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 maybe that

his voice laced with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I hide it

sting of pain

How dare he?

she think she was?

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

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

blinked, slowly comprehending his

burned with a sudden realization–was she the

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

want to benefit, I’m at your service,” he

a waste of breath, Whitney huffed, still upset about

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

not jealous.

out, tickling

“Can’t

to reveal some

asked, “Got this the other

be injured if not for you? Ungrateful thing, tend

antiseptic and wrapped the wound with fresh bandages,

she worked, he asked out of the

surprised he knew. “Are

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

her own grievances still not addressed. He still had yet

see that Ludwik, my dear

turned frosty. “Ludwik interested

he’s quite the catch! Though he’s a scoundrel at heart, a one–time

“And how would you make this one–time

and

you would know best. We’re just

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

you 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

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