Waverly (Socierty Girls #4) Read online

  Society Girls: Waverly

  Book # 4 of Society Girls

  Crystal Perkins

  Contents

  Society Girls: Waverly

  Copyright

  About Society Girls: Waverly

  Other Books by Crystal Perkins

  Reviews

  Corrigan & Co. info

  Dedication

  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: Waverly

  Copyright © 2016 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.

  Created with Vellum

  About Society Girls: Waverly

  The voluptuous beauty is protecting the star swimmer, but who will protect her heart when he leaves her breathless?

  Waverly Stein is finally free from the human trafficker who once owned her, but the transition to spy recruit with the Society isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. She possesses the knowledge and skills she needs to succeed, but she’s having trouble handling her feelings for the sexy swimmer with more than medals on his mind.

  Knox Edwards gave up on love after having his heart broken. With his life in danger, he doesn’t expect to be assigned a siren come to life. He can’t resist her, and he’s even willing to give love another chance. Until being with Waverly starts to jeopardize everything he’s ever wanted in life, causing him to make decisions neither one of them may be able to come back from.

  Can she save him, while hurting from the pain he’s caused her out of fear, or will they both be dead in the water before it’s all over?

  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)

  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)

  Reviews

  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, Amazo
n 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

  Corrigan & Co. info

  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 Natasha Eddie, a wonderful reader and friend!

  The Beginning

  The Beginning

  Three years ago

  “We’re leaving tonight,” my best friend Ken whispers into my ear as he greets me outside of the clinic I work at.

  He’s just graduated with honors from Johns Hopkins, and I’ve been a physical therapist for two years now. Things have been going mostly according to plan, with one glaring exception. No matter how hard Kenyi’s tried, he hasn’t been able to get the attention of the elusive Society. The group of women who help the world, and who we’d hoped would be able to help me—us.

  Time has run out, and now we have to run. Run from the man who thinks he still owns me, even though Ken bought me from him to save me. Run from Ken’s parents, who are in so deep with that man that they’re willing to sacrifice their son for him. And run from the wedding that is our only other choice. I love Ken, but I don’t love him. Not romantically. I never have, and I never will.

  He started working on a contingency plan when he realized his grades and community service didn’t bring anyone to our door, but we’d both hoped to never use it. “Are you sure?”

  “They are still watching us,” he reminds me, leaning even closer. “They will not let us go, and you know it. We have to use the documents I bought us, and run.”

  “They’ll follow us when we leave.”

  “Trust me, Wave.”

  “Always.”

  We hold hands in the car, both for show, and because we need support from each other. After he unlocks the door, I walk in and stop short. Ken wraps his arms around me, and moves us both inside, where Jane Corrigan is sitting on our couch. He shuts and locks the door as I just stand there, staring. Why is one of the richest woman in this country in our apartment?

  “Hello, Kendrick. Waverly,” she says, using his Americanized name, and acknowledging me with a nod.

  Ken looks around, trying to figure out how to tell her the apartment is bugged. “Um, hi,” he says.

  “I don’t know who’s bugging this apartment, or why, but they can’t hear us right now.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I represent a group who’ve been watching you.”

  “A group?” he says, and I start to wonder. Could she be part of the Society? No. That’s crazy.

  “What I am about to tell you cannot leave this room.”

  Maybe it’s not so crazy. “We promise,” I say. Please, please let her tell us what we need to hear.

  “My four friends and I created a group of women who spend their lives helping others. Some call us the Society.”

  Yes! Thank God. “You head this group?” Ken asks, trying to keep his voice neutral.

  “I have for many years, but I’m preparing to pass the reins to my grandson’s wife, Reina.”

  “That’s wonderful, I suppose, but what can we do for you?”

  “I’d like to hire you, Kendrick, to be our doctor. The women who work for us sometimes come back a little banged up—or worse. We’ve had doctor friends help up from time to time, but I’d like someone stable. Your grades, and your service, make you a perfect candidate.”

  “I won’t go without Waverly.”

  “You sleep in separate rooms.”

  “That is none of your business.”

  “Everything is my business if you come to work for us.”

  “We’re best friends. That’s all,” I tell her, trying to rein Ken in before he makes her so mad that she takes back her offer.

  “She’s a physical therapist. You may need her as well.”

  Mrs. Corrigan nods. “We just might. Can both of you be ready to go in an hour?”

  “Yes, but…we’re also being watched,” Ken tells her, reluctantly.

  “I’d like to know why.”

  “We can’t tell you yet. One day, but not now.”

  They have a staring contest, and when she realizes he won’t back down, she nods. “Very well. You’ll have our protection, but I will need that ‘one day’ to come.”

  “You have my word.”

  “Both our words,” I add.

  “We’ll take care of those who are watching you.”

  “If they get suspicious, or anything happens, more will come,” I tell her, letting my fear seep into my words.

  “They will suspect nothing, and we only hurt those we need to. Just be ready to leave in exactly sixty minutes.”

  We agree, and then she walks out. Ken pulls me in for a hug, and just holds me. We’re going to do it. We’re going to escape our fate. Nothing and no one will be able to stop us now.

  Two weeks ago

  I close my eyes as the Society recruits hug me tightly. I just stood in front of them, and told them my story. All of it—my parents selling me when I was three, being trained as an assassin and sex slave while still a child, and how Ken saved me. They heard it all, and they accepted me. Reina was sure they would, but I wasn’t. Not after how Ken and I hurt Matisse. He loves her, but he chose to protect me over her, and I don’t know how she can forgive me. But, she did—she was the first one to stand and give me her support.

  “I’m so sorry, Matisse.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry for, Wave. I’m glad Kenny saved you, even if it hurt me. He was right to choose you.”

  She says the words, but I still see the pain in her eyes. She was kidnapped by the man who bought me as a child, and if she hadn’t been strong and resourceful, she’d have been sold herself. In the end, Ken was wrong about choosing “life over heart,” and he kno
ws it.

  “I meant what I said about him coming back for you. He loves you so much,” I tell her, praying she’ll give him another chance. He’s already had a second one, but I think she has it in her to give him a third, or maybe it’s a fourth. I’ve lost count, although he probably hasn’t.

  “I love him, too, but I don’t know what’s going to happen with him. I’m just glad you’re here with us.”

  “Me too.”

  I already have the skillset for this job—or at least most of it. What I don’t know, I’ll learn. These women welcomed me when I was just a part of their support staff, but now I’m part of their sisterhood, and I won’t take that for granted. I don’t know what Reina’s going to throw at me, but no matter what, I’ll pass her tests with flying colors. Not because I have to like I did when I was a child, but because as a woman, I want to.

  Prologue

  Waverly

  As punishments go, mine could’ve been a lot worse. It also could’ve been better, but guarding an egotistical swimmer from some crazed fan shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I’ll do my job, and stay in the background, where I’m honestly more comfortable. Or at least that’s the plan until I walk into Reina’s office.

  “Hello, Waverly.”

  “Hi,” I say, smiling at her and the man seated at her small conference table with her.

  The swimmer is standing at the window, texting, tweeting, or doing whatever it is he does when he’s not in the pool. I know who he is because you can’t live in this country, and not know. Knox Edwards, “The Boy Wonder in the Water.” His skill in the water is legendary—as are his charm, and smile, out of it.

  “She’s the one? Seriously?” Knox asks, finally noticing I’m in the room.