Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

"No, I was talking about Ashton Fuller..."

Ludwik wanted to bring up Ashton and his ex-wife-he'd heard from Parker it was a real mess.

Wasn't Ashton's ex-wife supposed to be Whitney's best friend?

But he thought better of it, worried Whitney had enough on her plate. He hesitated, then muttered, "Never mind. Just hurry back and keep me company, I miss you."

Whitney paused for a second, his voice slipping right into her ear.

Her cheeks warmed, a little flutter of heat rising up. She bit her lip and said, "You'll have to wait."

"What else could possibly be up?" Ludwik grumbled.

"My parents, obviously!"

Ludwik frowned, but didn't argue. He sighed, sounding bored, "Ms. Valentine, you sure keep yourself busy-except when it comes to your own little family."

"Excuse me? I care plenty! I'm just about to check in on our daughter."

His tone softened, a quiet laugh rumbling in his chest. "That's more like it. If I wasn't still recovering, I could take care of her myself. I've got tons of experience, you know."

could tell he was half bragging, half playing the

he'd been both mom

dragging Sammy out of the freezing Atlantic, both of them

why you looked after Danny so well he was

not fair! Danny's just as healthy as

good five pounds lighter, that's

hand over his brow, exasperated. "You women

face dropped in

a big difference-did he really

him was pointless. She cut him off, cool as ice.

buzzed. Ludwik glanced at his phone, scowled, and tossed it onto

his spot, indignant. "She hangs up on you, and I'm the one who gets your bad mood? You've been

don't you just leave?"

something terrible in a

you-saving your ass, running your

you like I'm your mother. And Whitney-what, she saved the galaxy last time around? You should see your

talking. Take a look in the mirror next time you call Tiana Melford," Ludwik

inhaled deeply, and mentally cursed him for