Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Ludwik’s Adam’s apple bobbed as Whitney leaned in closer, her soft body seeking his warmth. His breath grew heavier in response, and his cool gaze narrowed.

Whitney’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He remained silent, multiplying her discomfort.

Seeing this, Nolan could not help but feel a bit frustrated with Ludwik’s leniency. He decided to tease Whitney “Anything goes, huh? Ms. Valentine, you frequent the clubs a lot, right? You must be good at dancing. How about giving him a little show to lighten the mood?”

Whitney’s face paled as she shot Nolan a cold glare, refusing to dignify his comment with a response.

Her fingers delicately traced Ludwik’s tie, pulling him closer with a humiliated downward glance. “I’ll dance for you at home, Mr. L. Is that satisfactory?”

Her scent wafted to him, stirring a mix of pity and desire.

Her voice was weak, and as Ludwik scrutinized her, he remembered the near brawl she had been caught in earlier that evening. Perhaps she had been hurt?

Considering the child, he thought it might be time to ease up on his lesson.

His hand gripped her chin firmly, his deep eyes lifting. “Are you going to let me get up now?”

Whitney, realizing her imposition, moved back.

he took her small

like that, you’re letting her off the hook? She almost cheated on

you want her to dance for you?” Ludwik’s features turned icy with

and Parker exchanged a

as Whitney managed to

I tell you. She’s seduced the usually abstinent Ludwik in a matter of days. If his other lady finds out,

“Watch your mouth, don’t let

a contract wife, isn’t she? A year and the deal’s done–she gives him a child, and then it’s back to the

squinted thoughtfully. After tonight’s events, Ludwik’s

hiding her back pain while

handsome face clouding over. She

he questioned

Sir, you should take

a rift between the

thick eyebrows

mistook them for Taryn and, trembling slightly, she lifted her shirt. “Taryn, I

the smooth expanse of her lower

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