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.

wall, his voice laced with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I hide it from you? Who do you

of pain

How dare he?

think she was?

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

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, it would be you. You slept with me, and you have

slowly comprehending his

realization–was she the

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

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

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

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

tightened. T’m not jealous. You can have

breathed out,

away, losing patience. “Can’t you

declared, leading her by the hand to the bedside cabinet, which he opened to reveal some medical supplies. He rolled up his trouser leg

Whitney asked, “Got this the other

if not for

antiseptic and wrapped the wound with fresh bandages, her fingers

he asked out of the blue, “Did your

looked up, surprised he knew. “Are you offering

it? Do I look like I want to

had yet

go see that Ludwik, my dear rival. He’s got the power, he seems interested

demeanor turned frosty. “Ludwik interested

scoundrel at heart, a one–time investment wouldn’t be a loss,”

how would

and

know best. We’re just in a business arrangement, you have no say over

and amusement. “Ludwik wouldn’t give you a second glance, especially not a pregnant

Ludwik? L. could you possibly introduce us?” She asked eagerly. He stood up abruptly, grabbing

for lovers to choose from, don’t I? I’ll just pick on,” he snapped