Society Girls: Matisse Read online

  Society Girls: Matisse

  Book #3 of Society Girls

  By Crystal Perkins

  Copyright © 2016 by Crystal Perkins

  Male photo by Joseph P. Souza

  www.josephpsouza.com

  Male Model: M. Randall

  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: Matisse

  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

  Chapter 25

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  About Society Girls: Matisse

  The tattooed beauty wants the straight-laced doctor, but will giving in to her put them both in danger?

  Matisse has a bad track record when it comes to guys, but when she needs help with passing her science lessons for the Society, who better to ask than the hottest doctor around? She wants to be a spy even more than she wants to be with him, but that won't stop her from taking a chance on love when he finally gives in to her.

  Kendrick left Africa to get a better education, or at least that's what he's told everyone. Falling for Matisse makes him realize that it's time to tell the truth about himself, and his best friend, Waverly. He can only hope his friends will understand, even as he betrays Matisse when the past comes calling.

  Can they overcome the lies and betrayal, or will the wound be too deep for even the best doctor to heal?

  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)

  Other books

  A Kiss is Just a Kiss

  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 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 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 all my friends with wildly colored hair,

  tattoos, and piercings. You’re some of the best people

  I know, and perfectly illustrate how we should

  never judge a person by how they look!

  The Beginning

  Around fifteen months ago

  Matisse

  Aiden Ford is one of my brother’s best friends. I used to follow them around when I was little—and okay, I’d still follow them around now if I could. In fact, that’s the main reason I’m walking into the Corrigan & Co. Foundation today. Aiden called and said he had an offer he didn’t think I’d want to refuse. So yeah, he called and I pretty much came running.

  Not because I have a crush on him—that ship sailed when I was eleven and caught him fucking a girl in the bathroom at the roller skating rink. It looked like it hurt, she was screaming, and I was traumatized for years. I remind him from time to time that he almost ruined sex for me.

  Aiden is more like my second older brother, and when I met his fiancé and saw the way he looked at her, I was blown away. I didn’t think he’d find someone who could calm him, yet excite him at the same time, but he did, and she’s the other reason I’m here. I absolutely love Ellie, and not just because she introduced me to Stella, who is pretty much my idol. She loves Aiden unconditionally, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness.

  “Reina’s ready for you,” the woman at the front desk says to me. I’m pretty sure she’s Alex Corrigan, but if she is, I don’t understand why she’s manning a front desk. She’s possibly a billionaire, but I stop thinking about that as I make my way down the hallway to the doors at the end. They open as I approach, which is kind of freaky, but whatever—this whole thing is kind of weird.

  As I step inside the room, I see Aiden, Ellie, Stella, and another woman I don’t know sitting in chairs around a table. “Hi, Matisse,” Reina tells me, holding out her hand. “Thank you for coming here today.”

  “Sure, no problem,” I tell her, taking the seat Aiden holds out for me. It’s funny to see him standing and being all formal, even though I know he grew up as part of D.C. society. To me, he’s always been my brother’s friend who behaves inappropriately more often than not.

  “I’m Mallory Daniels,” the woman I didn’t recognize says to me.

  “Hello.”

  “I’m sure you’re curious as to why we brought you here today,” Reina says, and I nod. “We have an offer for you, but I have to warn you that anything you are told in this room is confidential. You cannot tell anyone what is said or done here—not even your family. Do you understand?”

  “Um, yeah. Well, no actually.”

  “No?” she asks, her eyes narrowing.

  “No offense, but I don’t know anyone in this room enough to make that kind of promise—except for Aiden.”

  Reina studies me intently for almost a minute, and I force myself not to squirm. “Understood. I can tell you some things before I’ll need that promise, but you will make it at some point.”

  I almost nod, because she’s that scary. You wouldn’t know it from TV, or even from seeing her at social events, but Reina Corrigan carries a power with her that can be felt when she’s focusing on you. And I’m ready to say yes to just about anything at the moment. Damn!

  “Chill, Rei, you’re scaring her,” Aiden says.

  “She’s holding her own,” Stella tells him, and when I look at her, she’s smiling at me.

  “How much do you know about the Corrigan & Co. Foundation?” Reina asks, her voice and face softening a little.

  “You help women and children.”

  “We do, yes. Do you know how we help them?”

  I actually read up on the Foundation before coming here, so I’d be a little prepared. “You get them out of bad situations, offer counseling, job skills training, and housing in a secured building if they need it. From what I’ve read, you not only ‘save’ people by taking them out of the situations they’re in, but you empower them.”

  “You’ve done your homework.”

  “School was never easy for me, but I’m not dumb.”

  “I never suspected you were. I’m very pleased you armed yourself before you walked into this meeting with me.”

  Wow. She gets it—because arming myself is exactly what I did. “Did you need me to help you with something here?”

  “In a way, yes. I’d like to hire you.”

  “Oh. You think there’s a job I could do here? With Stella?” Please say it’s with Stella! I would kill to work with her, and I’m only half joking.

  “Yes, but now is when I need that promise from you. I can’t go any farther without knowing you can keep our secrets—which will be your secrets as well.”

  I look around the table and then back to her, swallowing hard, but trusting that I’m making the right decision. “I promise.”

  Reina smiles, and it may be just as scary as her intense look, because I don’t know how she switched from one to the other so quickly. “The Foundation does all the things you mentioned, but we have a secret arm that does even more. We call ourselves the Society, and I guess the best description of us would be spies; although, we’ve also been referred to as ‘avenging angels.’ We do whatever we need to in order to rescue people from the worst situations you can imagine, and we have a success rate of 99% because of it. When I say ‘anything,’ I mean it. I will kill a man—or woman—to save someone else, and I won’t feel bad about it afterward.”

  “Let’s be honest here, Rei—you prefer torture over outright killing them,” Ellie tells her with a laugh.

  I should probably be a little freaked out, but I’m actually kind of excited. “You think I could do that?”

  “Do you?” Reina asks me.

  “Yes,” I say without hesitation.

  “That’s all I need to hear.”

  “I don’t know how to kill someone.”

  “That will be part of your training,” Mallory tells me
. “My friends and I started the Society thinking we’d only have ten women at one time working for us, but Reina is changing things—for the better. You’ll be training with nine other women, in subjects ranging from weapons and technology to etiquette and fashion. Each of you will be mentored by a current member, and you will need to pass every test you are given.”

  “How much time do I have?” I ask, panicking now.

  “As long as you need,” Reina reassures me. “I mean, not ten years, but if you’re progressing in at least some things, we’ll give you help with others. We want you to succeed.”

  “Are you my mentor?” I ask Stella.

  “Yep.”

  “When do I start?”

  “Not for a at least a few months to a year. I have to get everything set up, and I don’t want to rush it.”

  I can’t pretend I’m not a little disappointed. “Oh. I guess I’ll go back to D.C.”

  “Yes, but even though you’re not with us yet, you can still start honing your skills. Everyday life provides all kinds of opportunities.”

  “I never thought of that, but yeah, I can learn how to hold a fork, and shit—I mean stuff.”

  “No one here holds their tongue, and I don’t want you to either. Say what you want, as long as you’re not mean, and we’ll be good.”

  She stands up, so I do too. “Thank you so much! I can’t wait.”

  This is so cool. I get to work with Stella, and be some kind of kick-ass secret agent. I hope this year goes by fast.

  * * *

  Five months ago

  I took all of the tests Reina had for me, but I didn’t hear anything else until now. I talked to Aiden, but it was just like it always was—just checking in and talking about friends and family. I was impatient, but I did what she suggested, and threw myself into learning things I never paid attention to before. I took an etiquette class with a bunch of kids—yes, there were teddy bears and “tea”—and learned how to shoot a gun. I wanted to learn how to hack into computers, but I decided it was above my skill set, and I didn’t want to get arrested by trying it on my own. I know I can do this, and I’m so glad to be here in the Foundation again.