Trusted Company Read online

  Trusted Company

  #7 of Company Men

  Crystal Perkins

  Copyright © 2017 by Crystal Perkins

  Cover Model: Guil Claveria

  Photo by Alesha Claveria

  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

  Contents

  About Trusted Company

  Books by Crystal Perkins

  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

  Epilogue

  Coming Soon

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  About Trusted Company

  Friend. Lover. Businessman. Liar.

  Friend. Lover. Businessman. Liar.

  Guil never breaks a promise. Especially not one to a friend who dies in his arms. He’ll do whatever he has to in order to keep his promises, even if it means lying to the woman he loves.

  Sister. Daughter. Artist. Innocent.

  Lyla has been in love with Guil for years, but he only thinks of her as his friend’s little sister. With her brother’s death, things have changed—and so has she. She goes after what she wants, putting everything at risk.

  Lies. Passion. Betrayal. Love.

  Guil is no match for Lyla once she lets herself be bold and brave. Their passion and love consume them until he has to keep his promise, and then it all falls apart. Betrayal and the lies he’s forced himself to tell destroy everything beautiful they’ve created as he plots his revenge.

  When the sins of the past collide with the promise of the future, can they trust their love—or will it all be over soon after it begins?

  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 series

  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)

  Company Men series

  Royal Company (Company Men, #1)

  Unexpected Company (Company Men, #2)

  Savage Company (Company Men, #3)

  Brash Company (Company Men, #4)

  Defiant Company (Company Men, #5)

  Vital Company (Company Men, #6)

  Other books

  A Kiss is Just a Kiss

  Activate

  Never Fear-Phobias Horror Anthology

  Never Fear-Christmas Terrors Anthology

  Romantic Times Anthology, Vol. 3

  (Gary and Maggie Griffin short story)

  Never Fear-The Tarot Anthology

  Never Fear-The Apocalypse 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 reading. I was rooting people, wanting kick people, wanting to rip so
me 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

  “I love these books!!!! I seem to read them in one sitting I just can't put them down!!!” Rita, Amazon Reviewer

  “This is the new series by a brilliant author and still incorporates the characters from her previous series. This book was brilliant, the author always writes about strong characters with a vulnerable side and she delivered once again. This book was one of her more lighthearted ones, but still had the angst I have come to associate with Crystal Perkins.” Natasha, Amazon Reviewer, Royal Company

  Things to Know

  If you haven’t read 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. It was created by Jane Corrigan, Maggie Griffin, Helen Wilson, Mallory Daniels, and Cyndi Evans. They still make their presence known from time to time, but the Society is now run by Reina Corrigan. She is the wife of Jane’s grandson, Matt Corrigan, and someone not to be trifled with. Their story, Loving My SECRET, is the only book I don’t recommend reading without having read the others.

  The male characters in Company Men are all brothers, or friends, of the spies. Most of the women in the books will not know of their existence, since those who work for Corrigan & Co. have no idea what the beautiful women of the Foundation really do. Some are in awe of them, and some resent how they seem to come and go, and do whatever they want.

  Corrigan & Co.: Matthew 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. His brother, Miles, works alongside him, running the Acquisitions department, and doing what he can to help the Society women. His wife, Alex, runs the front desk at the Foundation. Their love story was in the book, Working on Love, which is always free in ebook format, on all platforms, as it connects my first two series, and also gives more insight into Matt and Reina’s story.

  The Studkateers are what the men connected to the Society (including the Griffin brothers) call themselves. They have a strong friendship with each other, they’re hot, and I love The Three Musketeers, so why not?

  Guil is best friends with Calum, who is the love interest in Society Girls: Rhieve. Calum is a billionaire businessman who owns a string of sex clubs on the side. Guil runs those sex clubs. After Calum and Rhieve’s book, some readers asked for Guil to have his own book, so here it is.

  For Alesha and Guil. I am so glad to be friends with such amazing people!

  Prologue

  Guil

  My knee bounces up and down as I wait outside of Miles’ office. I could be one floor up, seeing Matt, but I chose Miles instead. Matt’s a great guy, but he’s intense as fuck, and right now, I’m on edge enough for this whole building. I need someone who will understand where I’m coming from and help, and I’m betting on Miles to be that person.

  “You can go in now,” Miles’ assistant Sully tells me.

  “Thanks.”

  “Hey Guil,” Miles says when I walk in, rising out of his chair to shake my hand.

  “Hey.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “I need a job.”

  He sits back in his chair with his fingers steepled under his mouth, and regards me thoughtfully. “I was under the impression you already had one or two already.”

  “I do.”

  “You’ve got me on the edge of my seat.”

  “There’s a girl. A woman. I’ve known her since she was a girl. My childhood best friend was her brother. He died last year and I made him a promise as he took his last breath. It’s one I can’t keep if I’m associated with Calum.”

  “He asked you to promise to take care of her? I know it’s a cliché, but if my brother or one of the other Studkateers asked me to look after someone or something for them, I’d do it.”

  “Something like that. I know I shouldn’t be attracted to her, but I am. I think she wants me too. I mean, she kissed me this weekend when I visited the family.”

  “And she doesn’t know about the sex clubs? Her family either?”

  “No. I told them I work here. I just need a title and some fake business cards.”

  “Did you think about asking me or Matt before you told them?”

  “I honestly wasn’t thinking at all.”

  “Why not Calum’s company? The non-club one. I thought you had a job with a title there.”

  “I do, but everyone knows he’s connected to sex clubs. I seriously can’t be connected to him in any way for this to have a chance.”

  “Hiding the truth never works out well, my friend.”

  “There’s no other way.”

  “International Relations Specialist has a nice ring to it.”

  I sigh in relief. “Thank you.”

  “I have an empty office on this floor if you need it.”

  “No. I told them I work remotely, traveling for you.”

  He nods and types something on a tablet from his desk. “Gotcha. Business cards will be waiting for you downstairs.”

  “That fast?” I ask, knowing there’s special paper or something they use so the cards can’t be faked.

  “You know some of our secrets, Guil, so this shouldn’t surprise you.”

  “You’re right. I’m just off my game.”

  “I’ll say again that I don’t think lying is going to help you find your way with this woman, but I’m happy to help you get where you want to be.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  Rising from my chair, I shake his hand. As he said, the business cards are waiting for me at the se
curity desk in the lobby. This is it—the plan I put into motion months ago. If I play it right, I’ll get the woman and the reward. Then again, I could lose it all. No. Losing can’t be an option.

  Lyla

  Sheltered doesn’t even come close to describing my life. My parents have always been strict, but it got worse when my brother died. He was my best friend, my buffer, and the only person I trusted with everything. I told him all of my secrets, including the crush I’ve always had on his best friend, Guil.

  That may seem weird, but it wasn’t. I knew he’d understand and he did. He even said he’d help me. I know he would’ve if that car hadn’t hit him. A random, drunk, hit-and-run. At least, the police think the person who hit him must’ve been drunk. They never found them, and I know it drives Guil crazy because he was there. He held my brother’s hand as he died. And, he vowed to avenge him. That hasn’t happened yet, but I haven’t given up hope.

  If anything, I’ve become bolder. Guil visited my family last week, and I kissed him. I kissed him with a desperation I know he felt—and I loved it. I loved those few seconds our lips were joined. The way he started to kiss me back before pulling away with what I can only describe as a growl, and the way he looked at me after.

  It’s not the way he looked at me when I was following him and Brad around. They never gave me a hard time about it, but I know I didn’t hide my crush very well. Especially when Guil would do something nice for me, like defending me from our classmates, and helping me with my homework. I wanted him back then, but he didn’t think of me that way. Now, I’m sure he does.