Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1311

She finally let herself breathe, glancing up to see Nolan standing by the sofa, one

hand in his jeans pocket, jaw set in that stubborn way of his.

Nolan was tall and lean, the kind of guy who could turn heads at a college football

game. He and Ashton shared a certain resemblance, but while Ashton was built

like a linebacker-broad-shouldered and all hard edges-Nolan had that

charming, boy-next-door vibe. Dark brows, straight nose, soft features he looked

almost too young to be taken seriously.

As Tiana once put it, "Nolan's got that baby face he can be sweet as apple pie or

as salty as fries, depends on his mood."

Whitney thought about that, then snapped back to the moment. Nolan's eyes were

fixed on the hallway; there was a cold, guarded look in them, the kind men get

when they're ready to throw someone out if things go south. She could tell, if

Ashton barged in right now, Nolan wouldn't hesitate to kick him straight out.

Wanting to break the tension, Whitney glanced at the nightstand, then at Nolan,

flashing a small, teasing smile. "Come on, Nolan, you're not gonna throw us both

out, are you?"

He finally looked her way, brow furrowed, worry flickering in his eyes as he

glanced back at the hospital bed. Valerie looked pale as a ghost, eyelids fluttering

open, lashes trembling.

His voice softened. "Valerie's awake now. Stay with her, talk to her-but please,

don't upset her."

look at the door, jerking her head as if

he'd leave.

tightening. He slipped his hands deeper into

closing the door behind him like

and whispered to Whitney, "Is it just me, or has Nolan

He's turning into

grow up fast after everything that's

Whitney murmured, nudging

moved closer to the

lights stretched

her head toward Whitney as if

someone nearby.

didn't say a

in her pale gaze-a

instant, all the years of sisterhood came flooding

felt her throat tighten and her eyes

voice was barely a

out,

avoid

the back-her

and relief. "God,

How could you do

I

never just stand by

Even if he's blind and

would always

you

me

then

the lion's den!

if Nolan hadn't shown up tonight? What would

you, Valerie. Lost

no more late-night

runs, no more