Society Girls Kalila

By Crystal Perkins

Sometimes a second chance can end more badly than the first...

Kalila Jackson has only loved one man in her life, and he left her at the altar. Now, he’s back in her life, but he makes the wrong choice again, and she’s done with him, and the pain loving him brings with it. Entering into a new relationship seems like a good way to move on, but the man she chooses might destroy what she has left of herself, and cost her everything she’s worked so hard for.

Theo Jordan has made mistakes—in the past, and in the present—but he was hoping he’d get three chances to strike out with the woman he loves. Seeing her move on, and seeing her change from the woman she once was, only makes him want her more. Until she betrays him, and leaves everyone and everything she claimed to love behind in order to protect a monster.

Emotions combust, lies prevail, and love never dies, but is love enough to save them?

*warning: this book contains scenes that may be uncomfortable for some readers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal Perkins
• Release date: Mar 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370597284

Crystal Perkins

Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she sat down and did it. She lives in Las Vegas, where you can find her running author events when she isn’t reading, buying too many Sherlock t-shirts online or watching the Vegas Gokden Knights. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the country looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. She writes Romantic Suspense, New Adult, Romantic Comedy, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, and even a little Horror!

Book preview

Prologue

Kalila

I don’t know why Reina and Jade are calling me to the conference room, because I know I’ve been doing okay with my lessons. Except for fashion, but that’s no surprise to anyone. I practically lived in the lab before I was recruited, and I’m more about function that fashion. Old habits die hard, but I’m trying. Trying hard, and wishing I was with my friends, celebrating Lennon’s team and their win.

When I walk in, I have to stop short, and catch my breath, as a blast from my past hits me. Not as hard as seeing Theo when I first came here did, but it’s almost as bad because he’s sitting with her. His arm is around her, and it’s just like I’m transported back to the day I saw them together. The day life as I knew it ended.

What is that bitch doing here? she shrieks, and I come hurtling back to the present.

Hello, Meg.

Kali’s going to help, Theo assures her.

I don’t want her help! Get her out of here! I thought you were done with her cheating ass after you left her at the altar.

I do not know what’s going on here, but one more insult directed at Kalila comes out of your friend’s mouth, Theo, and you’ll be visiting her in the hospital, Jade tells him.

And I’ll sanction it, Reina adds.

Typical little whore, making everyone think you’re so sweet, Meg says, not willing to back down.

Stop, Meg. You need them to help you.

Typical is right, I say, finally speaking up, and directing my anger at Theo. You’re not telling her to stop because you’re defending me, but because you don’t want her to have to deal with the consequences from her actions.

She’s already in trouble, Kal. She needs help. Please tell them to help her.

Help her, I tell them, and walk out of the room.

I hear the footsteps behind me in the hall, but I know they aren’t the ones I wish they were. Kali, are you okay? Jade asks, pulling me to a stop.

No.

We’re on your side. You know that, right?

Yes, and I appreciate it.

He should be, too.

Yeah, but he never will be when it comes to her. She’s his best friend, and I’m just the girl he always pretends to love.

Theo

This is a mess. I knew it would be, but I can’t let my best friend fend for herself when she’s in danger. I just wish they could get along. I love both women, and all I’ve wanted is for them to get along.

Is Kali okay? I ask, when Jade comes back in the room.

If you wanted to know, you should’ve gone after her.

I need him more, Meg says before I can answer.

That remains to be seen.

You don’t believe me?

We have no evidence of any threats yet, Reina tells her.

This is because of her.

No, Meg, this is because we don’t just blindly rush into anything without investigating first. Kali is my priority in this situation, but I will help you if we find a valid threat.

Thanks, Rei, I tell her before Meg can say anything else.

She nods before turning back to my friend. We’ll get you settled into one of the suites here, and go from there.

I want to go home with Theo.

I think it’s best if you stay here.

I agree, I say, because now that I know she’s safe, I need to take care of Kali.

What?

You’ll be safe and comfortable here. I’ll see you tomorrow.

You’re not staying to help me settle in?

I need to go home.

"To her."

Yes, I say, kissing her on the head. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Kali

I know he’s going to come to me. I don’t know how long it will take, but he’s going to come here, and try to convince me he loves me. Or maybe he won’t. He left me all those years ago, without a second thought. Why do I believe he’ll change this time? Why do I believe anything anymore?

Kal, he says, rushing in my door.

Theo, I respond, fighting to keep my voice steady.

She needs help.

Okay.

I know she’s difficult, but she’s just protecting me.

We’re not going to agree on this, and you’ve already made your choice.

Choice? I didn’t choose between the two of you.

Okay.

Kal, she asked me to choose back then, and I told her no. She was okay with it, so why can’t you be too?

She was okay with it, because it meant she won.

What?

If you can’t choose the woman you claim you love enough to marry over everyone else, it’s pretty telling.

I love you. You know I love you.

"No. I want you to love me. I crave your love. I’ll even admit I need your love. But I don’t know it."

I don’t know what you want me to do.

Just promise me something.

I’ll try.

And there we have it. He can’t even commit to a promise.

Don’t bring her here.

Reina put her in a suite at C&C.

I know. But you want her here, and I’m asking you not to push the issue, or show up with her here.

She’s going to go crazy being cooped up there.

Get out, Theo.

Wait, what?

Get. Out.

You’re really kicking me out because I’m trying to reason with you.

I’m asking you to leave because you don’t understand how upset I am right now, and I don’t think you ever will. There is nothing else for us to discuss. Ever.

His eyes go wide, but he doesn’t move. Don’t say that.

I just did.

I won’t let you walk away from me again.

There was never a first time. Now, please just leave before I have to involve our friends.

This isn’t over.

It is.

He looks like he wants to say more, but he doesn’t. He turns, and leaves like I asked him to. I want to call him back, but I have enough respect for myself not to. I can’t keep going through this, and come out

Reviews for Society Girls Kalila

[rkaye · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

There’s something seriously wrong with the heroine to take the loser hero back.