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

the audacious tone. Just who

was crisp

car, sitting on his lap, the temperature inside as chilling as the embrace of

and the oppressive silence was heavy between

clothes, Whitney wanted

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

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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 face with mockery. “You

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

his

the torn fabric of her blouse. As he reached out, she recoiled

you doing?” His rough fingers touched her delicate skin, and Whitney, already rattled

chuckle came from above. “What do you think I’m doing? Should I finish here what you

cheeks burned with humiliation.

you were going out with your

book, and indeed, if you hadn’t arrived in time, I couldn’t have borne the consequences. But I never imagined Simon would stoop so low…”

have expected Simon to do something

I make myself clear?

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 want to bother you with my issues,

fell for a few

feel

seat shivered and could not help but look back, whispering, “Madam, Mr. L was working late… He rushed back to pick you up from the airport, but you didn’t reply to messages or answer your

Whitney blinked in surprise.

voice

The assistant fell silent.

to the sound of Mr. L’s

Then keep

crawled off his lap, squeezing

woman trying to distance herself, the man’s chest grew stiffer. After a second, he barked at the driver, “Close the window on her

she stopped shivering as he turned on the heat. She

was meticulous. He a