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

turned, pulling her close, pushing

instinctively blocked the drawer, her body resisting his advance, knowing she had to keep him away from the

against his chest, her touch softening, her tone suggestive,

contract, right?" Ludwik frowned, glancing at her

as she slipped off her high heels, revealing perfectly painted red toenails, her delicate foot playfully tapping his knee through his trousers. "Playing hard to get."

caught in her spell, felt his restraint

grabbed her foot,

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

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

hand, intending to pull her up, "Sign

leave, not now, not with so

for any strategy that might work, her

want to talk, or do

stunned, speechless at her

what you're saying?" His voice was

her gaze sultry as she leaned closer, "I've heard that breakups

don't play with

little tempted after a drink? Saving yourself for Elaine? Once I'm gone, I'm gone for good. After tomorrow, we're strangers."

to strike a chord

before his wedding, but now that she was

mind teetered on the edge of betrayal, yet

Elaine tomorrow, entangling with Whitney tonight would wrong them both, especially

allure, broke through his

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

as indecisive suddenly found

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

as he lifted her, her arms wrapping around

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

desperate attempt to keep him ensnared, to

and doubts melted away, leaving only the raw, undeniable