Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Shane leaned in, his voice low and sharp. "Yeah, that was a trap-one set for you by the real Miss Sheldon herself. You, the adopted cousin, never stood a chance."

He paused, eyes glinting. "You told me yourself you were just the tagalong, the poor relative, barely worth a glance."

"Florence was always jealous. She wanted every spotlight on herself. But the two of you started college at the same time, studied the same major, and yet you kept winning those scholarships, making a name for yourself. Word got back home and suddenly, the Sheldon family started seeing you in a whole new light."

"Florence hated that you stopped pretending to be the obedient little mouse the minute you left for England. She couldn't stand that you-an outsider-were outshining her."

"She wanted you gone."

Shane's eyes narrowed. “So that Christmas, she brought some vagrants onto campus. All she needed was a scandalous photo of you, and your reputation would be ruined. After that, she planned to finish you off for good. The Sheldons would be so ashamed, they'd never come looking for you."

a low chuckle. "But you? You were clever. Back then, you were reckless, ambitious. I'll give you

turned, looking her up and down, a teasing glimmer in his gaze. "The Nelsons and the Sheldons lived just a few blocks apart, but I barely knew you.

fend off a group of rough-looking drifters. And when you ran out

his words cut through her foggy memories. She

smirk. He leaned in Voice gritty and intimate. was outside the campus lounge, having a smoke. You saw me catch you in the act, so you dragged me into the restroom,

forget it. You were shaking, but your eyes were full of defiance.

Saw everything. Don't

""}

away

you had any idea what you were doing-why

to toss you out, you undid my belt and dared me. 'Guys like you always have a few lovers on the side, don't they?' you said.