Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 358

gently releasing hers after a moment.

Whitney clumsily pressed her lips against his, a rush of inexperienced passion. Ludwik inhaled sharply, locking eyes with her for a full two seconds before pressing back, claiming her mouth with his own. The kiss was long, intense enough to arch her back, his lips only He caught her chin, her tongue still lingering... Ludwik cursed silently to himself.

Their eyes narrowed, breaths mingling. "Whitney. What's this about?"

His voice came out raspy, almost unrecognizable.

Whitney's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, a bashful glow spreading across her face.

She was at a loss for words, unsure of her own actions, resorting to this in desperation.

She raised an eyebrow playfully, a sly smile on her lips, feigning nonchalance. "Isn't Mr. Lippert getting married tomorrow? After all, we were once husband and wife, a proper goodbye is in order."

"Is this your idea of a goodbye? So bold?" Ludwik's tone was shaky, his emotions unreadable.

But it was clear; he was not pleased.

Whitney gently pushed against his towering form, teasing, "What, a goodbye kiss doesn't sit well with you?"

"Stop joking around."

Ludwik gazed down at her, his stare intense, lingering on her lips for a few seconds, his desire barely contained as he released her chin.

His expression turned cold, "Is there a contract for the Gemstone Exhibit Project I need to sign?"

With that, he moved to sit behind his large desk.

Whitney's heart raced!

The drawer was slightly ajar, and he was a man of detail; he would notice it.

She quickly blocked his path again, reaching for his tie, eyes closed in a bold move, "I'm not joking. Mr. Lippert, do you want another kiss? Or perhaps, something more?" Her eyes fluttered open, lashes trembling, a seductive gaze meeting his.

Ludwik paused, his eyes darkening, his voice a gruff whisper, "Whitney, are you playing me?"

"No."

you here for,

pushing

her body resisting his advance, knowing she had to keep him

touch softening, her tone suggestive, "Do you really

sign a contract, right?" Ludwik frowned,

off her high heels, revealing perfectly painted red toenails, her delicate foot playfully tapping his knee through his trousers.

in her spell, felt

her foot, his gaze intense,

wished she could leave this charade behind, her eyes drifting towards

tomorrow. Whatever game you're playing, it

intending to pull her up, "Sign the contract, and

Whitney couldn't leave, not now, not

strategy that might work, her

talk, or do

was stunned, speechless at her bold

know what you're

do." Whitney's flirtatious smile widened, her gaze sultry as she leaned closer, "I've heard that breakups have their rituals. If I give you

with fire!"

ventured higher up his leg, her inner turmoil masked by a daring smile, "Not even a little tempted after a drink? Saving yourself for Elaine? Once I'm gone, I'm gone

strike a chord within

time before his wedding, but now that she

mind teetered on the edge of betrayal, yet his actions remained honorable.

Whitney tonight would wrong them both,

advances, her allure, broke

with you, not even if you're offering. Leave!" Whitney's face fell, a mix of emotions swirling

man she knew as indecisive

there a

eyes flickered with unspoken pain as he lifted her, her

his voice cold,

lips on his, a desperate attempt to keep him ensnared, to

the heat of passion, questions and doubts melted away, leaving only the raw, undeniable