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 maybe that woman

did.” He pushed her against the wall, his voice laced with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I hide it from you? Who do you think you are? Besides, I don’t

sting of pain shot

How dare he?

she think she

as she pushed him away. “You’re

to me, then try harder. He leaned in, whispering with a mix of arrogance and tenderness, “And just so you know, I’m not interested in women… but if I had to choose, it would be you. You slept with me, and you have to be responsible for this,

slowly

realization–was

to

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

breath, Whitney huffed, still upset about the mysterious phone

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

face tightened. T’m not jealous. You can

breathed out,

him away, losing patience. “Can’t

L declared, leading her by the hand to the bedside cabinet, which he opened to reveal some medical

Whitney asked, “Got this the other

injured if not for you? Ungrateful thing, tend

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

he asked out of the blue, “Did your stepsister steal your

knew. “Are you offering to

look like I’m over it? Do I look like I want

her own grievances still not addressed. He still had yet to explain

Ludwik, my dear rival. He’s got the power, he seems interested in me.

interested in you? Are

the catch! Though he’s a scoundrel at heart, a

displeasure. “And how would you make this

and

something a ladies‘ man like you would know best. We’re

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

asked eagerly. He stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat. “Enough. You’ve caused enough trouble tonight. Just sleep

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