Novels by Christy Vale

HER FIRST REAL TESTAlexander stayed attentive, his hand never more than a few centimeters away from some part of her, her waist, her shoulder, the small of her back. Every touch, as performative as it was, stung with unwelcome tingles in her body. She found herself having to fight the shiver that would rise up involuntarily when he would lean in to whisper some background information about whoever they were speaking with, his breath warm against her ear.As they made their way toward their appointed dinner table, he murmured, 'You're doing fine.' "Robert was impressed."She admitted that she wasn't performing with him. 'I truly do enjoy what the foundation does.'Alexander’s expression shifted; maybe approval. Pretense is more convincing when it's possible to be authentic.The dinner was a seven course affair, with wines that cost more than Aria's rent probably for the month. She was seated between Alexander and an elderly gentleman who, as it turned out, was a retired neurosurgeon w

THE ADJUSTMENT Aria’s first week as Mrs. Alexander Blackwood was nothing short of a blur of overwhelming newness. The stylist had come on time, just as promised, a rail-thin Frenchman named Pascal, who peered through her windows with critical eyes, and declared her “a blank canvas with surprising potential. ”Four exhausting hours later, she’d been measured, photographed and taught the names of designers she’d never heard of, the promise that her new station wardrobe would arrive just in time. "Your husband has wonderful taste, " Pascal had told him when he was hesitating between fabrics (swatches of fabric, Pascal believed, that in this respect he was most careful). Too shocked for Aria to answer. Alexander, how with all the cool efficiency could he notice her skin colour, this? It seemed unlikely. Now in the dressing room’s hallow mirror at the head, she was hardly visible, as the green gown Pascal had chosen for tonight’s charity gala cradled her bust and flowed gracefully d

THE CEREMONYAnd the chapel on the Blackwood estate was nothing like the reception hall Aria had dreamed of as a small child: no flowers lined the aisle, no music playing as she entered, and so in lieu of friends and family there were cold-eyed lawyers and a justice of the peace who seemed to be on a routine basis engaged in such transactional proceedings.The white dress she’d worn had just been delivered to her hotel room that morning—a designer dress, beautifully constructed, making her wonder how Alexander had determined her measurements. It was modest, refined—not the princess gown she’d hoped for, but something that a woman of refined taste would choose to enter a very private ceremony in. It didn’t seem to matter much in her defense—looking the part of a blushing bride as she went into the most defiant situation possible.Alexander stood in the doorway of the chapel; his dark gray suit bespoke to him made him look more substantial than ever before, and when he saw her, his eyes

THE AGREEMENT "What happens when I want out before the three years have passed? " she asked.“The contract does include provisions of early termination, ” he said. “But the economic advantages would be considerably diminished. ”Aria took a deep breath. "And what if you change your mind?For the first time, some kind of respect was shown in his expression. "A smart question. If I let you go without any cause you will get seventy percent of the promised final payment and all the medical costs are covered.She paused, her mind racing between possible outcomes and possible consequences. "I need some time to think about this. "“You have twenty-four hours. ” Blackwood said, buttoning his suit jacket at once. “My lawyer will get back to you tomorrow afternoon. ”As he came out of the bedroom Aria felt her voice grow again. "Mr Blackwood? What about... feelings? What happens if one of us develops actual attachment?” He paused at the door, a cold smile barely at his lips. I assure you, Ms

THE PROPOSITIONAria Collins looked out the great black building at the office complex of Blackwood Enterprises and saw the glass tower shining through it in midday sun. She nearly fainted as she got the courage to step through the two revolving doors. The dented leather purse held tightly to her side holding all the papers—medical bills, notices of eviction and letters rejecting loans—that had taken her here to this very moment.As she approached the front desk, the guard at the security checkpoint looked suspiciously at her, taking note of the single navy dress—the most formal of her clothes—and the wrinkled flats that had needed serious repairs.“I have an appointment with Mr. Reed, ” she said proudly, trying not to reflect the wavering fear in her gut. “Aria Collins. ”After getting a phone call and a visitor’s badge, she was directed to the elevator. As she began to journey up the 40th floor, Aria quietly rehearsed her pitch again. This was her last chance—a loan from the undoub