Novels by Christy Vale

CHAPTER 17 Get back in control of our lives? How?" Both were quiet as they walked out, the evening’s chill a sharp contrast to the tension they’d felt inside. Alexander steadied her toward the car, his hand calm even though she sensed he was getting upset. He didn’t say anything until they were inside the car with the privacy partition up. He repeated, with no warmth, "Edwin Reed" as he looked at him. He’s worked at Blackwood Enterprises for fifteen years. I believed in what he said. She watched Alexander’s figure with his hard jaw and intense gaze as the light faded. What can you do about it? We first made sure it was him. Alexander got out his phone. We then make sure Victoria can’t use what she has access to. If the contract has already been published, though, the law is very clear. You always have different paths to choose from, Aria. His eyes met hers and he softened his look a little. Can you trust me? Their conversation stopped at that question. Did she? After al

Alexander finally looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I think it would be best if we reviewed the terms of our agreement."Aria's stomach dropped. Was he ending it? Now, when everything felt so uncertain? "I see.""Do you?" he asked, an unexpected edge to his voice."You want out," she said bluntly, surprised by the pain that lanced through her at the words. "The merger is secure, so the arrangement is no longer necessary."Alexander's jaw tightened. "That's not what I said.""Then what are you saying?" she demanded, her composure cracking.He stood abruptly, pacing to the window and back. "I'm saying that our current agreement doesn't account for... complications.""Complications," she repeated. "Like what?"He stopped, looking at her with an intensity that made her breath catch. "Like the fact that I can't stop thinking about you. Like the fact that when you kissed me goodbye at the helipad, it felt more real than anything has in a long time."Aria stared at him, stunned into

CHAPTER 15 Aria held her father’s hand and sat by his bed at the hospital. He looked like a small child lying on the white linen with many monitors around him. Based on the advice from Dr. Leighton, Alexander’s medication had been adjusted and the specialist appeared to be feeling hopeful. Doctor Marchese informed her that the arrhythmia no longer threatened the pregnancy. With the new plan, future problems should be avoided. She was thankful for her father’s help, though she still couldn’t feel relaxed because he appeared frail. There was no need for you to hurry back, her father said, even though his voice sounded weak. Everything is fine, I just made the nurses a bit nervous. She encouraged them softly by telling them not to joke. You gave me such a fright that I thought I was going to die. He held on to her hand. How did you enjoy your weekend out of town? I must confess that I am now pressed for time. Aria was not certain how to explain what took place at the Phillip

Strifes of the HeartIt was impossible for Aria to take a breath. She spilled her coffee on the saucer when Alexander shifted his attention and began whispering to her."When?" he was facing away from her as he asked the question. So, how will things progress?She was not able to stand firmly. "Alexander, please—"He put a hand out to stop her as he talked with the other man. I need to find the best person for the job. Paying for it is not a problem. Yes, immediately."Every second felt like I was being put through hell. All kinds of bad thoughts entered her mind: had her father suffered a collapse? Is there something that happened during his treatment? A picture of his weak body lying in the hospital room appeared to her.To conclude, Alexander put an end to the conversation. He controlled his facial expression as he turned to talk to her.He said in a measured voice, “There has been a setback.” Your father suddenly began having a cardiac arrhythmia.The room gave the impression that

LINES BLURRED Alexander made his way back to their suite in the middle of the night. Aria sat in the armchair by the window and watched the moonlight bring shadows to the garden. She wore her nightgown which she had covered with the robe Pascal had provided in her case.Alexander said with a tired voice, “I thought you had already fallen asleep.”She found that it was impossible for her. Their sentences ended in mid-air. She couldn’t rest, since she still had things to discuss with him. Noticing that the difference between truth and fiction was nearly gone.Although he was tired, he seemed to move with ease when he unknotted his tie. The team in Boston had a challenge with the Keller contract.Is all okay with you?It will be the case. He paused. Most of the problems were handled by Edwin.Aria noticed him and observed him carefully. They could still feel the tension left over from earlier. The almost-kiss. The interruption. She finally realized that she didn’t want to act like she

DON'T CROSS THE LINEAria did not slam the door to their suite as she entered it with soft, intentional steps. The room was quiet, only the soft rustling of the curtains as a breeze drifted through the partly opened window. Alexander was standing at the opposite end of the room, facing the window, his back to her. He was looking out at the garden below, his face sharp and remote.She closed the door after her with a soft sound that was inaudible. There was an atmosphere between them; something heavy, something unsaid which neither of them had been willing to tackle.She didn’t do anything for a while, not knowing whether she should break the silence or just wait for him to say something. Then he did, in a low voice as if he had been waiting for her to come back.“I did not expect you back so soon”.“I wasn’t long gone,” she answered, low, standing close to the door.The thick and taut silence that followed was deafening. It wasn’t uncomfortable—not exactly. However, it was loaded wit