Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

A sudden chill swept through the private room, sending a shiver down Whitney’s spine.

Simon shot up from his seat just as Whitney turned her head to see a tall figure clad in a perfectly tailored black suit, his mask hiding a stern jawline beneath. Those deep, piercing eyes aimed a chilling gaze straight at

her.

Why was L here?

Whitney tried to compose herself in disarray as her cheeks flushed a bashful pink.

Without a hint of tenderness, his icy grip hoisted her up. He had appeared next to the couch without notice, his frosty stare alone enough to send Whitney’s heart racing with fear.

Biting her lip, she immediately positioned herself behind him.

He turned, his gaze sweeping over Simon, who had his arms wrapped around Whitney’s waist.

Simon faltered, taken aback. This man was supposed to be a thug, but the aura around him was so intimidating that Simon’s arms fell away without conscious thought.

Coming back to his senses, Simon’s anger flared. “You again, you thug!”

But before he could throw a punch, he was met with a fierce blow that sent him sprawling to the ground.

“Hiss.” Eyes blazing, Simon scrambled back to his feet. Just then, two other young men entered from outside. Simon’s demeanor shifted on spotting Nolan Fuller and Parker Doonan. Nolan was from one of the four families, while Parker, not quite from that elite circle, was even more notorious. His family, the Doonan family, was one of the rulers of the underground world.

Parker was the youngest head of the Doonan family.

Now, the Fuller family’s young lord and the Doonan family’s head were flanking the masked man, like his right and left arms.

Simon’s expression soured. Maybe this guy was not just some thug after all. But who was he?

Whitney was abruptly swept up in the man’s arms as he strode out of the room.

“Stop!” Simon bellowed, his pride wounded. “What right do you have to take her? You’re nobody to her!”

The man’s eyes narrowed, a sneer spreading as he glanced down at the woman in his arms. “Didn’t you tell her who you belong to?”

Whitney hung her head as if she had done something wrong.

“Who the hell are you?” Simon roared, still not ready to back down.

glanced at L before kicking the door shut with a sneer. “Just a man who doesn’t give a damn about you. Simon, you touch her

stiffened, overwhelmed by the audacious tone. Just who was

was crisp with a hint of

on his lap, the temperature inside as chilling

word, and the oppressive silence

in her disheveled clothes,

and slapped her butt. “Eager to get off my lap? Were your ex–fiancé’s legs more comfortable? I thought

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17:47

Chapter 21

was biting

spot he had hit, Whitney muttered in embarrassment, “Mr. L, there’s no need

her pale

kicked the seat in front, signaling the driver to turn on the air

in his arms trembled

the torn fabric of her blouse. As he

touched her delicate skin, and Whitney, already rattled

you think I’m doing?

cheeks burned with humiliation. “Please

telling her you were going out with your BFF, right?” He shot

a phone book, and indeed, if you

Simon to do something

I make myself

a moment’s calm reflection, stated, “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. L, but let’s be clear. Ours is a contract marriage. We should maintain our distance. I don’t

fell for

feel the temperature

working late… He rushed back to pick you up from the

Whitney blinked in surprise.

Ludwik’s voice

The assistant fell silent.

the sound

Then

off his lap, squeezing herself as far into the corner

After a second, he barked at the driver, “Close the window on her

vanished, and she stopped shivering as he turned on the heat.

anger was palpable, yet his observation was meticulous. He