Heart Heist: Ransoming the Rubies: Heart Heist, #2

By Kari Shuey

They ruined his life, and he wants revenge.

Losing the sapphire necklace cost Brandon more than a big payout—it cost him his status in the criminal underworld. Scoring the Livingston ruby collection will restore his reputation, and he knows just how to get his hands on it.

For Kristine, falling for Charlie was easier than breathing, despite the way they met. Being with him makes the memory of her terrifying ordeal seem like nothing more than a bad dream.

When Brandon takes her captive, the nightmare returns. Held for ransom, at the mercy of her cruel kidnapper, she struggles to hold onto her faith in Charlie. This time, the jewel thief refuses to lose.It's the rubies or Kristine's life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kari Shuey
• Release date: Sep 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215766248

Book preview

Chapter One

BRANDON

Leaning against an aged oak tree, Brandon pulled his jacket tighter around his tall frame. He scowled across the street at the newest Livingston Gallery. A sharp pain shot through his shoulder from the crisp autumn air, reminding him of the wound he’d received only months earlier.

His frown deepening, Brandon shifted his weight to the other foot. Brock would meet him soon to finalize the plans for tonight. The Livingston kid was an amateur but a fast thinker, which explained why he came out on top. At least that was what Brandon told himself when he allowed some quack to dig the bullet out of his shoulder. It’s what he told himself while in hiding, waiting for the heat to die down. And what he continued to tell himself as he planned another heist.

Unease snaked through his midsection, and Brandon shifted again. This time, he gazed down the street, hoping he appeared more nonchalant than he felt. Brock’s hunched figure turned the corner farther down the street, braced against the cold wind.

Brandon shoved off the tree and made his way toward his partner. You got a team ready?

Brock grunted and pivoted so they headed in the same direction. I only got three who are willing. After what happened—well, not many want to work with you right now.

It was a fluke, Brandon muttered.

That may be. But a lot of them don’t want to get their hands dirty with— Brock looked over his shoulder, as if expecting someone to be eavesdropping on their conversation. —kidnapping, he mumbled.

Brandon snorted. Cowards. He glanced at Brock out of the corner of his eye. His partner was normally up for anything with a big pay-off. But for once, the man looked uncertain. Brandon’s scowl returned, and he faced his comrade. If you don’t have the guts to follow through tonight, I don’t want you on my team. I picked you because you are loyal, clear-headed, and capable. If you don’t measure up to those standards anymore—

I’m fine, boss.

Brandon raised an eyebrow.

With more surety in his voice, Brock repeated himself. I’m fine.

They continued their pace. Good, then make sure everything is in place. We have to do this perfectly. There is no room for mistakes. They’ve upped the security, and they’ll be looking for me. You too, for that matter. Please tell me you snagged someone on the inside.

Brock nodded. Two, actually.

Brandon appraised Brock. He might just pull this off.

Make sure they know their parts and what’s at stake if they fail. Meet me at the rendezvous at eight o’clock sharp. Brandon turned on his heel and headed down a street to his left. Brock continued straight.

Pressing his hand into his aching shoulder, Brandon muttered a few choice words to the fool who caused this pain. He’d be sorry he ever messed with Brandon Scott.

Chapter Two

KRISTINE

Fidgeting, Kristine pushed her hands along the silk to smooth non-existent wrinkles. Her heart fluttered erratically. As she gazed around the room at the other models, she thought of the last time she’d prepared to model a necklace for Livingston Jewelers.

What had started as an exciting opportunity had become a nightmare she continued to relive night after night. It had been three months since she’d been taken against her will into the darkness, and she still felt the need to look over her shoulder wherever she went.

She couldn’t believe she’d allowed herself to trust her captor. But trusting Charlie had become a necessity when a larger evil threatened her life. Despite the way they met, Kristine found herself drawn to Charlie even after she was released.

Although things had settled down, she continued to feel insecure. The man from the canyons and his accomplice hadn’t been found. By the time the police searched the area, the two had disappeared. Kristine couldn’t shake the sense that someone was always watching her, waiting to get even.

She tugged her dark curls, twisting them around her fingers, trying to ignore the feeling of unease. A blonde ball of energy drew her focus, and she smiled.

Kristine! Isn’t this amazing? I’ve never been to one of these before. I can’t believe I get to model something tonight! Ruby brushed the scarlet gem at her throat. Isn’t it lovely? I heard the unofficial theme tonight has to do with the holidays.

Kristine smiled despite herself. She’d met Ruby moments before. The young woman exuded vitality wherever she went. I don’t think you are supposed to touch the necklace, she reminded Ruby gently.

Ruby’s green eyes widened, You’re right! She glanced around the room before turning back to Kristine. I’m going to get a drink before they usher us to the gallery.

Kristine nodded and watched Ruby skip to the refreshment table. A tall blonde woman holding a bottled water rolled her eyes when Ruby started talking to her. Chuckling, Kristine shook her head. She could tell Ruby would be quite a character. Most of the models kept to themselves. It wasn’t uncommon for them to have an agenda. This kind of gig was a mere steppingstone to something better. Personally, Kristine didn’t reach for that kind of job anymore. She got paid just as well—better even—being the face for Livingston Jewelry.

Mr. Livingston himself wanted her to wear the most expensive pieces due to her willingness to keep them safe under duress. But now Kristine was second-guessing her choice to model at galas again. To be in front of a camera instead of surrounded with people felt so much safer.

Out of habit, she let her fingers graze her own necklace. The matching pair of earrings complemented her gown. Glistening as she moved, the dangling rubies appeared much more fragile than they were.

You look stunning tonight. Hot breath brushed the back of her neck. The whisper masked its owner, but Kristine only knew one male allowed to be in the prep area. Grinning, she turned to look up. Her smile faltered when she realized she didn’t recognize the owner of the compliment.

Thank you.