way. If his business partner hadn’t been delayed, Brent wouldn’t be here at all.

The problem was simple. His ex-girlfriend had given him seven diamonds as part of a business deal. He’d brought the diamonds back to the United States and sold them to someone else. They now sat in a vault, at his brother’s home, where they kept all their gemstones and awaited the final paperwork to the client. Everything should have worked like a regular business contract, except his ex-girlfriend had stolen them from her father. A minor detail he’d hoped wouldn’t have come back to haunt him. But it did. The father now wanted his diamonds returned. These weren’t your average diamonds either. Six were pink and one was green—rare and incredible. Brent was their keeper by mistake. And he needed them back, before one of his staff members packaged them up and sent them off to the buyer. He had to get to Luke’s home tonight. In less than a week, they needed to be sitting in the hands of their true owner. His future depended on it.

Brent checked his phone. His business partner, Daniel, had sent Brent a text. Finally. The message he’d waited for. Daniel had arrived and waited out front. Bartender, Brent said, and signaled to bring the bill. Instead of waiting, Brent took out more than enough cash and set the bills on the counter. He got up to go.

A hand grabbed his arm. He turned around and made sure she saw the annoyance in his eyes. You again? he said to Jessica.

Don’t you want to know my name? she demanded.

No.

Any other woman in this bar he’d have been pleased to see. But her? Not so much. The close proximity of her face to his gave him access to kiss that mouth of hers. Again. His lips bent at the thought. He needed to leave.

She stuck out her hand. I’m Jessie.

I know exactly who you are.

Brent didn’t take her hand. The lights above played on the brown in her eyes and made them a dark, intoxicating color. He let out a deep sigh. You’re engaged. Go home.

The Ritz is my home for the weekend.

Let’s not do this.

Do what?

A waitress came between them with a tray full of neon green shots. Anything for you? she asked Brent.

No, he answered. Definitely time to go. Time to leave Miss Cahill and get out of here.

Yes, Jessie answered and removed a wad of cash from her small handbag. The waitress handed Jessie the drinks before Brent could refuse.

I’ll pass, he said.

Why? She looked on the verge of pouting.

Your drink looks like a highlighter.

That bothers you?

It doesn’t bother you?

Not tonight. Nothing can ruin this evening, not even you. This is my last weekend as a single girl.

You’re not single, he pointed out, and removed the shot from her hand. He passed it to someone walking by willing to take the glass.

Are you married?

No.

Why not?

Why do you care?

She stood on her tiptoes to get close to his ear. Her lips brushed the side of his face. Alcohol-tinged breath reached his mouth. I like you.

You’re drunk.

She giggled. Don’t tell anyone.

Brent laughed at the innocent expression on her face. Where’s your fiancé? Hitting on someone else this evening. Like you?

She blinked as if trying to register the comment. Carl is at home. He’s a doctor.

Is that the only thing you love about him?

She stared at him blankly.

Jessica, enjoy the rest of your evening. Try not to accost anyone else.

Again, she got in his direct path.

Impatience flashed through him. Brent slid his hand around her waist possessively. One tug forced them together. He lowered his lips to hers and said with dead calm, Block me one more time and I will kiss you again and if I do that, I will make sure I end up at your hotel to make you mine.

There you are! burst out one of Jessie’s friends, the brunette with hair down to her waist. We’ve been trying to get your attention.

Brent let go and Jessie fumbled backwards. He enjoyed the defiant look on her face.

Clara, Jessie said.

Time. To. Go. Clara looked pointedly at Brent. Do not follow us.

Yeah, stay away from me, Jessie said, running her fingers over her long chestnut braid.

The women turned their backs to him. Even over the music he heard them ask their questions.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Brent slipped out of the place quickly. The kiss had been on him…she could have made this easy on herself, except…she kissed him back.

The door swung closed behind him. Brent ventured into the night.

The downtown had transformed into a skyscraper ghost town. Tall buildings cast shadows over the streets. The occasional light flickered from a window.

This city had been his home since the day he’d turned seventeen and been on his own. He knew the ins-and-outs of the streets like an old friend. He didn’t feel unsafe as he walked ahead, past the storefronts and intersections. He felt welcomed by the concrete beneath his feet and the cool night air on his face.

A lot had changed since he was a teenager almost two decades ago. For one, Brent owned a third of Trace Elements, a family-run business for the acquisition and sale of rare gemstones and diamonds. Their company sat at the top of the small business food chain and their impressive clientele list of wealthy and powerful men and women kept Brent busy. Trace Elements seemed like an annoying child tonight. He didn’t have time to think about his commitments to the company. The only thing he needed to do was get to Luke’s home.

Brent stood at the curb. His gaze hit every passing car. Finally the black SUV rounded the corner and pulled to a stop in front of him. He opened the door before the car stopped moving and got inside. Let’s go to Luke’s, he ordered. Daniel stepped on the gas and sped away from the curb.

They’d been friends for years, having first met as competing gemstone hunters. Now they were business partners.

Today business looked different. Brent moved back to the city to work with his brother Luke on other jewelry endeavors and they offered Daniel a job working for them at the jewelry store. In the spring of next year, they’d be moving Trace Elements to a store in downtown Union Square, in the heart of San Francisco shopping, and open their high-end gemstone jewelry sales to the public. They’d gotten out of the business of traveling around the world in search of the rarest stones to take a bold step in the direction of retail.

Daniel drove in the direction of the marina. From there they drove over the Golden Gate Bridge, to Belvedere and the home of Luke and his wife, Melanie. For God’s sake, he’d actually kissed Melanie’s sister.

The cell phone in his pocket rang. Brent took it out and swiped the screen. Kendra, he said to Luke’s assistant, and head of public relations at Trace Elements. He glanced at the clock. Eleven-thirty. You’re still at work?

Where are you? Kendra blurted.

I’m headed home.

You’re in the city?

I am. What’s up?

Something’s happened.

A pause.

Brent…there’s been an incident. Melanie’s—

Is she alive? he cut in without waiting to hear the rest.

Yes, barely. She’s in a coma at City General.

Dread shot through Brent. A coma?

The police found her tonight, at the Palace of Fine Arts. She paused again. Someone messed her up. She’s…oh God, I can’t even tell you. You have to get here.

What was she doing there tonight?

We have no idea. Luke’s beside himself.

Where is Luke?

He’s at the hospital.

Where was he when this happened?

Out with a client, having cocktails.

Brent motioned for Daniel to pull over. The car idled next to the curb.

Is she going to be okay? Brent said.

The status keeps changing. There’s a detective with Luke now. I’m sorry; I don’t know any more.

What about my nieces?

Safe. Everyone at the house is safe. Your Aunt Stevie is with the girls.

I’m on my way. Brent ended the call, then spoke to his driver. Turn the car around, we’re going to City General. Melanie’s been attacked.

Daniel’s foot hit the gas pedal. The car peeled away from the curb. The roar of the engine propelled them forward.

The phone rang again and Brent answered his brother’s call. I’m on my way, he said to Luke.

The doctor says there’s swelling on her brain, Luke said with such speed, Brent barely caught the sentence.

I’ll be there soon.

I can’t lose her…

You won’t.

"You haven’t seen her. Someone beat her. They hurt her. They left her to die. To die! I’ll kill whoever did this with my own hands."

I’ll help you.

Brent thought of his run-in with Jessica and hesitated before he asked about Melanie’s family. They weren’t on good terms. What about Melanie’s family? Do they know? At the mention of the other Cahills, Brent sensed immediate tension from his brother.

Melanie’s mother is on her way, Luke said and added with a chill in his voice, no one’s been able to get in touch with the younger sister, Jessie. Supposedly she’s at her bachelorette party here in the city. Go figure.

Brent snapped up his head. I know where to find Jessica.

Daniel braked hard.

How the hell do you know that? Luke asked.

You just worry about Melanie. I’ll get Jessica and meet you at the hospital.

Where to next? Daniel said.

The Ritz-Carlton. On Stockton Street.

Daniel cut the wheel and the car crossed the center line and U-turned back in the other direction. We’re not far.

A few short blocks was all it took for Daniel to get Brent to the hotel. A valet appeared at the car door and Daniel spoke with him while Brent got out of the car. The front entrance to the hotel stood mere feet away under a gold awning and Brent whisked through the doors with purposeful steps towards the front desk.

The front desk agent looked up. May I help you? she asked.

I need you to locate a guest, he said. Jessica Cahill. She’s staying here.

I’m sorry, but I can’t give out room information.

One hundred dollars says you’ll help me.

Temptation flashed in her eyes. Sir, I’m flattered, but I can’t. I can leave a message for her.

The elevator doors opened. Chime. Brent turned around in time to see one of Jessie’s friends appear. The young woman who’d told him not to follow them. She fiddled with a phone in her hand and looked upset.

Never mind, Brent muttered. You! he said, and jogged over.

She looked up and slid the phone down her face. You followed us, she said through clenched teeth.

Where’s the bachelorette?

Like I’d tell you. Leave her alone or I’ll call the police.

I need to see her.

You’re dreaming. Go away creep.

The front desk agent angled her body over the counter. Can I help you? she said in a loud voice.

Brent ignored the front desk agent. He looked at Jessica’s friend. What’s your name?

Clara.

Do you have any idea who I am?

She blinked her wide blue eyes. I don’t care who you are.

"I am Brent Harrison. Harrison as in Melanie’s brother-in-law."

An ‘O’ formed on Clara’s lips. Then you know—

I just got the call from Melanie’s husband. Take me to Jessica.

Clara narrowed her eyes. That’s just gross. You knew her identity and you still kissed her.

Brent dismissed the comment. Where is she?

In room five-twenty-seven, on the fifth floor. I have to make some phone calls on her behalf. Someone will let you in the room.

Without another word, Brent moved over to the elevator and punched the button repeatedly. The wait seemed to last forever. The doors eventually opened, and he rode the elevator up to Jessie’s floor. He moved down the hall, scanning the numbers on the doors with urgency. Brent made a promise to himself to get her to Melanie in the quickest manner possible. Daniel waited on standby outside. All he needed was to get her to come with him. A twinge of doubt ran through him. That might not be an easy task, given their evening so far.

Sets of lounge chairs adorned the far end of the hall, accompanied by tables with lamps and magazines. Thick perfume hung in the air outside her door. Brent stopped in front and knocked. A combination of footsteps and muffled voices sounded from the inside. Someone unlocked the door.

Yes? said the young woman he recognized from this evening. Concern clouded her pretty face. What are you doing here? Aren’t you the guy—

Yes, I’m that guy, he interrupted. Where’s Jessica?

She straightened her stance. How did you find this room?

It doesn’t matter. I need to see her.

Not going to happen.

Yes, it is. I’m taking Jessica to the hospital to be with her sister. I’m not going to hurt her; I’m not here to cause trouble. I just found out Melanie’s in the hospital and I need you to trust me. Let me talk to her.

"You