Society Girls: Rose
Book #10 in Society Girls
Crystal Perkins
Contents
Society Girls: Rose
About Society Girls: Rose
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
Author’s Note
Acknowledgments
Coming Soon
Company Men
Copyright © 2017 by Crystal Perkins
Cover Design by Helen Williams
www.allbookedout.com
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.
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About Society Girls: Rose
You only get one first impression, and sometimes you can’t live it down…
Rose Murphy slapped Ares Dixon the first time she met him. Now, she’s sleeping with him, but still can’t trust that he really wants more than sex. She’s too different from the women he’s photographed with almost every night.
Ares has only wanted one woman since he met Rose, but he’s done some things he shouldn’t have, in order to protect a reputation he doesn’t even want. He’s tired of the way things are with Rose, but he doesn’t know how to make her believe he’s a changed man.
When she figures out that Ares cars are being tampered with, Rose will do whatever she can to keep him safe, even putting herself, and her biggest secret, at risk. Her mind is a beautiful thing, but it has a darker side she’s hidden from almost everyone, until allowing it to take over may be the only thing saving her. She’ll have to fight for herself…and for the man who truly loves every part of her.
It’s a race to the finish, but will the mechanic and the driver allow love to win?
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)
Society Girls: Kalila (Society Girls, #9)
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 read
ing. 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
“If you’re looking for a great book, this is the one.” Renee, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Girls: Kalila
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 everyone whose mind works differently than what society deems “normal”. Different is never less.
The Beginning
Over two years ago
Rose
I’m not nervous walking into the Corrigan & Co. Foundation lobby, because I’ve been here before. Alex Corrigan, who runs the front desk, is one of my best friends, as well as my brother-in-law, Luke’s, niece. We met as teenagers, and have been close since day one. I’ve also been at parties and get-togethers with her, and the other women who work here, many times. I don’t know why Reina called me here, but I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
“Hey, Ro,” Alex says, getting up and giving me a hug.
“Hi, Al.”
“Rei’s ready for you, so head on back.”
“See you later.”
I walk down the hall with a smile on my face. The walls are covered with pictures of the women working in the community. They help so many people, and a part of me is jealous, because I wish there was something I could do to be a part of this place, too. Maybe Reina has a secret car collection I don’t know about, and she needs a new mechanic. A girl can dream, right?
“Hi, Rose, thanks for coming in today.”
“No problem.”
“How’s your work at the garage?”
She remembers I work at a local garage? Maybe she does have some cars I can play with. I relax even more, thinking it’s that simple—and easy.
“It’s good.”
“Harvard made a mistake by kicking you out.”
Shit. She knows that, too? That I was kicked out before graduation, when they found out I was modifying cars for illegal street racing?
“I’m not going to disagree.”
“I have a proposition for you.”
“You need your cars worked on, right?”
“In a way, yes, but there’s more,” she tells me with a smile.
I’m starting to feel nervous, because there’s a vibe I’m getting off her that tells me she’s more than she seems. What I know of Reina is that she’s a powerful woman, with a big heart, and an even bigger bank account. I’m not sure I’m ready to hear more, because what I’m feeling is…dangerous.
42. 39. 88.
The numbers are coming, because that’s what happens when I get nervous. I don’t know how to stop it, and I’m not sure I would, even if I could. Numbers make sense, and they comfort me.
“Rose?”
“Oh. Sorry. I’m listening,” I tell her, forcing myself to be present.
“We’re more than just a foundation. What I’m about to tell you has to stay in this office.”
Who am I going to tell? The guys at the garage think I’m weird, and while I love the Griffins, I’m not confiding my problems in any of them. Alex works here, so she probably knows Reina’s secrets already, making this an easy decision.
“Okay.”
She proceeds to blow my mind, which is impressive, since my brain is pretty vast. I don’t know what to say for a few minutes, but I force the numbers to stay away while I figure it out.
“I appreciate the offer, Reina, but I don’t think you want me here.”
“Alex recommended you because she knew you’d be a good fit with us, and I wouldn’t have asked you if we didn’t agree.”
“You don’t understand. My mind…it doesn’t always work like everyone else’s. I get lost in it sometimes.”
That’s the simplest way to explain what happens to me. I’ve never told anyone what actually happens; how the numbers take over, and how I welcome them. I work hard to fit in with society, and most of the time, it works, and I can hold a conversation without letting on that my mind is doing things no one else would understand. But, she’s talking about weapons, and saving lives. If my mind were to wander at those times, I’d get people killed. I’d get killed.
“Have you talked to anyone about it?”
“No,” I tell her, hanging my head. “I didn’t want anyone to know, and I don’t want to be medicated.”
“There’s nothing wrong with getting help, Rose. We have wonderful doctors and therapists here, who I think could help you. No one will medicate you unless you ask for it, but they might be able to show you some exercises to control whatever it is.”
“If I accept, you’ll want me to tell you exactly what happens.”
“I’ll need you to tell me, yes, but I promise you it won’t leave this room, unless someone’s in danger.”
I weigh my options, and look around the room some more. Right now, thinking about this offer and knowing I want it, the numbers in my head are calmed down. It’s because, although what she’s told me has both excited and scared me, the excitement is winning. My mind is focused on everything I’d be learning and doing, so there’s no room for the numbers to take over.
I take a deep breath, and a leap of faith, and let it all out. Everything I’ve never said out loud to another soul before. I’ve ha
d friends and even boyfriends, who’ve noticed me saying my numbers when I’ve accidentally counted out loud, but I’ve laughed it off. I say it’s studying, or memorizing something for a project, or service order. Never have I told anyone what my mind does to help me cope in stressful situations.
I wait as Reina processes what I told her. I don’t know what I expected, but it’s not what she says. “That’s pretty cool. I can see where you would worry about it interfering, but I think the people I employ can help you control it. If you even want to control it.”
“I do. I mean, when I know I’m doing it for fun, as just another mind game, I enjoy it. It’s the times I’m not in control of it that worry me. When my brain just takes over, and shuts me down.”
“Like when we first started talking today.”
“Yeah. Sorry.”
She shakes her head. “It’s okay, you were nervous, and we all deal with nerves differently. If I see you like that, is there anything I can do to help you?”
“I don’t know,” I tell her honestly. “I’ve never told anyone, so no one’s ever tried.”
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