Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

"Isn't that right?"

The man leaned in, his broad, athletic chest suddenly close to her. Just remembering those nights they'd shared made it hard for him to catch his breath. He stared into her eyes, voice husky. "You literally showed up at my door. Of course, I wasn't going to turn you away. You're easy on the eyes, got a great body, and there's this stubborn streak in you that most girls just don't have. I was curious—wanted to see how far you'd go to climb up the ladder.

And, honestly, after the first time, it gets easier. I kinda got hooked on you."

Shane didn't try to sugarcoat how they started. His words were blunt, almost flippant.

"I knew I was getting a pretty good deal, and I knew exactly what was expected. Back then, while you were at university, you had a lot less drama to deal with. Florence couldn't stand you, but she was afraid of my connections, so she tried to stir up trouble behind my back, even sending stuff to the Nelson family, hoping they'd rein me in. But I took care of it all.

After that, she didn't dare mess with you again."

Shane paused. For a few seconds, he seemed lost in some memory, and his expression changed, a cold, mocking curve settling on his lips.

"Sandy, everyone says feelings grow with time, right? I was young. I fell for it. Hell, I actually started to like you.

For those three months, every time I came to London, we'd end up wrapped around each other. You started opening up, leaning on me more and more.

I thought you were falling for me. I mean, look at me—good-looking, rich, running my family's business. Getting you was a piece of cake. To you, I was your lifeline.

I even thought about getting you your own apartment in London before Christmas, so we could live together.

staying after graduation too. I was making

then, that Christmas, you gave me

turning glacial. Ignoring the fear in Sandy's eyes, his fingers brushed her neck. Even now, the memory made his voice rough with anger. "I showed up at your place with a present.

"What?" Sandy's breath caught.

hickeys on your neck. Must've been a hell

you

three... a

were guilty—because

ever played me

out, you were tutoring his

got it. I wasn't

desperate and

knew

You used

him to pave your

Wow..."

don't remember. I just...

remember

Maybe there's some