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 maybe that

who 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

pain

How dare he?

think she was?

she pushed him away. “You’re right. I’m nobody. I’m just a tool to

be someone 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

blinked, slowly comprehending his

sudden realization–was she the only one for

she stammered, “Don’t talk nonsense to

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

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

her waist, his eyes gleaming with pleasure. “All this fuss over a phone call. You’re just jealous, aren’t you? I have to

face tightened. T’m not jealous. You can have whoever

breathed out,

away, losing patience. “Can’t you ever

which he opened to reveal some medical supplies. He rolled up his trouser leg to show a significant wound on

“Got this the other

if not for you? Ungrateful thing, tend

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

worked, he asked out of the blue,

surprised he knew. “Are

over it? Do I look

own grievances still not addressed. He still had yet to explain the phone call

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

frosty. “Ludwik interested in you? Are you

scoundrel at heart, a one–time investment wouldn’t be a loss,”

how would you

and

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

voice a mix of threat and amusement. “Ludwik wouldn’t give you a second

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

got plenty of secret chambers for lovers to choose