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.

said simply, his voice low and deliberate. "If you won't eat,

anger and embarrassment. His audacity

on his face, softening the sharp edges of his features. For a fleeting moment, he looked

heartbeat betrayed her, quickening against her will. Damn him-smiling like

without hesitation. She would have let her guard

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

"Mr. Coleman" again, Nick's gaze darkened. He hated the distance implied in her

me that," he said

call you, then?" Irene's lips

her act-the carefree, playful mask she wore to keep him from getting too close. He had hurt her too

want to hear," he said, his

swallowed the porridge, then leaned in close. Her breath brushed against his ear, warm and deliberate. "Does Mr. Coleman want

lips stirred something in him. No matter how cold or mocking her tone,

On the surface, she appeared confident- charming and untouchable, the woman who now ran her own bar and

leaving him, she hadn't been

her first-and her

their separation, even after the pain he had caused her, she couldn't bring herself to let another man touch her. She had tried to move

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

around you aren't enough, 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 storm

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

with unspoken

his confession didn't matter. Whether he was telling the truth or not, it was irrelevant. Their

side by side, it felt as though an unbridgeable