Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 727

"That scoundrel," she fumed, her anger boiling over. "Even on his last legs, he can't shake off his true nature." She was especially incensed, warning him, "That was the past. We've cut ties long ago. I'm married now." Ludwik's gaze darkened.

With a flippant tone, he retorted, "Doesn't make much of a difference. On your wedding night, instead of being with your husband, you were in my bed, Whitney. Have you forgotten? I doubt you could forget; we were...busy all night." "Shut up." Damn it, why did he have to bring that up?

Whitney's face flushed with anger, her beauty and her porcelain features shimmering under the light, ensnaring Ludwik's gaze. It was maddening how familiar he was with every inch of her, his temperature rising uncontrollably as he reached out, his hand brushing her cheek.

Whitney shivered at the touch, those memories imprinted on her very skin.

Angry at her own instinctive reaction, she hissed, "Ludwik, what the hell do you think you're doing? Don't you dare, Danny is sleeping right next to us. I swear, if you try anything, I'll bite you. And besides, you're not even...in the game anymore. Can't you behave for once?" His hand stiffened at her words, a sharp pain piercing his heart.

His face went pale instantly.

Whitney bit her lip, regretting her harshness. Men had their pride, especially concerning certain matters, which to them were more critical than life itself.

"I didn't mean to belittle you, but you're really crossing the line here!"

"Crossing the line? Knowing my condition, you should worry even less. Even if I wanted to, I...I can't have you."

Ludwik was visibly frustrated, his touch on her lips restrained, yet his flirtatious nature hard to conceal. "Talking about biting me? You know that reminds me of a certain flavor, Whitney, damn it..."

"..." What was he even saying? Whitney thought he was speaking in riddles, but she understood all too well, feeling harassed in the quiet of the night. Her face turned crimson, "Just shut up. You should be keeping to yourself at this point. Stay away from me. You're still a man, after all; stop talking nonsense."

"I'm no longer a man," Ludwik said coldly.

outlook from him. There had to be a

me once when you first came back? Maybe you could show some

really seeking treatment, or just looking for an excuse to be close

could he be just any man to

runs? Besides, you deserve this fate. Maybe you won't harm any other woman now." "I don't want to harm any other woman; I just want to

his handsome face

his whole demeanor lacking energy, shifting

well or if she was seeing things. Was

she

you don't touch me, do

earlier. Though I can't treat you, the doctor I recommended is quite good. With modern medicine, there's still hope." Seeing her soften, Ludwik pretended to be more dejected, wrapping his arms around her. "I don't know why, even when you're tempting

Whitney was livid. "Get away

by her side, his embrace filled with the warmth and scent of a man, his gaze drooping even more. "I'm so pitiful now, let me hold you just this once. It's been so

quite the contrast

tongue, feeling the familiar sensation of his touch. He was still strong,

could he

off guard, Ludwik held her face gently,

Damn it, she really should kick

hair, his voice hoarse, "No more jokes.

to love you anew, but I dare not, fearing

Even if you find

won't disturb you, but Bryce...he's

Whitney frowned, puzzled by