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."

he was half bragging,

he'd been both mom

out of the freezing

why you

that's not fair! Danny's just as healthy as Sammy-what's

good five pounds

brow, exasperated. "You women and

face dropped in a

a big difference-did he

was the doctor around here; arguing with him was pointless. She cut him off, cool as

glanced at his phone, scowled, and tossed it onto the

you, and I'm the one who gets your bad mood? You've been on the phone for almost twenty minutes, man

you just leave?" Ludwik didn't

I must've done 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 face when

who's talking. Take a look in the mirror next time you call Tiana

inhaled deeply, and mentally cursed him for being