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

with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I hide it from you?

sting of pain shot through

How dare he?

she think she

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

into her eyes. “If you want to be someone to me, then try harder. He leaned in, whispering with a mix of arrogance

slowly

sudden realization–was

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

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

waste of breath, Whitney huffed, still upset about the mysterious

wrapped his arms around her waist, his eyes gleaming 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

face tightened. T’m not jealous. You can

breathed out, tickling her

losing patience. “Can’t you ever stop,

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

Whitney asked, “Got this the

“Would I be injured if

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

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

knew. “Are you offering to

it? Do I look like I want to help?” His voice was

had yet to explain the

have to go see that Ludwik, my dear rival. He’s

demeanor turned frosty. “Ludwik interested

Though he’s a scoundrel at heart, a one–time investment

how would you make this one–time

and

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

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

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,

choose from, don’t I?