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 for,

pushing her into

his advance, knowing

her touch softening, her tone suggestive, "Do you really

right?"

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

her spell,

her foot,

this charade behind, her eyes drifting

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

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

couldn't leave, not now, not with so much

for any strategy that might work, her

want to talk, or

stunned, speechless at her

what you're saying?" His voice

Whitney's flirtatious smile widened, her gaze sultry as she leaned closer, "I've heard that breakups

don't play with fire!" His

a little tempted after a drink? Saving yourself for Elaine? Once I'm gone, I'm gone for

to strike a chord

before his wedding, but now that she was here, she only ignited his

of betrayal, yet his actions remained

tonight would wrong

allure, broke

around her foot, 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 of emotions

the man she knew as indecisive suddenly found

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

unspoken pain as he lifted her, her arms

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

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

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