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

close, pushing

body resisting his advance, knowing she had to

her touch softening, her tone suggestive, "Do you really not know why I'm

contract, right?" Ludwik frowned,

of mischief as she slipped off her high heels, revealing perfectly painted red toenails, her delicate foot playfully tapping his knee through

her spell, felt his

foot,

she could leave this charade behind, her eyes

tomorrow. Whatever game you're playing, it ends

thin, he grabbed her hand, intending to pull her up, "Sign the contract, and

not now,

grasped for any strategy that might work,

talk, or do you want to

was stunned, speechless at her bold

even know what you're saying?" His voice was

"I've heard that breakups have their rituals. If I give you a chance

with fire!" His

tempted

word seemed to strike a chord within

see her one last time before his wedding, but now that she was here, she only ignited

yet his actions remained honorable. Ludwik wasn't without

entangling with Whitney tonight would

her allure, broke through his

grip tightened around her foot, his voice a hoarse whisper, "I don't want to sleep with you, not even if

the man she knew as indecisive suddenly

not to hurt Elaine, or was there a part of him that didn't want to hurt

eyes flickered with unspoken pain as he

marveled at his own self-control, his voice cold,

cut off by Whitney's lips on his, a desperate attempt to keep him ensnared, to

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