Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Nick quickly grabbed Julian, who was about to rush out in desperation. "What are you doing? We need to trust Vortex. Have you forgotten what he said before? If this man really is a professional assassin, he's bound to be armed. Are you rushing out to get yourself killed or to alert him prematurely?"

Julian, usually calm and composed, couldn't hold back his anxiety. The recovery team still hadn't found the body, and the longer it took, the more worried he became. "Where's the self-control you used to be so proud of?" Nick pressed.

"Nick, if it were Irene in danger today, would you be this calm?" Julian's wounded gaze met Nick's, rendering him speechless.

Nick knew the truth. If something like this had happened to Irene, he would have torn the heavens apart to save her.

"Neither of us could. But for now, leave this to Vortex. Trust him, okay?" Nick said

firmly.

Julian reluctantly sat back down, though his eyes remained glued to the surveillance monitor. Suddenly, the screen showed a change.

Joe Hopkinson had taken just two steps when Vortex's cold voice rang out behind him. "Mr. Joe Hopkinson, why would you bring a gun aboard a cruise ship just to have fun?"

Joe froze in shock. As an assassin, carrying a gun was second nature. Had he accidentally exposed it when he got up? Instinctively, his left hand reached for his back, only to find his gun missing. By the time he realized Vortex had tricked him, it was too late.

The earlier questioning had just been a ploy. Vortex's true intent had been this moment. Joe had let his guard down, and now he was caught.

As an assassin, Joe knew he couldn't keep up the act any longer. There was only one way out: fight his way through. The ship was crowded; grabbing a hostage was always an option. He had already called for backup, so all he needed to do was escape this

room.

pulling out a gun. But Vortex was faster. Before Joe could aim, Vortex

through the hall. Guests screamed and scattered, ducking for cover. Was there really

making him drop his weapon. If it had been anyone else from the police, they might

one has ever escaped me, Assassin K,"

gone. His eyes were sharp and dangerous. "Vortex, do you

worry. You've still

faint smirk at the corner of his mouth was visible. It was cruel and bloodthirsty. He had carried out countless high- level missions for

have crossed as long as their objectives didn't conflict. Vortex wasn't a cop, yet his authority surpassed that of the police. Sometimes, the tasks he carried out weren't much different from those of an assassin.

nothing more to say. But, Vortex,

marksmanship is flawless. Well, I'm known as a sharpshooter myself. Should we test that out? Who'll take the first shot-you or me?" Vortex said, his

the monitor, holding his breath. In the corporate world, he could decide the life or death of an entire company with ease. But Vortex was a different breed. He decided the fate of individuals, delivering judgment with

I didn't know you'd

Assassin K, I have no personal grudge against you. Arresting criminals is the police's job. My only goal is helping my

cold. "Betraying a client is a death sentence in this line of work.

I can make sure you don't survive now?" Vortex

you three seconds to think it

"Three... two... one..."

decide in three seconds?" Assassin K

one second to kill," Vortex replied, firing another