Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 469

"Your call," Ludwik said, softening his tone upon catching the mist in Whitney's eyes.

He felt a mix of frustration and resignation bubble within him. "Do you have any idea where I've been all day?"

"I don't want to know. Just leave," she replied, her voice firm.

Ludwik, visibly irked and not taking her dismissal lightly, stared at her defiant face for a moment before lighting up a cigarette, blowing the smoke directly at her.

She coughed, her lungs protesting, anger rising.

But then, Ludwik gently lifted her chin, his voice softening. "I got news about Sammy. Been wanting to tell you since dawn, but you wouldn't listen. Kept lashing out at me!"

"So now, I’m here, swallowing my pride to step into your hotel. Get it?"

Whitney paused, a mix of confusion and urgent concern flitting through her eyes. "What about Sammy? Did you find a clue?"

He didn’t reply, letting the smoke curl around him.

Whitney tugged at his sleeve, looking up at him with a vulnerability that seemed to smooth his ruffled feathers.

Ludwik moved closer, his voice low and commanding, "We'll talk later. Cook something first."

"You..."

Her protest was cut off by a suspicious grumble from a stomach — definitely not hers.

Looking up at him, she saw the discomfort on his face, the wound on his forehead adding to his weary look. "You haven’t eaten, have you?"

Dropping his cigarette, he gave her a look that said, 'Isn't it obvious?' and started rummaging through the fridge for ingredients.

Why hadn’t he been dining in blissful romance with Florence? Ah, right, he had met with Parker for Sammy’s sake.

That thought soured Whitney's mood further, a hint of hesitation in her heart.

He could neglect a cozy evening with Florence for Sammy, yet couldn’t spare a moment to eat.

Who was he really looking out for?

Trying to juggle both? Did he even realize how that made him look?

Biting her lip in annoyance, she couldn’t help but steal glances at his sharp profile, his forehead bandaged, a reminder of his altercation.

Their eyes met abruptly, causing Whitney to avert her gaze, her throat tightening. "Did you get that wound while searching for Sammy?"

He nodded. "Yeah, was chasing someone when there was an explosion."

"An explosion?!" She was astounded by his casual dismissal.

Her worry for him was evident, which brought a slight smile to Ludwik's lips. "What, you're worried about me now, Whitney? Still care?"

Holding the ingredients, he inched closer, his usual stern demeanor softened by the domestic setting, momentarily charming.