Royal Company (Company Men Book 1) Read online

  Royal Company

  Company Men, Bool #1

  Crystal Perkins

  Contents

  Royal Company

  About Royal Company

  Books by Crystal Perkins

  The Griffin Brothers series

  Corrigan & Co. series

  Society Girls

  Other books

  Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

  Things to Know

  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

  Epilogue

  Untitled

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Royal Company

  #1 of Company Men

  By Crystal Perkins

  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.

  About Royal Company

  Royal friend. Abandoned brother. Aspiring architect.

  All Noah has ever wanted is to stand out on his own, and shed the stigma of being a “royal hanger-on”. He doesn’t care about royal titles, or money, and he’s tired of people only using him for who he knows. Love isn’t an option for him, until the woman he walked away from comes barreling back into his life.

  No last names. No personal information. No falling in love.

  Jyn agreed to a monthly tryst with Noah, until she wanted more…and he didn’t. Thinking she’ll never see him again, she’s gone back to the life she chose, and is focused on what the future’s going to bring. When he shows up, revealing his connection to those around her, and demanding answers, she opens her heart and gives him a second chance to prove he can be the man she needs in her life.

  Old secrets. Old fears. New life.

  As Noah and Jyn navigate their new relationship, his old fears and her old secrets threaten everything they’ve created together. He’s good at building, and she’s good at protecting, but can they trust each other enough to let love guide them to a fairytale ending?

  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)

  Society Girls: Rose (Society Girls, #10)

  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 w
as 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

  “If you’re looking for a great book, this is the one.” Renee, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Girls: Kalila

  Things to Know

  If you haven’t read Inheriting a SECRET, or any of the Corrigan & Co. books, you can still read this book. I’m listing some info below that will be helpful to you!

  The Society: A secret group of female spies, operating out of the Corrigan & Co. Foundation, and run by Reina Corrigan. The male characters in Company Men are all brothers, or friends, of the spies. Most of the women will not know of their existence.

  Corrigan & Co.: Matt Corrigan runs this public side of the company. One of the most powerful men in the world, he’s ruthless in business, and would do anything to protect his wife, and their friends.

  Noah: His family of con artists and cat burglars were also close friends of the royal family of Cyndryann. His father was killed trying to help the King, and his sister took over and honored the vow their father had made. Noah was left with the royal family, and his mother was sent into hiding. He grew up with Prince Brayden, and Princess Jenysis. They think of him as their brother, although he is not royal. When Brayden was set to become King, it was revealed that Darcy (a member of the Society) had the jewels he needed to take his rightful place. He fell in love with Darcy, and gave up his kingdom for her. Jenysis (also now a member of the Society) father, Steve, is now King, and she is married to pop star, Wayne (their book is Society Girls: Jenysis).

  Confused? You can always message or email me if you need clarification on something!

  For Heather, Jamie, and Sandy:

  You are the absolute BEST, and I’m so glad we’re friends!

  Prologue

  Two years ago

  Noah

  I’ve grown up with the royal family of Cyndryann, but I’m not a royal. There’s a distinction there that’s very important, although it’s ignored by the people who try and use me for my connection to them. I could be a royal—a duke, an earl, maybe even a lord—but I don’t want that. My former guardian, Steve, who is King of the tiny island, has offered me a title more than once, but I’ve always turned it down.

  I know exactly who I am, and it’s far from royal. My parents were con artists, and cat burglars. It was only after my father died doing a favor for the former King, my best friend Brayden’s father, that I was taken to live at the castle. My sister, Darcy, took on the vow my father had promised, and almost got killed too. She’s now a spy, and married to Brayden, making her a princess, which I guess is a little ironic.

  But, I’m just me. Noah. Friend of the monarchy, brother to a super-spy, and a pretty good architect. I thought that was enough for the woman I was dating back home, until I found her in bed with a real royal, and understood I was just a pawn in yet another game. She wanted entrance to the world I lived on the outskirts of, and I gave it to her. And then she gave it up to him.

  Now, I’m doing some freelance work for Ryan Griffin, one of the best architects in the world. He’s asked me to check out real estate in Europe for him, and while it’s not exactly what I hoped to be doing, it gets my foot in the door. Actually, Darcy got my foot there because she’s friends with him, but I’m working to open the door all the way, and walk on in.

  First stop, Amsterdam. I’ve been here many times, but never in a work capacity. I’ll mostly be looking at properties outside the city, but there are a few canal properties of interest To Ryan as well. At the moment, I just need to check into my hotel, and settle in.

  “Welcome to Amsterdam,” the woman at the front desk tells me.

  “Thanks.”

  “Here is your key. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  I nod, and walk down the hall to the second tower of the hotel. I chose this place because of the cool art I saw on the website, and also because it’s in a residential area of the city. In the past, I’ve stayed closer to the “action”, but I’m not here for anything but work this time, and I wanted something quieter.

  Once I’m upstairs, I find my room, and insert the key. The door opens, and a woman screams. I look up, and take in the vision before me. There’s lots of skin, and lace. Sexy black lace.

  “What are you doing?”

  I force my eyes to pass the mouth-watering curves, and find her face. She’s of Asian descent, with sculpted cheekbones, a lush mouth, and steely blue eyes. I have to force myself to speak, because she’s pretty much rendered me speechless.

  “This is my room.”

  “No, it’s mine.”

  “Then why did my room key open the door?”

  “I-I don’t know.”

  “Do you want to put some clothes on, and we can go downstairs to see what’s up?”

  “I suppose we should.”

  “I’ll wait outside.”

  “Thank you.”

  I close the door, and lean against the wall next to it, trying to catch my breath. I’ve seen—and dated—some of the most beautiful women in the world, but the one in that room eclipses them all. It’s not just that she’s gorgeous, or has a body that makes me want to sin; it’s the way she looked at me. She may have initially screamed, but she wasn’t afraid once I was standing in front of her. She was angry, and fierce. Sexy as fucking hell in that lace, but ready to take me down. And damn if I don’t want to be taken down by her.

  “Let’s go,” she says, walking past me.

  I follow along like the little puppy dog I feel like right now, chasing after the treat I wa
nt more than anything. She stands as far away from me as possible on the elevator, and refuses to make eye contact. I still eye fuck the hell out of her, because I can’t help myself. Even in the jeans and t-shirt she threw on, she’s still fucking brilliant.

  “They might comp your room for the mistake,” I tell her, because I have to say something.

  “I don’t need my room comped.”

  The doors mercifully open, and we walk to the desk. Everything is straightened out, and we both accept one night’s free room, because there’s no sense in turning it down. As we walk back to the elevators, I reach out to touch her forearm.

  “Have dinner with me?”

  “No.”

  “You do realize this isn’t my fault, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “So why won’t you go to dinner with me?”

  “That accent gets you what you want, doesn’t it?’

  “My accent? No.”

  “Why do you want to go to dinner with me?” she asks, crossing her arms over those magnificent tits of hers.

  “You’re gorgeous, sexy, and just a little scary,” I admit.

  She jerks like she’s been shocked. “I didn’t expect you to be honest.”

  “That’s one thing you can always expect from me.”

  “Just dinner.”

  She says it, but I see the desire in her eyes. “I’m Noah,” I tell her, holding out my hand.

  “Jen.”

  One year ago

  “Yes. Just like that, Noah,” Jen says, digging her nails into my shoulder.

  We’ve been meeting every month for the last year, and still know nothing about each other, except our first names. We pick a city, and a hotel, and then we meet in the bar. It’s the best two days of my month.