Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Ludwik shot him a piercing look and ordered Parker Doonan, “Get the manager to wrap her up in some clothes and make it quick!”

With his gold–rimmed glasses, Parker chuckled mischievously and went off to handle the situation.

“Ludwik, you seem reluctant to let go. I’ve heard you can still do it during pregnancy. Do you need a cold shower?” Nolan teased, glancing at his waist.

Ludwik gave him a swift look and strode toward the bathroom, his tie whipping through the air and lassoing

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Nolan by the neck.

“Ow, Ludwik, my bad! But when have you worn that mask last? Used to be for warding off the ladies, and now? Who can’t you face?”

Parker returned, finding Whitney still in the doorway. Her phone call with Tiana revealed her fury. “President of Imperial Gem Corporation? Just a show–off! I Had to change just to see him, some lolita–obsessed freak; I’m done buttering him up; we’re enemies for good…”

drifted in, causing Ludwik’s lips to

a mask, there must be someone he can’t face, a reason he can’t share,

kind of secret?” Nolan

into her

her off, “What does your

admit, “Even more beautiful

squawk. “More beautiful than you?

him several times, and he

someone from behind. Whitney turned to see

what are you doing here?” She asked, seeing

not believe where she was–the dim lighting, the clinking glasses, the low hum of jazz in the background. It felt like a scene straight out of an old speakeasy. And to think, she had just been in a close encounter with a man she did not even know. She immediately hung her

you wish

you,” Whitney said, trying to smooth things with a

man fixed his gaze on her, his presence imposing. “Who gave you the audacity to come to a place like this?”

in each other’s

sought to make a quick exit. But as she turned to leave, she spotted

after, a