Society Girls: Kalila
Crystal Perkins
Contents
Society Girls: Kalila
About Society Girls: Kalila
Other Books by Crystal Perkins
Corrigan & Co. series
Society Girls
Other books
Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins
About The Society
The Beginning
Prologue
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
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Society Girls: Kalila
#9 of Society Girls
By Crystal Perkins
Copyright © 2017 by Crystal Perkins
Cover Design by Helen Williams
www.allbookedout.com
Cover photos:
Marcus Randall & depositphotos: @ pressmaster
Male model: Yordan Senpai
All trademarks are owned by their respective companies and are denoted by the use of proper capitalization of the company and/or brand. 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 both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This contemporary erotic romance is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either 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, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with, especially if you enjoy sexy, emotional, romance novels with alpha males. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.
Created with Vellum
About Society Girls: Kalila
Sometimes a second chance can end more badly than the first…
* * *
Kalila Jackson has only loved one man in her life, and he left her at the altar. Now, he’s back in her life, but he makes the wrong choice again, and she’s done with him, and the pain loving him brings with it. Entering into a new relationship seems like a good way to move on, but the man she chooses might destroy what she has left of herself, and cost her everything she’s worked so hard for.
Theo Jordan has made mistakes—in the past, and in the present—but he was hoping he’d get three chances to strike out with the woman he loves. Seeing her move on, and seeing her change from the woman she once was, only makes him want her more. Until she betrays him, and leaves everyone and everything she claimed to love behind in order to protect a monster.
Emotions combust, lies prevail, and love never dies, but is love enough to save them?
Other Books by Crystal Perkins
The Griffin Brothers series
Gaming For Love (The Griffin Brothers #1)
Building Our Love (The Griffin Brothers #2)
Creating A Love (The Griffin Brothers #3)
Learning To Love (The Griffin Brothers #4)
Designing The Love (The Griffin Brothers #5)
Working On Love (The Griffin Brothers #6)
Keeping Their Love (The Griffin Brothers #7)
Corrigan & Co. series
Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #1)
Devouring the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #2)
Rocking a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #3)
Lessons in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #4)
Uncovering His SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #5)
Training the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #6)
Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #7)
Tending Their SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #8)
Playing in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #9)
Loving My SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #10)
Society Weddings (a Corrigan & Co. novella)
Society Girls
Society Girls: Sierra (Society Girls, #1)
Society Girls: Neveah (Society Girls, #2)
Society Girls: Matisse (Society Girls, #3)
Society Girls: Waverly (Society Girls, #4)
Society Girls: Rhieve (Society Girls, #5)
Society Girls: Jenysis (Society Girls, #6)
Society Girls: Harlow (Society Girls, #7)
Society Girls: Camari (Society Girls, #8)
Other books
A Kiss is Just a Kiss
Activate
Never Fear-Phobias Horror Anthology
(Chronophobia short story)
Never Fear-Christmas Terrors Anthology
(Silent Fright short story)
Romantic Times Anthology, Vol. 3
(Gary and Maggie Griffin short story)
Never Fear-The Tarot Anthology
Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins
“People should be free to love whoever their heart leads them, too. And this author did a great job of presenting a passionate love between 2 people who are seen as different from each other as dictated by society, but this difference wasn't a part of the love they share. Ms. Perkins did an admirable job of dealing with the issue (and other issues) as a non issue, if that makes sense.” -DianeM, Amazon Reviewer, Creating A Love
“I love this series!!!!!! Crystal has the amazing ability to bring her characters to life. I laugh with them, I hurt with them, I smile with them, and I cry with them.” -Jessica, Amazon reviewer, The Griffin Brothers series
“I love how Crystal makes the characters feel like real people.” -Tami, Amazon Reviewer, Learning To Love
“This is a lovely romance story that has a sexy sizzle to it but it's funny as well as it is somewhat edgy. I like that the hero has money but it's not the focal point in this story. I love that the heroine has problems but they are not so insurmountable that they take over the story. This is good old-fashioned romance done with a modern day twist. Well Done.” -Kindle Customer, Amazon Reviewer, Gaming For Love
“I found this book on Amazon yesterday and loved the cover. I read the synopsis and knew I had to get it. So I purchased it and started to read it right away. Oh my, I could not put the book down. I got so wrapped up in the story I was afraid to put my Kindle down or I would miss a part.” -Amazon Customer, Gaming For Love
“I thought this was a fantastic start to a series, and kind of first book of a series that makes you want to rush out and buy each additional book in the series. The premise of a strong group of women working together to help other women in need was pretty awesome. I loved how C0rrigan & Co was a secret covert company along the same lines as the underground railroad but it saved women from sticky situations or abusive relationships.” -Aubrey, Romancing the Book blog, Fielding Her SECRET
�
��I had so many different emotions while reading. I was rooting people, wanting kick people, wanting to rip some peoples clothes off, laughing while reading, gasping out loud. Seriously, I read this like a crazy person. So much happened that I was not mentally prepared for. There were so many shockers while reading this I could not even think about putting the book down.” -Sabrina, Amazon Reviewer, Devouring the SECRET
“Love this book the suspense and sex is EPIC.” -Teresa Jensen, Amazon Reviewer, Rocking a SECRET
“Perkins breathes life into their characters and has the reader feeling their agony, pain, and even their love for one-another. I enjoy reading her books and learning more and more about each of the people that make up this secretive group.” -Dayreader Reviews, Corrigan & Co. series
“In the end I am somehow proud of you Crystal Perkins. How you portrayed Ellie and her and Aiden love. I know I have no right to be, and it's really not my place to say but I am proud I read it and I recommend it to all women so they can see how strong We can be.” -Marta Bukowska, Goodreads Reviewer, Tending Their SECRET
“The story flowed well and kept my attention throughout. There was one part I was totally not expecting to happen. I love when that happens.” -Lisa Dess, Girls With Books blog, Training Her SECRET
“Wow this story! There are some stories and characters that leave you speechless, breathless and at times slightly broken, and Loving my SECRET Matt & Reina's story is definitely one of them!” -Vicki Plant, Goodreads Reviewer, Loving My SECRET
“I laughed I cried and there many times that I wanted to throw my device.” -Mallory, Goodreads Reviewer, Loving My SECRET
“Perkins gives the reader a quick peak into the Weddings of the amazing ladies in the society. What a fun roller coaster ride it was.” -Taz Lozada, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Weddings
“Totally loved this book as I did with all of crystals book previous to this with their well written gripping story lines brilliant characters a must read really can't wait for the next in series.” – Sassylady33, Amazon Reviewer, Society Girls: Sierra
“It is banter central, lol and completely full with characters who you actually get to know and enjoy spending time with.” – All Booked Out, A Kiss is Just a Kiss
“Good book and a really powerful message.” Petrina, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Girls: Jenysis
About The Society
The Corrigan & Co. Foundation is a cover for the Society, a group of women helping to rid the world of evil, and right ever wrong that they can. Originally founded by five powerful women, leadership of this secret group is now in the hands of Reina Corrigan, and her nine friends. The ten veterans are training ten new agents, from all walks of life, to replace them in the field. Just like those before them, the new recruits will need to find a way to balance falling in love with honoring their commitment, and passing their rigorous training. The Society isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. Training is necessary, loyalty is non-negotiable, and failure is never an option!
For Marta. I’m so glad you survived, my friend.
The Beginning
Kali
Walking into the Corrigan & Co. building is intimidating. Being asked to meet with Reina Corrigan is even more so. I’m just a scientist, and I don’t know why the glamorous head of a foundation that filters billions of dollars into the world wants to see me. I mean, Caleb Hall kind of works here, and so does Audrey Armstrong, so why would they need me?
I ponder these things, and question myself over and over again, as I’m handed my visitor badge, and directed to an elevator. I should be more surprised by there being no numbers in the tiny box, but I already knew this place was filled with the highest of the high-tech, so I’m more amused and anxious than anything else.
“Hello, Kalila,” Alexandra Corrigan says from behind her desk in the Corrigan & Co. Foundation lobby.
She’s a billionaire, both from being born a member of the Griffin family, and also from marrying Miles Corrigan. She doesn’t have to be at that desk, so seeing her there makes me feel a little more relaxed.
“You can call me Kali.”
“And you can call me Alex. Reina and Isa will be ready for you soon.”
“Okay.”
Isa Mason is the one who called me here. She’s a certified genius, and I met her when she started hanging out at the university. I’ve been working on a special project there, and she helped me with some of the research. She told me she does research here, too, and said she thought I’d be perfect for a new program they’re implementing. My curiosity was piqued, and here I am.
“Kali, I’m so glad you’re here!” Isa says, coming out from the hallway behind Alex’s desk.
“Hi Isa.”
“Come on back, and we’ll chat with Reina.”
I follow her down the hallway, and into the open double doors at the end. Reina is typing furiously on the laptop in front of her, so it takes her a moment to acknowledge us. I study the woman who is something of a celebrity, and looks like a curvy supermodel. It’s hard to take your eyes off her when she’s in front of you, and I have to blink a few times when she turns to smile at me.
“Sorry about that, but I had to get this email sent out,” she says, standing to hold her hand out to me. “I’m Reina, and you’re Kalila.”
“Kali,” I tell her, shaking her hand.
“Welcome to C&C, Kali. I’m sure you’re eager to know why we called you here.”
“Yes.”
“Have a seat, and we’ll get started. What I’m going to talk to you about is extremely confidential, and I need to know you won’t repeat any of it.”
“Of course not. I’ve signed many NDAs when working on government projects. Do you have one for me to sign now?”
“That won’t be necessary, but I truly appreciate you offering.”
“How would you feel about using all you know—and more—to help people who can’t help themselves?” Isa asks.
“You mean with the Foundation?”
I may be more comfortable with a research paper than a tabloid, but I’d have to be dead not to know about the good they do here. I’m sure they help even more people than the public hears about, and I would love to be of help to them.
“Yes, and no,” Reina says.
When she’s done explaining things to me, I have to blink a few times again. This secret society of women is something a nerd like me could only dream of being real. It’s like a comic book come to life, and they want me to be a part of it.
“I would love to be here with you.”
“Great. It will be at least a year before I get things up and running, so feel free to continue any work you’ve been contracted for. You’re also welcome to start paying more attention to things that will help you here.”
“Sure. What should I study?”
She bites her lip as she looks at me, and that brings my nerves back to life. What she says makes my anxiety come out to play, too. “Fashion. We have to fit in wherever we’re needed, and clothes are a big part of that.”
I fight the urge to run, because I know I’m a mess. I put on a skirt and top today, and I think they match, but they’re nothing like she’s wearing. Even Isa’s jeans and sweater look cool.
“I’ve never really paid attention to clothes.”
“It sounds so petty, but it is really important.”
“I swear it is,” Isa adds.
“Okay. I’ll try.”
“Stella will help you once you’re here, and so will the rest of us. The ten of you we’re recruiting all bring unique talents with you, just like the current ten of us do. We’ll all complement and help each other.”
“Thanks for that.”
“There’s two more things. One, Isa won’t be your mentor, because we think pairing up those who don’t know each other will work best. You’ll be working with Jade. She’ll be here any minute.”
“Sounds good. What’s the other thing?”
She starts to answer, but the door behind us opens befor
e she can. When I turn to it, the urge to run comes back full force, even though I’m frozen in place.
“Kali?”
“Theo.”
“You two know each other?” The gorgeous redhead with him asks, and I feel an irrational stab of jealousy.
“I have to leave,” I say, finally standing up.
“Please don’t,” Reina says, coming around to stand with me.
“I can’t…he…does he work here, too?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t work with you.”
“He won’t be a problem.”
“I’m right here, you know,” Theo says, coming to stand in front of me.
I refuse to look at him. I can’t. I haven’t seen him in five years, and seeing him here is too much.
“You two obviously know each other, so who’s going to tell me what’s going on?” the redhead asks.
“Give them a moment, Jade,” Reina says.
I turn to the woman who I now know was going to be my mentor. “A long time ago, in a city far away, Theo and I almost got married.”
I hear Isa suck in a breath, while Jade swears.
“Still a nerd,” Theo says, and I hear the smile in his voice.
“Did you expect me to just change who I was because you left?”
“You told me to go, and no, I love that you haven’t changed.”
How dare he say that four-letter word to me. He didn’t say he loves me, because I know he doesn’t, but just hearing that word for him is enough to slice my heart open once again. I need to leave.
“I’m sorry, Reina. I want to work with you, but I can’t.”
Society Girls: Kalila Page 1
