Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Whitney's cheeks went pink as she snuck a glance at the man in the wheelchair beside her. Even in that unflattering hospital gown and smelling like a bottle of hand sanitizer, he still managed to look sharp and intense-impossibly attractive.

Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed with mischief. She reached out and gave his earlobe a playful squeeze, making Ludwik flinch. With a lazy little smirk, she teased, “Thanks for the tip. I already know exactly where I'd like to burn you." Ludwik just stared at her, speechless.

His ear was still tingling from her touch, a faint ache lingering.

He shot a glare at Parker. "That's it, man. We're done. Get lost."

Parker rolled his eyes. "Oh please, like you didn't ditch me for her first. I'm just the innocent bystander here."

"Yeah? Well, I signed up for this, you didn't. Sucks to be you."

"Dude, you're ruthless. No heart at all!"

Whitney watched the two guys bicker, shaking her head with a grin. She couldn't help but tease, "Honestly, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you two were the real couple here. So, after all these years, you never had a little crush on each other?"

Ludwik looked horrified. "Whitney, gross. Don't even joke about that."

god, no-me and him? Never. Couldn't do it, not even a little

sparkling with amusement. "Well, if you guys can't

locking her in his arms. "You're only allowed

unable to break free

could feel the strength in his

glare, nudging his temple with her finger. "Who says I want to be weird

to or not, you don't get a choice," Ludwik said, trapping her delicate hand

get back to Chicago anyway. Gotta warn my girl not to spend too much time with you,

before either of them could

tall figure disappear down the hallway, a strange

and

to leave foro Chicago...

she brought up Valerie, Parker just changed the subject.

then Ludwik squeezed her