Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 1278

“If you’re staying quiet, I’ll take that as your consent for treatment,” Ludwik said with that same shameless grin. “Saint Valentine over here, saving lives one day at a time.”

“Oh, quit sucking up. Saving lives? Really? You barely qualify for a Band-Aid.”

“If you want to go down that road, remember, you dated Bryce. I was devastated, wound up getting hurt in jail. This injury is basically your fault, so you owe me a fix-up.”

Whitney looked at him, totally flabbergasted. “With that silver tongue, why aren’t you a lawyer? You’re making up stories faster than Netflix.”

“Think it’ll work, babe?”

“I should sue you for slander.” Whitney glared, her big hazel eyes trying for fierce, but honestly, she looked about as scary as a cupcake.

Ludwik’s smirk just got more wicked. Teasing her was his favorite. “You said I could be a lawyer. So go ahead, sue me—I’ll win, and you’ll just end up joining my side. Patch me up and I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Oh please, keep your pocket change. I’m richer than you now.” Whitney rolled her eyes so hard you could practically hear them.

Ludwik didn’t even skip a beat. “Well, Miss New Money, I can marry into your fortune. Modern problems, modern solutions.”

Sammy and Danny, who’d been listening in, finally caught on to that bit.

They both shook their heads at their dad, looking deeply unimpressed. “Dad, seriously? If Grandpa and Great-Grandma heard you say that, they’d chase you down Main Street with a frying pan.”

Ludwik shot Danny a frosty look. “Wanna try telling them? Go on.”

Danny just stared, lost for words. He couldn’t believe his dad was turning into the family freeloader. Always tough in front of him, but never with Mom.

Their eyes met, and for a split second, Whitney saw something in his gaze that made her remember—oh. Oh. The memories hit, and her cheeks turned such a deep red she looked ready to combust. She punched him in the arm. “You’re shameless! Shut up.”

“Hey, I was complimenting you.” His voice was so low it practically rumbled.

Whitney’s face was so red, Danny grew concerned.

“Mom, are you okay? Your face is all red. Don’t listen to Dad, you’re not chubby. Not even close.”

Whitney couldn’t say a word, too mortified to even look at Ludwik. Something electric passed between them, and she felt her whole body flush.

She quickly changed the subject, waving her hands. “I’m fine! I’m not letting him get to me. It’s just… really warm in here, that’s all.”