Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 117

But the complexity in the man’s eyes, the storms they concealed, were beyond Whitney’s comprehension. Ludwik mused in silence. Elaine was the bridge between him and the Bartels family; their interests intertwined. There was a time he had wanted her gone, his dislike manifesting as a reluctance to keep her close. But the Lippert family was eyeing him with predatory intent; Kaden was eager to make him hand over the reins of Imperial Gem Corporation to Orion.

Just waiting for him to slip up.

In such times, he needed the Bartels family.

How could this silly girl understand the depths of it all? Ludwik shot her a sidelong glance. “Enough talk. I’m starving. If the food isn’t ready soon, I might just eat you!”

“What an abrupt turn,” Whitney thought, returning to the kitchen.

Yet, even if they were just to soothe her, his words filled her with a sweet sense of being valued and finally feeling the weight of her importance to him.

ly prepared.

Eventually, two maids joined to assist, and dinner was finally

Whitney stood by the bed, feeding him like a dutiful wife, unable to resist glancing at his hands that moved with ease.

“What are you looking at? Injured shoulders don’t mean I can’t move my hands,” he declared righteously, even as his fingers deftly navigated the screen of his smartphone.

Whitney was too shocked for words, thinking that saving her seemed to justify all manner of twisted logic. Felix, too, was silently twitching at the corner of his mouth, thinking. “Mr. Lippert, just admit you enjoy being pampered by your little wife. Would it kill you?”

Clearly reveling in the attention, the man frowned. “I haven’t bathed all day Wipe me down later.”

The bowl in Whitney’s hands nearly tipped over. She stole a glance at his mature, muscular frame, her heart skipping a beat as she blushed. “Maybe… Felix should do it?”

“Did I risk my life to save Felix?”

Whitney fell silent.

And Felix, all too aware, had already left the room.

Whitney clenched her fists, trying to reason with him. “But I’d be embarrassed. We’re not that close yet,” she protested.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I allow you to admire my perfect form. Just don’t get overwhelmed,” he said, his noble arrogance on full display.

at a loss for words against his impregnable

by him, she owed him a debt of service, one way or

water. Taking up the washcloth with trembling hands, she undressed him, muttering to herself not to overthink it she

his form long and graceful, his muscles well–defined, his skin smooth

control her gaze, but it

over his

Chapter 11,

apple bobbed as he acknowledged her struggle against his damned charisma.

me yet, huh?”

revealed that

jaw tensed. “Are you done yet?

aflame as

water, leaning against the

her mind as she returned, ready to negotiate again. “Can’t you just hire a male nurse?

about just now? Got some idea on your mind?” He leaned against the headboard, taking deep breaths, his gaze dark and intense.

helping me with dinner

alone, so he could not bear to see her stand and bend for too long

Yesterday in the hallway, you were pleading for me to wake up, willing to do anything.”

had never said such things.

confession into something

she heard a sudden wince from him. “What’s wrong?” She

lips together, feigning vulnerability. “It hurts all

a hint of regret. “Then stop moving. I love you, alright? I’ll do anything

was at her wit’s end.

playing on his lips. “Alright, sleep with me then,” his voice weak.

could be devastatingly charming when he whined

just settled into her small bed when

with it? Guided by his commanding gaze, Whitney eventually lay in his embrace. The hospital bed was not wide, and she was cautious not to touch his injured shoulder or head. She felt tired, her eyes heavy

and Whitney

mask of stoicism.

how could she sleep knowing it was because of her? If it were not

sat up, her brows furrowed with

that? Can he