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.

gun. But Vortex was faster. Before Joe could

hall. Guests screamed and scattered, ducking for cover. Was there really an assassin on board? Was this not just a

drop his weapon. If it had been anyone else from the police,

one has ever escaped me, Assassin K," Vortex said, his voice cold and

his once-innocent expression gone. His eyes were

hand," Vortex replied nonchalantly. "But don't worry. You've still got

his expression, but the faint smirk at the corner of his mouth was visible. It was cruel and

wouldn't 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. But today, he was here for Julian, and that

already figured me out, I have nothing more to say. But, Vortex, you don't think I only brought one gun, do you?" Assassin K's face twisted into a mocking grin. An assassin's hands were their lifeline, and Vortex had just taken one away.

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

ease. But Vortex was a different breed. He decided the fate of individuals, delivering judgment with chilling precision. No wonder Vortex had insisted Julian stay in the room. Against someone like Assassin K, Julian wouldn't

he'd met his match. "Vortex, I didn't know you'd stoop to working for the police. Isn't investigating two deaths

personal grudge against you. Arresting criminals is the police's job. My only goal

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

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

overwhelming. "I'll give you three

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

decide in three seconds?"

only takes one second to