Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 873

He grinned mischievously, continuing to tease her, "Thought I was about to give you a ring? Feeling all that pressure and maybe a tad hopeful?"

"Hopeful? Are your eyes malfunctioning?" she retorted, furious at his playful torment. Did he find it amusing to see her flustered?

Whitney's cheeks flushed with anger as she lashed out, "Ludwik, you sure know how to play the dating game, huh? This whole gift-giving act is so outdated, it's cringeworthy. Or do you think I should be flattered just because it's a creation by the world-renowned Ludwik?" Ludwik found himself at a loss for words, his striking features darkening slightly.

Did she just call his dating tactics old-school?

She didn't seem to think so three years ago when Parker suggested he set up a dazzling display of diamonds across the square to confess his feelings. Though she never admitted it, she was secretly impressed. Now, she seemed utterly disgusted by him.

A faint blush crept over Ludwik's handsome face as he roughly placed the sapphire in her delicate hand, saying irritably, "Just take it! Not every woman gets the privilege of receiving something I personally designed." Whitney, undeterred, shot back, "Not every woman? Like how you personally helped Florence with her jewelry exhibition strategy just to beat me and win her shares in the competition?" Ludwik inwardly cursed. Talk about shooting oneself in the foot.

Embarrassed and caught in his own trap, he clumsily coughed and grabbed her hand, saying, "Darling, if I could redo those mistakes, I wish they never happened. I'm an idiot."

"Enough," Whitney coldly attempted to withdraw her hand, "Spare me the act. I'm not buying it."

"You're not into this act, so what are you into?"

He didn't let go, instead caressing her hand gently and bringing it closer to his lips.

After a tender kiss on the back of her hand, his actions weren't lewd but carried an innate dominance and charm.

Whitney's skin burned at his touch, struggling to pull away.

But he persisted, his handsome lips grazing her hand softly, his gaze fixated on her dark eyes as he whispered huskily, "What do you enjoy, huh? Darling..."

"Ludwik!" Whitney couldn't pretend to misunderstand the darkening look in his eyes.

This damned man, suddenly turning the conversation salacious.

in desire, and said seriously, "I was asking about food, don't get the wrong idea. Even if you did,

way, the doctor mentioned my treatment actually needs you to 'wake' me up, in the way I

you ever going to stop?" Whitney was well aware

all, she had been a medical professional

sons excitedly choosing their meals,

trapped in a discussion on a topic she wished to avoid with the

over and protested, "Ludwik, say one more word and you can forget about this dinner as a token of my

then I'll just have to do it myself, keeping it 'active' so it's ready whenever you might want to use it. I

...

tell

frustrated, finding his justifications shameless and herself feeling like a cooked lobster, "You sure have the nerve

Without you, I don't even feel like

around, just a whiff of your scent makes me lose control, I can't even glance

end, Whitney covered her face and fled to her sons, refusing to engage in

man's heart stirred, knowing if she was truly indifferent,

liar, it seems she wasn't completely immune

this shameless path, wear her down with a mix of tenderness and perseverance until

-

family dinner, Whitney planned to

onto his mom's hand, but Sammy hesitated, looking back at Ludwik settling the bill, and said, "Mommy, that jerk offended you earlier. I'm gonna give him a piece of

agreed, knowing fully well Ludwik needed to be put in his place by their son

Whitney disappeared, Sammy approached Ludwik, tapping him on

having paid, turned to

you're rude to Mommy, why should I be

"Son, when was I rude to

too physical. Always touching her hands, hugging her waist, I'll still deal with

mommy and I have our ways of communicating. A little hug and cuddle help build