Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Ludwik shot him a piercing look and ordered Parker Doonan, “Get the manager to wrap her up in some clothes and make it quick!”

With his gold–rimmed glasses, Parker chuckled mischievously and went off to handle the situation.

“Ludwik, you seem reluctant to let go. I’ve heard you can still do it during pregnancy. Do you need a cold shower?” Nolan teased, glancing at his waist.

Ludwik gave him a swift look and strode toward the bathroom, his tie whipping through the air and lassoing

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Nolan by the neck.

“Ow, Ludwik, my bad! But when have you worn that mask last? Used to be for warding off the ladies, and now? Who can’t you face?”

Parker returned, finding Whitney still in the doorway. Her phone call with Tiana revealed her fury. “President of Imperial Gem Corporation? Just a show–off! I Had to change just to see him, some lolita–obsessed freak; I’m done buttering him up; we’re enemies for good…”

drifted in, causing Ludwik’s lips

there must be someone he can’t face, a reason he can’t share,

kind of secret?”

into her

cut her off, “What does your enemy

to admit, “Even more beautiful than

squawk. “More beautiful than you? That man must be

him several times, and

bumped into someone from behind. Whitney turned to see the mask and

you doing here?” She asked, seeing his dark

the low hum of jazz in the background. It felt like a scene straight out of an old speakeasy.

wish looked hideous

not you,” Whitney said, trying to smooth things with a

man fixed his gaze on her, his presence imposing. “Who gave you the audacity to come

meddle in each other’s affairs. I have business

But as she turned to leave, she spotted Monica slipping into a

a man