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

why would I hide it from you? Who do you think you are? Besides,

of pain

How dare he?

did she think

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

his tone hard yet softening as he looked into her eyes. “If you want 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

slowly comprehending his

with a sudden realization–was

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

service,” he said, his lips curving into a wicked

still upset about the mysterious phone call.

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

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

out, tickling her

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

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

asked, “Got this the

“Would I be injured if not for

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

she worked, he asked out of the blue, “Did

surprised he knew. “Are you offering

over it? Do I look like I want to help?”

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

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

turned frosty. “Ludwik interested in you?

a scoundrel at heart, a one–time investment

“And how would you make this one–time

and

We’re just in a business arrangement, you have

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

abruptly, grabbing his coat. “Enough. You’ve

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