Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 44

Whitney’s cheeks were flushed with anger as she took several gulps of the drink.

L quirked a grin, asking. Tastes bad, huh?”

“Yes,” Whitney lied defiantly, although, in truth, it was not bad at all–he was quite the chef.

His brows arched quizzically, and he leaned closer, “Let me be the judge of that.

Instead of tasting from the glass, his lips found hers in a sudden kiss.

“Hey!” She protested, words muffled. How could he do this again? Whitney struggled, but his absence had clearly affected him, his kisses growing more fervent, Gradually, her resistance faded, her grip crumpling the

fabric of his shirt.

His back was a landscape of strength, which Whitney dared not touch as her cheeks blushed even deeper. Finally, he pulled away to catch his breath, looking at her intently. “Now, you can explain properly.”

How could he? After teasing her, he had the nerve to ask for an explanation?

Pushing him away, Whitney stood up, her voice tinged with annoyance. “There’s nothing to clarify. Mr. L, your personal phone line was answered by some other woman. That alone tells me all I need to know about you. We may be in a contract marriage, but while I won’t meddle in your colorful private life, don’t you dare flirt with me. Got it?”

The atmosphere in the room turned icy.

He stepped forward, his presence chilling. “Me? Colorful private life?”

“Isn’t that so?” Whitney went on, feeling a need for clarity. “Eight days ago, I called you in the afternoon, and a woman answered.”

Frowning, he pulled out his phone and shoved it into her hands. “Check for yourself,”

Whitney took the phone, surprised by his boldness. Guilty men would never hand over their phones so easily. yet he was utterly indifferent.

Feeling a bit awkward but determined not to lose face, Whitney scrolled through the call log.

Eight days back, she checked once, and the record was gone.

Mr. L. Or

really had someone else, why would I hide

of pain shot through

How dare he?

did she think

her voice was palpable as she pushed him away. “You’re right. I’m nobody. I’m just a tool

whispering with a mix of arrogance and tenderness, “And

slowly comprehending his

realization–was

reddened as she stammered, “Don’t talk nonsense to me. I don’t understand

want to benefit, I’m at your service,” he said, his lips

upset about the

aren’t you? I have to admit

not jealous. You can

out, tickling

shoved him away, losing patience. “Can’t you

opened to reveal some

asked, “Got this

be injured if not

but obediently applied the antiseptic and wrapped the wound

she worked, he asked out of the

up, surprised he knew. “Are

I’m over it? Do I look like I

had yet to explain the phone

dear rival. He’s got

“Ludwik interested in you?

catch! Though he’s a scoundrel at heart, a one–time investment wouldn’t be a loss,”

displeasure. “And how would you make this one–time

and

you would know best. We’re just in a business arrangement,

her closer, his voice a mix of threat and amusement. “Ludwik wouldn’t give you a second glance,

Are you friends with Ludwik? L. could you possibly introduce us?” She asked eagerly. He stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat. “Enough. You’ve caused enough trouble tonight. Just sleep here.” Whitney blurted, “And where will you

for lovers to choose from, don’t I? I’ll just