Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Whitney froze, something flashing through her mind, snapping her wide awake.

She let out an angry, sarcastic laugh. "If she's really willing to throw herself into this just for a shot at being Mrs. Nelson's daughter-in-law, then bring it on. I'll play to the end!"

Ludwik chuckled lazily on the other end, teasing, "So, how's it going with Shane?"

"He upset Sandy, and now he's over there trying to explain everything. I bet that'll take all day, if not longer."

Ludwik offered, "If you guys want Sandy to accept Shane-and all the drama that comes with it-shouldn't you send Shane's daughter over to her? There's nothing like your own kid to soften your heart. Trust me, I've seen it work on you, too."

Whitney glared, catching his jab. "You men, honestly-none of you are decent. You have some nerve."

He cut in smoothly, "I was trying to say you're kind! There's no woman in the world with a bigger heart, no one smarter or more graceful than you. You're the best mom ever. If you were a touch more forgiving, you'd make the best Mrs. Lippert, too."

His deep, velvety voice oozed dangerous charm.

that, he could say practically anything and a woman

of her lips couldn't help but twitch up. "You and your sweet talk-so greasy. Who would want to be your Mrs. Lippert? My dad's the

a deep, masculine

all my issues, sweetheart. Sooner or later, I'll have you right where I want you, begging for mercy, and we'll see if

off, because he just hung

practically feel his rage buzzing

and she raised an

definitely made him insecure, she thought. Just

shrugged, not bothered. Still, she took his advice to heart and dialed Sammy. Her son was quick on the uptake, and after hearing her out,

up the moment she heard she could

Nelson Memorial Hospital. Whitney drove over, scooping

go see

and mommy still at the apartment? How's their talk going? Do you think mommy

couldn't help but laugh, ruffling Tina's mischievous little head. "Tina, you've never even spent a day with your mom, but you're already so protective of her! Guess you really are two peas in a pod. But how do you know it