Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

How could the man he used to be ever say such things? Ever since they met again, he seemed... different.

He was still as domineering and forceful as before, but now there was something else- something unfamiliar-woven into his demeanor.

Warmth.

Could a man like him even comprehend the meaning of that word?

Lost in thought, Irene blinked as Nick lifted a spoon of porridge to her lips. The familiar aroma lingered in the air, stirring a memory she thought she had buried long ago. Did he still remember her preferences?

"Open your mouth." His tone was cold, but if she focused, she could catch a faint trace. of something softer underneath.

"Mr. Coleman, people's tastes change. It's been two years, and I-"

Before she could finish, Nick ate the porridge himself and leaned forward, his face suddenly too close for comfort.

"What are you-"

His lips captured hers in a swift, commanding motion. The warmth of his breath intertwined with the taste of the porridge, stirring something deep inside her.

Damn it. Did he still think she was the woman who let him have his way without question? A chill flickered in Irene's eyes as she shoved him back, her anger simmering beneath the surface.

Nick didn't seem to care. His gaze was calm, almost teasing, as if her resistance amused him.

and deliberate. "If you won't eat, I'll feed

with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. His audacity still had the power to disarm her,

the car window landed on his face, softening the sharp edges of his features. For a fleeting moment, he looked almost approachable, even warm. But Irene

against her will. Damn him-smiling

laughed and leaned into him without hesitation. She would have let her guard down, drawn in by his

took the food container from his hands. "Since you're so insistent, do I even have

as "Mr. Coleman" again, Nick's gaze darkened. He hated the distance implied in her words, the invisible wall she had

that," he said

you, then?" Irene's lips curved into a sly smile, her tone

narrowed his eyes. He could see through her act-the carefree, playful mask she wore to keep him from getting too close. He had hurt her too deeply,

to hear," he said,

then leaned in close. Her breath brushed against his ear,

name on her lips stirred something in him. No matter how cold or mocking her tone, it still hit

voice lacked its usual edge. She leaned back, her expression unreadable. On the surface, she appeared confident- charming

leaving him, she hadn't been

her

he had caused her, she couldn't bring herself to let another man touch her. She had tried to move on, but every time, he had been

it mattered. Deep down, she knew she wouldn't have gone through with it anyway. Her heart had been his for far too long, and even though she hated him

Mr. Coleman," Irene said suddenly, breaking the silence. She turned her attention back to the food, focusing on each bite as though it might calm the

tightened. "Irene, since you left, I haven't touched

air, heavy with unspoken emotion.

his confession didn't matter. Whether he was telling

Though they sat side by side, it felt