Society Girls: Camari
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Society Girls: Camari
Crystal Perkins
Contents
Society Girls: Camari
About Society Girls: Camari
Other Books by Crystal Perkins
Corrigan & Co. series
Society Girls
Other books
Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins
About the Society
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
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Society Girls: Camari
#8 of Society Girls
By Crystal Perkins
Copyright © 2017 by Crystal Perkins
Cover Design by Helen Williams
www.allbookedout.com
Cover photos:
Adobe Stock © deagreez & © MillaF
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.
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About Society Girls: Camari
She has a past that she can’t let go of, and he’s putting her future in jeopardy.
* * *
Camari Duke worked hard to get where she is, and she’s not about to let anyone take it away from her. Not Reina Corrigan, and not 911 operator Lennon Chase, the man who she’s sent undercover to stop from exposing the Society. As she falls for the blue-collar man she’s deceiving, she also tries to overcome issues much deeper than them both.
Lennon Chase knows his neighbor is hiding her past from him, yet it doesn’t stop him from wanting to be with her—and not just in bed. His vendetta against the Corrigan family has consumed his life, but now it’s Camari who sets him on fire. Until he learns all of her secrets, and has to accept that everything he thought he knew was wrong.
* * *
Opposites attract, but can love save them both before it’s too late?
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)
Society Girls: Waverly (Society Girls, #4)
Society Girls: Rhieve (Society Girls, #5)
Society Girls: Jenysis (Society Girls, #6)
Society Girls: Harlow (Society Girls, #7)
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 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 pers
on. 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
About the Society
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 Tammy Bylina, who is a wonderful mother to one of my best friends, and works hard as a 911 operator in Vegas!
The Beginning
Almost three years ago
Camari
I wipe my hands on the skirt of my black Michael Kors dress, because I am not going to shake Reina Corrigan’s hand if mine is sweaty. She said she might have a job for me, and I really want to work with the Foundation. I took the internship with Corrigan & Co. because it was offered to me, but it wasn’t my first choice in this building. Since I wasn’t the first choice for the other position Reina took from me, I guess I should feel lucky to even have a chance at what I want. Well, at least one of the things I want—the ship has long past sailed on the other.
“Hi Camari,” Alex Corrigan says to me when I step out of the elevator, and into the Foundation lobby. She’s Reina’s sister-in-law, and it’s always a little hard to see her, too.
“Hello, Alex.”
“Reina is ready for you, so you can go on back.”
“Thank you.”
I don’t need directions as this isn’t the first time I’ve been to her office. The last time, I was meeting with her after painting her in a bad light when some things went down with her and Matt. No one ever told me the details, but I’ll admit—only to myself—that I wished the news reports were real. She was gracious to me that last time, but that’s only because she didn’t know my biggest secret.
I walk into the office when the doors open, and paste a smile on my face. Fake it until you make it, and sometimes even after. “Hello, Reina.”
“Thank you for coming in, Camari. I believe you know Audrey,” she says, motioning to the other woman, who I hadn’t noticed when I walked in.
Of course I know Audrey, as she’s the PR person for the Foundation, and is dating one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. “Yes, of course. It’s good to see you.”
“You too, Camari.”
“Now that we’ve been pleasant, let’s get to the business of why you’re here.”
“Okay,” I say, perching on the edge of one of the seats in front of her desk. I’m not intimidated by Reina, but she does make me nervous.
“You painted me in a very bad light with the media recently, despite Matt telling you not to.”
I sit up straighter, because while I knew this might come up, I didn’t expect to have to defend myself the minute I walked in the door. “I was doing my job.”
“We both know it is much more than that, so don’t insult me by lying.”
“Rei,” Audrey says, and it almost sounds like a warning.
“No, Aud. I am not going to ignore the elephant in this room.” She looks back to me. “You did what you did because you’re upset that my fake engagement to Matt turned into the real thing, while yours did not.”
“Bitch,” I say, standing from my seat. “You’re a coldhearted bitch who doesn’t deserve an hour of Matt’s time, never mind forever.”
I storm out of her office, angry at myself for thinking she wouldn’t find out. It wasn’t in the media, because my job for Matt was only so he could impress one client, but I should’ve known she’d find out. Only one person could’ve told her I’d fallen in love, though, and I can’t believe he betrayed me.
“Whoa, Camari,” the man in question says as I plow right into him, and bounce backward. Only his hands catching me stop me from hitting the floor.
“You told her,” I accuse, my eyes filling with angry tears.
Resignation crosses his face, but he doesn’t look apologetic. He pulls me into an open door to my right, keeping the door open, but blocking it with his body. “Yes, I did. I lied to her, and kept too much from her for a very long time, but no more. I have no secrets from my wife.”
“That doesn’t give you the right to tell her my secrets.”
“When they pertain to her, it does.”
My heart feels like it’s being torn in two by the man in front of me…again. “I should never have taken the job here.”
“You are free to leave anytime if that’s what you want, but I think you should hear what Reina has to offer you, if you haven’t already.”
“All I heard was her saying I hated her because she got you, and I didn’t.”
“I don’t want to hurt you, Camari, but I need you to understand that she’s always had me.”
“Always? Then why did you hire me back then?”
“I was trying to punish myself for something that wasn’t my fault, and I thought the best way to do it would be to deny myself the woman I loved. I said it to you then, and I’ll say it again now; I never meant to lead you on.”
“You didn’t,” I admit. “You hired me, and told me it would be fake. I fell in love all on my own.”
“You know I care for you.”
“You wouldn’t have gotten me a job here if you didn’t.”
“You deserve that job, but I’m willing to let my wife steal you away, because what she’s got to offer is so much better.”
“How can she want to hire me when she knows?”
“Because I try not to hold the past against the people who work for me,” Reina says from behind him. She nudges him out of the way, looki
ng chagrined. “I’m sorry for what I said in there, but I wanted to get it out and over with before we talked about the job. I didn’t handle it well, and that’s on me. I’m still a woman before I’m a boss, and that slips out sometimes.”
“What she’s trying to say is that she’s jealous of you having a ring before she did,” Audrey says, pushing Matt out of the way too, and glaring at him.
“You’re jealous of me?” I ask, because she has everything I never will.
“Maybe a little,” she says, glaring at Audrey.
“Princess,” Matt says, looking pained—and scared.
“It’s fine, Matteo. I’m fine, but as I said, I’m also human. It’s human to be a little jealous of the woman your husband was engaged to, even if that engagement was fake.”
“Yours started out fake as well,” I remind her, because while she’s a little jealous, I’m so green inside it’s a wonder it’s not seeping from my pores.
“Camari,” Matt says, looking disappointed. “I just told you I’ve always loved her, so you know it wasn’t really fake.”
“She said she hated her rings,” I blurt out.
“This needs to stop,” Audrey tells all of us. “Camari, you need to either move past Matt, or move on from this company. Reina, you need to get over their previous fake engagement, because we all know Matt’s never going to leave you again. And Matt, you need to stop apologizing to both of them. You have more than proven your love to Reina, and from what I understand, you never let Camari believe it was anything but business between the two of you. If either one of them has a problem with it, that’s their problem, not yours.”