Novels by Nora vale

Chapter 7: The Midnight Flight The back stairs of the Westchester estate were really narrow. Dimly lit. They smelled of floor wax and old stone. Elena's high heels clicked on the wood stairs, a sound that seemed to echo the fast beating of her heart. Julian was ahead of her his fancy jacket was off and his white shirt sleeves were rolled up. He was moving through the servants quarters with a lot of focus. "Julian, wait " Elena said, trying to catch her breath. The cold air was making her lungs burn. "If we get married tonight there's no going back. People will not just see a wedding planner and a rich guy. They will see something." Julian stopped at the steel door that led to the service garage. He turned around. His face was partly hidden by the shadows.. His eyes were burning with a strong desire. "People already think we are up to something, Elena. This way we are in control. Sterling and your mom are at the door and they are not happy. We. Run or we fall." He pushed the door o

Chapter 6: The Ghost in the Ballroom The investors were clapping loud but to Elena it sounded like a big wave crashing. She was still holding onto Julian and his body was the thing keeping her standing. She looked over his shoulder. Saw a woman standing at the back of the room. This woman made the whole room feel empty and cold. Julian saw Elena looking at the woman and his body got really tense. He was still smiling for the cameras. His smile did not look happy anymore. It looked scary. "Smile, Elena " Julian whispered to her. "The cameras are still rolling. We have to look happy. Keep looking at me." "Julian, who is that woman?" Elena asked, barely moving her lips. "And why is she talking to the CEO of Sterling Group?" "That woman is my past and my future talking, " Julian said. He pulled back from Elena. Held her hand. "Let's go say hello. It seems an old friend has come to congratulate us." As they walked to the back of the room people moved out of their way. The woman, Made

Chapter 5: The Weight of the RingThe air in the master suite felt heavy like it was made of lead. Elena stood in front of the mirror. She did not recognize the person staring back at her. She was wearing a midnight-blue silk gown that Julian had sent her. It was a gift. It felt like a trap."A year " she said to herself, her fingers touching the hollow of her throat. "One year as a Vane."The door to the dressing room. Julian walked in. He was wearing a tuxedo that fit him perfectly. He looked like a billionaire. He was holding a box and the diamond inside was catching the light."The investors are here, " Julian said, his voice cold. "The people from France are already at the bar. They want a perfect story. If they sense any problems they will pull out of the deal."Elena turned to face him, her silk skirts making a sound on the floor. "What about me? What happens to my life while I am pretending to be your fiancée? I have a business to run. I have a reputation to protect."Julian s

Chapter 4: The Crack in the Armor The room was super quiet and you could hear a pin drop. Elena's heart was beating fast. It was like she had a drum in her chest. Silas was standing in the doorway with his hand on the doorknob. He looked confused then really shocked. Julian didn't move back. He didn't try to hide. He just sat up, his chest shining in the firelight. "Silas, " Julian said in a serious voice. "You should knock before coming." "The alarm went off, " Silas stuttered. "I thought someone was breaking in. I didn't mean to interrupt." Julian's voice was icy. "Check the sensors again. It was probably the wind or a deer." Silas. Backed out. "Right. A deer. Sorry. I'll just go." The room felt really tense. Elena breathed a sigh of relief when Silas left. Julian's expression had changed. He looked scared for a second. Now he was back to his usual self. "I should go, " Elena said. "Silas saw us. Everything is fine now." "Stay, " Julian said. It wasn't a question. He was si

Chapter 3: The High Altitude Trap The private jet soared over the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies.. The air inside the cabin felt really thin. ​Elena sat across from Julian in a leather armchair. A glass of champagne sat on the mahogany table between them. For two hours they had been playing a high-stakes game of "Truth or Dare" without the dares. Julian had a file on her—names of her childhood pets, her GPA from design school, her favorite poet. "You are really thorough, " Elena said. Her voice sounded tight. "Do you do background checks on all the women you date? Or am I special?" Julian didn't look up from his laptop. "I don't date Elena. I get interested in people.. When I'm interested I do my research." "I am not something you acquire, " Elena snapped. "In the eyes of the public you are the woman who tamed the Vane beast " Julian said. He finally closed his laptop. He leaned forward, his gaze boring into hers. "To my brother you are the woman making me human. To Penelope y

Chapter 2: The Lion’s DenThe Vane Headquarters was a building made of black glass and steel that stood tall in the midnight sky of Midtown. As Elena stepped out of the cab the cold wind blew her hair across her face. She didn't even notice. She was too scared. Her heart was racing fast.The lobby was very quiet except for the sound of the elevators moving. The security guard didn't even ask to see her ID; he just pointed her towards the floor. Julian had already arranged for her to go up.When the doors opened on the floor the office was dimly lit, with only a warm glow from the city skyline outside. Julian was standing behind a desk that looked like it was made of stone. He was still wearing his suit. His tie was loosened and a glass of brown liquid sat next to him.He didn't look up from the tablet in front of him. "You’re late Elena.""The city never stops moving just because you're angry Julian " she said quickly throwing her purse onto a leather chair. She walked up to the desk.