Neveah (Society Girls #2)
Society Girls: Neveah
Book #2 of Society Girls
By Crystal Perkins
Copyright © 2016 by Crystal Perkins
Cover Design by Helen Williams
www.allbookedout.com
Ebook Formatting by Jesse Gordon
adarnedgoodbook.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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Society Girls: Neveah
Other Books by Crystal Perkins
Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins
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
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Epilogue
Author’s Note and Bonus Scene
Acknowledgements
About the Author
About Society Girls: Neveah
The gun-shy woman is trusting the well-known player to help her face her fears, but is he the one she should be afraid of?
Ever since her father was killed in an accidental shooting, Neveah Ayoub has never wanted to touch a gun, much less shoot one. She’ll have to do both if she wants to become a full agent in the Society, the secret group of female spies led by her friend Reina Corrigan. When basketball superstar Dylan Gallagher offers to help her, she ends up facing more than she bargained for—both personally, and professionally.
Dylan Gallagher made a promise as a teenager, and it’s one he’s not going to break, even if it means hurting the woman he’s falling in love with. Neveah is the tie that binds his past to his future, and even when he tries to do the right thing, he’ll risk them both in his quest for honor.
In a battle of love vs. loyalty, will lies and deception win, or can family and forgiveness give everyone a shot at happiness?
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)
Other books
Never Fear-Phobias Horror Anthology
(Chronophobia short story)
Never Fear-Christmas Terrors Anthology
(Silent Fright short story)
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 Revie
ws, 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 Bukoswka, 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
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 faith is overshadowed
by people using it as a shield for their hate.
The Beginning
Over a year ago
Neveah
I’m a little freaked out at being called in to meet with Reina Corrigan. I wasn’t exactly nice to her when I thought she was cheating on her husband, Matt. Matt’s like my adopted uncle and brother all rolled into one, and while he’s protective of me, I feel the same way about him. I haven’t had many chances in my life to stand up for him, so when I thought he was being wronged, I went big. And got cut off at the knees. Turns out Reina wasn’t cheating, and while she was nice about the whole thing, I still felt like a stupid little girl.
So when Alex Corrigan—who I also pretty much insulted at one point—called, and asked if I could meet with Reina, I couldn’t say no. Maybe I can actually redeem myself today. I brought flowers for Alex and an antique rosary for Reina. Matt mentioned that she used to be Catholic but has been struggling with her faith, so I thought it would be a good gift. At least until now. I’m in the elevator up to the Corrigan & Co. Foundation offices and I’m starting to think maybe I should’ve just ignored everything.
“Hi, Neveah,” Alex says when I walk into the lobby of the Foundation. She’s smiling at me, and I feel even worse about how I treated her.
“I got you flowers. I’m sorry I acted like your job wasn’t important, or that you shouldn’t be doing it because you’re a billionaire.”
“Oh, wow. Thanks. I appreciate the apology, and the flowers,” she says, taking them from me, and placing the on the counter in front of her. “Reina will be ready for you in just a few minutes.”
“Okay,” I tell her, pulling the left side of my bottom lip into my mouth. “Can you tell me if it’s good or bad?”
“Is there a reason it would be bad?”
“I was rude to her…and you.”
“Reina tries not to hold grudges. Plus, Matt loves you. That alone would make her put up with a little rudeness.”
“Thanks,” I tell her, feeling a little better.
The tablet in front of her buzzes, and she smiles at me again. “You can go on back to Reina’s office now.”
I smile back at her, and walk down the hall. Since I’ve been here before, I’m not surprised when the doors open before I can knock. However, I am surprised to see that Reina’s not alone in her office. Jane Corrigan and two other women are in the room as well. One looks to be a little older than Jane, and smiles at me. The other is a gorgeous woman who looks to be part Asian, and is maybe in her late twenties. I’ve seen her before, but have never been formally introduced. The expression on her face is calculating, but not unfriendly.
“Come in and sit down, Nev,” Reina says, gesturing to a chair next to the younger woman. “I think you’ve met Jane already. This is Cyndi and Faith. Ladies, meet Neveah.”
Cyndi makes me feel instantly welcome, and Faith makes me feel even more nervous when she smiles. I don’t know why. She doesn’t look unkind. There’s just something about her that makes me feel like she’s looking into my soul, and deciding if I’m a good person or not. I want to yell out that I am, but I just sit down and keep my mouth shut.
“I’m sure you’re curious about why I asked you to come here today.”
“A little.” A lot.
“Matt told us that you know what we really do.”
Oh no! Are they going to do something to me?
“Relax, Neveah. No one is going to hurt you,” Faith says, looking down at her tablet. “We’re going to offer you a job.”
“Thanks for jumping ahead, Faith,” Reina tells her, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.
A job? Really? I try to keep my face impassive, even though I’m freaking out inside. “What kind of job?”
“The one Matt’s been gro oming you for,” Reina says, smiling at my look of shock. “I know he made sure you had extensive training in several areas we deem important. We’re doing something new with the Society, bringing in an entire group of recruits at once for the first time. I’d like you to be one of them.”
“If he’s told you about my training, then he must have also told you that I won’t touch a gun.”
“He mentioned that, yes, and I won’t lie to you, you will need to shoot a gun by the time you finish training.” I start to protest, and she holds up her hand. “I haven’t planned out all of the training yet, but I know it will take over a year, maybe even two, to make sure everyone we recruit is completely ready. The current members of the Society took less time, because there were only a few of them training at any given time, but we don’t want to rush anything. Everyone has something to work on and we’re not going to just rush all of you through. But you will need to do it.”
“I-I can’t,” I tell her, my heart breaking a little.
Matt started telling me stories about fierce warrior women when I was being bullied at school for being Muslim. I thought they were just that—stories—until I met Reina and her friends. It was then that I knew what I wanted. I wanted to be one of them. I still want that, but I can’t do it. I can’t shoot a gun, or even worse, shoot someone with a gun.
“You can,” Faith says, looking exactly like a fierce warrior right now. “You will.”
“My father was killed by a gun,” I tell her, even she probably knows this.
“My father was murdered by a jealous bastard. I was in the room, and it was the worst thing I have ever experienced.”
Oh. “So you were afraid of guns, too? Is that why you’re here? To help me?”
“I’m here to help you, yes, but I was never afraid of a gun. I was afraid of justice not prevailing over evil. With the Society, I’ve done everything I can to make sure justice is served to those who hurt and kill others.”
I swallow hard. What she’s saying scares me, but also excites me. I can’t imagine picking up a gun, but I want to do what she does. I want to help make things right. I just don’t know if I can. “I don’t want you to waste your time and resources if I
can’t do it.”
“Don’t worry about that. We will do everything we can to make sure you succeed, and are comfortable doing it. If, after all the other training, you still can’t shoot a gun, there will be no hard feelings. The question is ‘do you want to try?’” Reina asks me.
“Yes,” I say without hesitation, holding out the rosary I brought her. “I do.”
* * *
Around three months ago
Neveah
When I said yes to Reina Corrigan over a year ago, things moved really fast, and then really slow. I took all kinds of tests, and formally met everyone else associated with the Society. Not just the mentors and founders, but all of the teams who support them. To say the Foundation and Society are well-oiled machines is an understatement. Besides the people who work on the floor where Alex and Reina are, there are several sublevels of offices, labs, training rooms and ranges, and even a hospital wing. And it all goes on without anyone from Corrigan & Co. knowing that it’s happening above, or below them.
Well, except for Matt and his brother, Miles, who is Alex’s husband. Oh, and Matt’s good friends Nate and Aiden, who are married to two of the Society women. And Jake and Brayden, who are married to two more. Plus there’s Theo in Security. I guess I should say most of the C&C people don’t know.