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. Or maybe that woman

her against the wall, his voice laced with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I hide it from you? Who

of pain shot through

How dare he?

did she think she

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

harder. He leaned in, whispering with a mix of arrogance and tenderness, “And just so you know, I’m not interested in

slowly

a sudden realization–was she the only one

nonsense to me. I don’t understand it anyone’s

your service,” he said, his lips curving into

huffed, still upset about the mysterious phone

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

not jealous. You can have whoever you

out, tickling her

him away, losing patience. “Can’t you ever

declared, leading her by the hand to the bedside cabinet, which he opened to reveal some medical supplies. He rolled up his trouser leg

“Got this the other

“Would I be injured if not for

the antiseptic and wrapped the wound with fresh bandages, her fingers gentle and

of the

up, surprised he knew.

look like I

own grievances still not addressed. He still had

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

frosty. “Ludwik interested in you? Are you

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

“And how would

and

you would know best. We’re just

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

you possibly introduce us?” She asked eagerly. He stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat. “Enough. You’ve

choose from, don’t