Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 18

The shrieks pierced the night air of the bar!

"L, I'm so sorry, I've hurt our child..."

Whitney trembled all over, clenching her eyes shut in despair.

Just as a heavy boot was about to crash into her belly, the burly owner of it was suddenly sent flying with a swift kick!

The anticipated agony never came. Whitney sensed an icy shift in the atmosphere as if the room had frozen over.

Her body inexplicably regained movement, and she wrapped her shaking hands protectively around her abdomen.

Moans and cries filled the surroundings.

Forcing her eyes open, she caught sight of a towering presence.

The man's brooding aura was like something out of the depths of hell, his features beneath the mask icy and distant. He dispatched the thugs with swift brutality, sending them sprawling in search of their scattered teeth.

"Mr. L?" Whitney's voice cracked with tears, her surprise immeasurable.

Was he not supposed to be on a business trip? How had he appeared like an avenging angel from the skies?

His fists relaxed as he turned and crouched before Whitney, his cold gaze sweeping over her. Seeing her disheveled state, skin exposed, a flicker of murderous intent crossed his eyes. "Get lost, all of you!" He thundered.

The command was for the onlookers, but it halted Whitney, too.

He shed his expensive coat, draping it over her frail body.

"Is the baby okay?" He asked, his voice a frigid blade.

Overwhelmed by his chilling presence, Whitney dared not lie. Carefully feeling around her stomach, she replied with a choked voice, "The baby wasn't hit, I swear..."

"And what do you swear by? Since when is a bar a place for a pregnant woman to hang out?"

His eyes were icy mirrors of scorn, reflecting his disdain for her lack of self-respect.

Whitney glanced at the battered thugs, their low-life demeanor, and then at her torn clothes. He must have gotten the wrong idea.

"Mr. L, it's not what you think. I came to the bar because..." She began, her voice hoarse with the need to explain.

But the man turned and walked away. Now that he knew the child was safe, he no longer desired to deal with her.

Whitney bit her lip, the words of explanation lodged in her throat. Her back ached from the ordeal, but she forced herself to her feet, following his retreating form. Grateful for his rescue, she wanted to clear the air.

He did not give her the chance, disappearing into a luxurious private booth.

"You back from playing detective?" A voice called out from the dimly lit room.

Nolan caught sight of Whitney at the door and snorted, "Had I not seen your new wife sneaking into the bar and into a private booth, I'd never have texted you in time to prevent you from being made a cuckold."

Whitney paused, piecing together the reason for his unexpected appearance in the bar.

His friend had tipped him off, but they had all jumped to conclusions.

"Ms. Valentine loves to party, so why don't you join in? These ladies are my special guests. Come, entertain my friend!" Nolan beckoned with a devilish grin.

"Sir, you're so handsome!"

Whitney watched as two women flocked to his side while he accepted their attention with detached elegance, sitting amid them like a prince among peasants.

"Sir, wearing a mask, you're so mysterious... Such a fine figure..." One of the women cooed, trembling as she traced his solid chest.

"Do you like it?" He asked, his gaze coldly sweeping over to the doorway.

"I love it. Sir, let me feed you a drink," she said, nearly climbing onto his lap.

Whitney's face fell, her exhaustion mingling with disenchantment. He had saved her, then ignored her, seemingly playing games in front of her as some kind of revenge?

They were married only by contract; she could not control him. Whitney felt an urge to leave, swallowing her indignation.

But... he was her husband in name!

He had misunderstood her.