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 This whole gift-giving act is so outdated, it's cringeworthy.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.

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

needs you to 'wake'

going to stop?" Whitney was well aware

had been

excitedly choosing their meals,

topic

had no control over and protested, "Ludwik, say one more

"I didn't say much, just updating you on the treatment progress. If my darling isn't willing to help, then I'll just have to do it myself, keeping it 'active' so it's ready whenever you might want to use it. I don't really mind, given my age, I'm not the hot-headed youth who can't

...

she just tell him

finding his justifications shameless and herself feeling like a cooked lobster, "You sure

I don't even feel like

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

and fled to her sons, refusing

if she was truly indifferent, she wouldn't

seems she wasn't completely immune

shameless path, wear her down with a mix of tenderness

-

planned to

at Ludwik settling the bill, and said, "Mommy, that jerk offended you earlier.

to be put in his place by their

approached Ludwik,

'Daddy' now?" Ludwik, having paid, turned to his

Mommy, why should I be polite to you?" Sammy's young

"Son, when was I rude to

Mommy, but don't get too physical. Always touching

challenged, "You shouldn't always be watching me. Your mommy and I have our ways of communicating. A little hug and cuddle help build affection! Otherwise, how am I ever going to win her back?" "You're just trying to force your