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.

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 you think you

pain shot through Whitney’s

How dare he?

think she

voice was palpable as she pushed him away. “You’re right. I’m

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 if I had to choose,

blinked, slowly comprehending

cheeks burned with a sudden realization–was she

nonsense to me. I don’t

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

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

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

T’m not jealous.

out, tickling her

losing patience. “Can’t you ever

opened to reveal some medical supplies. He rolled up his trouser leg to

Whitney asked, “Got this the

coldly, “Would I be injured if not for you? Ungrateful thing, tend to

the antiseptic and wrapped the wound

of the blue, “Did your stepsister steal your

up, surprised he knew.

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

still not addressed. He still had yet

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

frosty. “Ludwik interested in you? Are

he’s a scoundrel at

lips thinned in displeasure. “And how would you make this one–time

and

best. We’re just in a business arrangement,

closer, his voice a mix of threat and amusement. “Ludwik wouldn’t give you a second glance, especially not

friends with 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

lovers to choose from, don’t I? I’ll just