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."

Couldn't do it, not even a

men looked ready to throw up at the mere suggestion. Whitney bit her lip to keep from laughing, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, if you guys can't swing that

deadly serious. He pulled her closer, locking her in his arms. "You're

squirmed, unable to break free

through their clothes, she could feel the strength

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

choice," Ludwik said, trapping her delicate hand in

head. "Well, I need to get back to

out before either of

hallway, a strange feeling nagging at her.

and

Chicago... Ludwik

brought up Valerie, Parker just changed the subject. Whitney

then Ludwik squeezed her