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.

it, Mr. L. Or

matter who did.” He pushed her against the wall, his voice laced with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I

pain shot through

How dare he?

did she think she was?

as she pushed him away. “You’re right.

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

blinked, slowly

sudden realization–was she the

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

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

of breath, Whitney huffed, still upset about the mysterious phone call.

you? I have to admit it’s quite fun

not jealous. You can have

breathed out,

patience. “Can’t you ever stop, Mr.

to the bedside cabinet, which he opened to reveal some medical supplies. He rolled

“Got this the other

I be injured if not for you? Ungrateful

tantrum but obediently applied the antiseptic and wrapped

out of the blue, “Did your stepsister

looked up, surprised he knew. “Are

I’m over it? Do I look like

still had yet to

my dear rival. He’s got the power, he seems interested in me. Maybe I’ll just sacrifice

turned frosty. “Ludwik interested in you? Are

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

lips thinned in displeasure. “And how would you

and

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

voice a mix of threat and amusement.

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 go? Not coming

for lovers to choose from, don’t