Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1299

Whitney stared at the man's mouth, catching the hint of a smirk playing at the edge of his lips.

She'd known him long enough to be sure he wasn't genuinely asking for medical advice. No, that look was the same one he'd had just moments ago-full of mischief and a little too satisfied.

His gaze lingered, warm and suggestive, making goosebumps race down her back despite the heat of the room.

Whitney bit her lip and tossed the bar of soap at him.

Ludwik dodged easily, the laugh rumbling in his throat. "Feeling a little put out? I was holding back, you know. If I hadn't, you'd be down on your knees, giving me a kiss for my troubles."

The image flashed in her mind her on one knee just a while ago.

A kiss, huh...

She shot him a glare. "Keep dreaming. If you ever try that, I won't hesitate to break something else."

Ludwik just grinned, his voice low and rough. "Seems like I'm all healed up, Dr. Valentine. Your bedside manner did the trick, I'll give you that."

Whitney's cheeks were burning.

She tried to keep her cool, professional composure, but her mind kept replaying those moments-how he'd coaxed her, half teasing, half commanding, until he'd gotten what he wanted.

fine. He was smug,

shook off her embarrassment and flicked water off her hands. "Glad you appreciate my

fast.

comment from earlier. "Right... What exactly

stepped closer, suddenly serious. Buckling his belt, his tailored suit pants made his legs look even longer and more powerful. He had a presence- commanding,

him.

for you on the back lawn. You can leave tonight if you want, but

Go where?" Whitney was thrown off

but there was a cold edge as night pressed

a moment, but then her heart started pounding.

are you saying? Is

kidnapped her. Both of them

"What?!"

baby girl. She went back to Banyan City

went pale, her eyes wide with shock.

anyone

she remembered a hesitant call from Tiana a few days ago. She'd sensed

hard at

weren't trying to hide it

you need to