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.

deleted it, Mr. L. Or

with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I

of pain

How dare he?

did she think

her voice was palpable as she pushed him away. “You’re right. I’m

with a mix of arrogance and tenderness, “And just so you know, I’m not interested in women… but if I had to

blinked, slowly comprehending his

with a sudden realization–was she

nonsense to me. I don’t understand it

service,” he

still upset about the mysterious phone call. No

a phone call. You’re just jealous, aren’t you? I have to admit it’s quite fun

T’m not jealous. You

He breathed out,

him away, losing patience. “Can’t you ever stop, Mr. L?”

he opened to reveal some medical supplies. He

asked, “Got this the other

injured if not

his self–inflicted tantrum but obediently applied the antiseptic and wrapped the wound with

of the blue, “Did your stepsister steal your

knew. “Are you offering to

look like I want to help?” His

addressed. He still had

blurted out, “Then I’ll just have to go see that Ludwik, my dear rival. He’s got the power, he seems interested in me. Maybe I’ll just

turned frosty. “Ludwik interested in you? Are you

he’s a scoundrel at heart, a one–time investment wouldn’t be a

how

and

man like you would know best. We’re just in

you dare!” He pulled her closer, his voice a mix of threat and amusement.

Ludwik? L. could you possibly introduce us?” She asked eagerly. He stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat. “Enough. You’ve caused enough trouble tonight.

chambers for lovers to choose from, don’t I? I’ll just pick on,” he snapped