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.

know you didn't have breakfast," he said simply, his voice low and deliberate. "If you won't eat,

cheeks burned with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. His audacity still had the power

streaming through 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 knew better-he

will. Damn

laughed and leaned into him without hesitation. She would have let her guard

his hands. "Since you're so

the distance implied in her

that," he said

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

keep him from getting too close. He had hurt her too deeply, and this

he said,

Her breath brushed against his ear, warm and deliberate. "Does Mr. Coleman

in him. No matter how cold or mocking her tone, it still hit him like a blade to the

me, Irene," he warned, though his voice lacked its usual edge. She leaned back, her expression unreadable. On the surface, she appeared confident- charming and untouchable, the woman who now ran her own bar and flirted with strangers as if it were second nature.

him, she hadn't

had been her

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

gone through with it anyway. Her heart had been his for far too long, and even though she hated him for it, she

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

since you left, I

air, heavy with unspoken emotion. Irene didn't

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

Though they sat side by