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.

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

mixture of anger and embarrassment. His audacity still had the

fleeting moment, he looked almost approachable,

will. Damn him-smiling like that. Who was he

laughed and leaned into him without hesitation. She would

took the food container from his hands. "Since

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

that," he said

Coleman. What should I call you, then?" Irene's lips curved into a sly smile, her tone light and

she wore to keep him from getting

what I want to hear," he said, his

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

sound of his name on her lips stirred something in him. No matter how cold or mocking

the surface, she appeared confident- charming and untouchable, the woman who

leaving him, she hadn't been

her

to let another man touch her. She had tried to move on, but every time, he had been there-watching, waiting,

Deep down, she knew she wouldn't have gone through with it anyway. Her heart had been his for

turned her attention back to the food, focusing on each bite as

jaw tightened. "Irene, since you left,

hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotion. Irene didn't respond. She didn't trust herself

Whether he was telling the truth

fell into an uneasy silence. Though they sat side by side, it felt as