Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

A sudden chill swept through the private room, sending a shiver down Whitney’s spine.

Simon shot up from his seat just as Whitney turned her head to see a tall figure clad in a perfectly tailored black suit, his mask hiding a stern jawline beneath. Those deep, piercing eyes aimed a chilling gaze straight at

her.

Why was L here?

Whitney tried to compose herself in disarray as her cheeks flushed a bashful pink.

Without a hint of tenderness, his icy grip hoisted her up. He had appeared next to the couch without notice, his frosty stare alone enough to send Whitney’s heart racing with fear.

Biting her lip, she immediately positioned herself behind him.

He turned, his gaze sweeping over Simon, who had his arms wrapped around Whitney’s waist.

Simon faltered, taken aback. This man was supposed to be a thug, but the aura around him was so intimidating that Simon’s arms fell away without conscious thought.

Coming back to his senses, Simon’s anger flared. “You again, you thug!”

But before he could throw a punch, he was met with a fierce blow that sent him sprawling to the ground.

“Hiss.” Eyes blazing, Simon scrambled back to his feet. Just then, two other young men entered from outside. Simon’s demeanor shifted on spotting Nolan Fuller and Parker Doonan. Nolan was from one of the four families, while Parker, not quite from that elite circle, was even more notorious. His family, the Doonan family, was one of the rulers of the underground world.

Parker was the youngest head of the Doonan family.

Now, the Fuller family’s young lord and the Doonan family’s head were flanking the masked man, like his right and left arms.

Simon’s expression soured. Maybe this guy was not just some thug after all. But who was he?

Whitney was abruptly swept up in the man’s arms as he strode out of the room.

“Stop!” Simon bellowed, his pride wounded. “What right do you have to take her? You’re nobody to her!”

The man’s eyes narrowed, a sneer spreading as he glanced down at the woman in his arms. “Didn’t you tell her who you belong to?”

Whitney hung her head as if she had done something wrong.

“Who the hell are you?” Simon roared, still not ready to back down.

shut with a sneer. “Just a man who doesn’t give a damn about you. Simon, you touch

stiffened, overwhelmed by the audacious tone. Just who was this

air was crisp with a hint of

on his lap, the temperature inside as chilling as the embrace of the man she leaned

and the oppressive

clothes, Whitney

slapped her butt. “Eager to get off my lap? Were your ex–fiancé’s legs more comfortable? I thought your hatred ran deep, but it

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17:47

Chapter 21

cruelty was

hit, Whitney muttered in embarrassment,

her pale face with mockery. “You think I want your thanks?”

the seat in front, signaling the driver to

in his

to the torn fabric of her blouse.

touched her delicate skin, and Whitney, already rattled by the night’s near–disaster,

mocking chuckle came from above. “What do you think I’m doing? Should I finish here

burned with humiliation. “Please don’t speak

mother, telling her you were going out with your BFF, right?” He shot

with this. I can explain. I needed a phone book, and indeed, if you hadn’t arrived in time, I couldn’t have

expected Simon to do

“Didn’t I make myself clear?

lowered her gaze, her lashes quivering. She thought of his private life and, after a moment’s calm reflection, stated, “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. L, but let’s be clear. Ours is a contract marriage. We should maintain our distance. I don’t want to bother you with my issues, and I’ll stay out

for a few

feel

“Madam, Mr. L was working late… He rushed back to pick you up from the airport, but you

Whitney blinked in surprise.

Ludwik’s voice

The assistant fell silent.

to the sound of

Then keep

crawled off his lap, squeezing herself as

After a second, he barked at the driver,

chill against Whitney’s face vanished, and she stopped shivering as he turned

was palpable, yet his observation was meticulous. He a man was hard for any