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."

at the

he'd leave.

up, jaw tightening. He

walked out, quietly closing the door behind him

whispered to Whitney, "Is

He's turning into

after

murmured,

two of them moved closer to the

parking lot lights stretched across the window,

Valerie blinked, slowly turning her head toward Whitney as if she

someone nearby.

didn't say

something flicker in her

instant, all

her throat tighten and her eyes

was barely a

burst out,

to avoid the IV

the back-her voice

frustration and relief.

could

I

never just stand by

if he's

always

would you go

sent me

then

the lion's den!

up tonight? What

you, Valerie.

good no

runs, no more