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…”

voice drifted in, causing Ludwik’s lips to

then told Nolan with interest, “If Ludwik’s wearing a mask, there must be someone he

of secret?”

back into her own

cut her off, “What does your enemy look like?”

to admit, “Even more

than you? That man

“It might not even be Mr. Lippert. I asked him several times, and he never answered. I hope

turned to see the mask and

what are you doing here?” She

believe where she was–the dim lighting, the clinking glasses, the low hum of jazz in the background. It felt like a scene straight out of an old speakeasy. And to think, she had just been in a close encounter with a man she did not even know. She

do you wish

Whitney said, trying to smooth things with

her, his presence imposing. “Who gave you the audacity to come

in each other’s affairs. I have business here;

But as she turned to leave, she spotted Monica slipping

long after, a man