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.

smirked, “You deleted it, Mr. L. Or

his voice laced with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I hide it from you? Who do you think

pain shot through Whitney’s

How dare he?

think she was?

palpable as she pushed him away. “You’re right. I’m nobody. I’m just

mix of arrogance and tenderness, “And just so you know, I’m

slowly comprehending his

a sudden realization–was she

nonsense to me. I don’t

want to benefit, I’m at your service,” he said, his lips curving into a wicked

still upset

aren’t you? I have to admit it’s quite

jealous. You

He breathed out, tickling

him away, losing patience. “Can’t you

to reveal some medical supplies. He rolled up

“Got this the other

“Would I be injured if not for you? Ungrateful thing, tend to

eyes at his self–inflicted tantrum but obediently applied the antiseptic and wrapped

worked, he asked out of the blue,

looked up, surprised he knew. “Are you offering

like I’m over it? Do I look like I want to help?” His

He still had yet to explain

blurted out, “Then I’ll just have to go see that Ludwik, my dear rival. He’s got the

frosty. “Ludwik interested in you? Are

Though he’s a scoundrel at heart, a one–time

“And how

and

something a ladies‘ man like you would know best. We’re just in a business arrangement, you have no say over

and amusement. “Ludwik wouldn’t give you a second glance, especially not a pregnant woman

L. could you possibly introduce us?” She asked eagerly. He stood up abruptly,

secret chambers for lovers to choose from,