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.

“You deleted it, Mr. L.

I really had someone else, why would I hide it from you? Who do you think you

sting of pain shot through

How dare he?

did she think she

pushed him away. “You’re right. I’m

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

slowly

with a sudden realization–was she the only one for

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

I’m at your service,” he said, his lips curving

Whitney huffed, still upset about the mysterious phone call. No sincerity, no

with pleasure. “All this fuss over a phone call. You’re just jealous, aren’t you? I have to admit it’s quite fun to see you jealous. What would you do if I really had other women in this

tightened. T’m not jealous. You

He breathed out, tickling her

away, losing patience. “Can’t you ever

opened to reveal some medical supplies. He rolled up his trouser

asked, “Got this the

injured if not for you?

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

the blue, “Did your stepsister steal

up, surprised he knew. “Are

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

addressed. He still had yet to explain the phone

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

demeanor turned frosty. “Ludwik interested in you? Are

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

lips thinned in displeasure. “And how

and

ladies‘ man like you would know best. We’re just in a business arrangement,

pulled her closer, his voice a mix of threat and amusement.

know? Are you friends with Ludwik? L. could you possibly introduce us?” She asked eagerly. He stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat.

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