Novels by Hayley

HarperI was just a substitute.A cheap photocopy, just as that woman had called me that day.The thought had followed me all night, refusing to leave no matter how many times I told myself I was being ridiculous.But was I?The photographs, the striking resemblance, the note written behind the picture, the way Xavier had reacted when I confronted him…I buried my face deeper into my pillow.How could I have been so blind? From the very beginning, the signs had been there. First there were the photographs in that hotel room, and the way he somehow knew things about me before we had even spent enough time together; the way he had sought me out specifically.Of course he had researched me, because what were the odds that a billionaire like Xavier Blackwood would randomly choose me for an arrangement?A humorless laugh escaped me.The answer was simple.He hadn’t chosen me- not really. He had chosen her. I just happened to look enough like her to keep the memory alive.The realization se

Xavier‘I am a bit hesitant about releasing the shares to you though.’Those words stung me more than I expected, and I had to clench my fists to control myself. My father had wanted to see me in his office alone, and now he looked at me through those annoying glasses of his, his expression calm- as always.‘May I ask why?’ I asked him through gritted teeth.‘I told you between you and your brother Stan-‘‘You keep calling him my brother…’‘Because he is!’ Father cleared his throat before continuing. ‘As I said, I want someone stable enough to manage that amount of shares.’‘Stable? I did what you wanted me to do; I went where you asked me to go. Hell, I’m bloody engaged. What more do you want from me?’‘Your sudden engagement to your brother’s ex-wife… it’s uhh… quite hard to accept.’‘But Stan cheating on her and getting another woman pregnant even while they were married isn’t? You people never cease to amaze me.’‘At least he’s stable for the time being.’‘No, Dad! He’s a lying sc

HarperIt was just lust, nothing else.Two consenting adults sharing the same bedroom were bound to give in to their desires at some point, right?So why did it feel so much more when Xavier was involved? The first time it happened, I had assured myself it wouldn’t happen again, but it did, and for the past two days now, his body had been all I knew. I could remember the way my fingers traced the thin hair that ran from his torso down south, or his kisses- sometimes slow, sometimes fast, but always creating toe-curling sensations.And his low moans…‘You good, hon?’ I jerked from my daydreaming as Xavier waved his hand in front of me. We had come for lunch with a couple from another firm, and I had been caught staring at my fiancé.My cheeks heated up, especially because of the thoughts that came with the daydream.The restaurant overlooked the city skyline, all glass walls and expensive furniture. Across from us sat Mr. Harrison and his wife, Elena.The lunch had started pleasantly

XavierI wasn’t supposed to be here, not now. Three days. Three fucking days. That was how long I’d been in Manhattan.Three days of meetings, contracts, investors, and pretending I wasn’t checking my phone every ten minutes.Harper hadn’t called. Not that I expected her to. After all, we weren’t real. At least, that was what I kept reminding myself whenever my hand drifted toward my phone.The lie stopped working the moment Craig called.‘She made a phone call last night.’I looked up from the file on my desk. ‘And?’A pause. ‘She’s going on a date tonight by eight.’Something cold settled in my chest. ‘With who?’Craig hesitated. ‘The same guy who got her flowers.’Her flower friend. Somehow, I already knew I wasn’t going to like the answer.By the time my plane landed, I had convinced myself I was only going back because Harper was technically my fiancée. When I saw her laughing across a table from another man, I knew I had been lying to myself.After the call, I watched her talk

HarperHis number was tucked between the flowers.As I arranged the bouquet Josh had given me the next morning, a paper fell to the floor. I picked it up and after seeing what it was, dropped it on the table without a second glance. Josh was nice, calm, but I didn’t want anything as serious as going on a date with him.Why?That question popped in my head but the only answer I could come up with was Xavier. I didn’t want to jeopardize our arrangement- I told myself. It was just because of the arrangement, nothing else.Later that day, I decided to visit Mel, instead of wandering around the house with a book in hand. Xavier hadn’t called or messaged, and even if I couldn’t see Calvin, I had a feeling he was lurking around the house; keeping an eye on me.It didn’t take long before Mel and I delved into giving each other the latest gossip.‘You look suspiciously happy for someone who claims nothing is going on in her life,’ I told Mel.We were sprawled across her living room floor with

HarperI didn’t stop him.Even when I remembered the agreement; the emotional impact it would have on me later on.I didn’t stop him because I didn’t want to. I was wet, shivering and my body ached for more of his touch, his lips…‘Xavier…’ I whispered his name again, a silent plea building up within me.‘Don’t do that,’ his voice dropped. ‘Don’t say my name like that unless you’re ready for what comes next.’I raised my hands to his chest, feeling his body hard under that wet clothing. He was so close I could feel everything: from his musky scent to how hard he was. And I wanted it all.He drew closer, as if testing how far he could go. I felt his lips before they reached mine, and it almost did.‘Xavier!’ Terese’s voice called out from outside the bedroom, followed by a sharp knock on the door.We paused, our breath coming in shallows.Xavier looked at me, his eyes still dark and wanting. I also wanted more, even if I shouldn’t.‘Xavier!’ Terese called out again.‘Coming,’ Xavier r