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."

are you here

her close, pushing her into the

drawer, her body resisting his advance, knowing she had

her touch softening, her tone suggestive, "Do you

a contract, right?" Ludwik frowned, glancing at her

a hint of mischief as she slipped off her high heels, revealing perfectly painted red toenails, her

her spell, felt

foot, his gaze

her eyes drifting towards the couch, "Shall we

getting married tomorrow. Whatever game you're playing, it ends now. Let's

thin, he grabbed her hand, intending to pull her

leave, not now, not with so much at

grasped for any strategy that

talk, or do you want to

was stunned, speechless at

know what you're

widened, her gaze sultry as she leaned closer, "I've heard that breakups have their rituals. If

don't play with fire!"

smile, "Not even a little tempted after a drink? Saving yourself for Elaine? Once I'm

word seemed to strike a

time before his wedding, but now that she was here, she

betrayal, yet his actions remained honorable. Ludwik wasn't without

entangling with Whitney tonight

allure, broke through his

a hoarse whisper, "I don't want to sleep with you, not even if you're offering. Leave!" Whitney's face fell, a

the man she knew as

there a part of him that didn't

flickered with unspoken pain as he lifted her, her arms wrapping

at his own self-control, his voice cold, "Wait outside. I'll have Felix send you

a desperate attempt to keep him

melted away, leaving only the raw, undeniable connection between