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

he'd leave.

clammed up, jaw tightening. He

the door

"Is it

lately? He's turning

had to grow up fast after everything that's happened. He's gotta

now," Whitney murmured, nudging

of them moved

lot lights stretched across the

head toward Whitney as if she

someone nearby.

didn't say a

something flicker in

in that instant, all the

throat tighten and her

was barely a

out,

to avoid the IV

back-her

and

could you

reckless? I told

just

he's

would always

you go toe-to-toe

sent me home

then went

the lion's den!

hadn't shown up

you, Valerie. Lost

good no

no more 'sisters