Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The scent of Ivy's body wash lingered faintly after her shower. Frank hadn't been close to a woman in a long time, and this woman was someone he cared deeply for.

From the moment Frank pulled her onto the deck, drenched in seawater, her hair dripping, Ivy's fragile and pitiful appearance struck a chord deep inside him. Men were naturally protective of women who seemed vulnerable, and that protective instinct often transformed into affection.

Frank had been looking out for Ivy these past days precisely because he liked her. Now, with her soft body leaning against his, his muscles tightened involuntarily.

"Ivy, are you sure? Think carefully. If you're not willing, I won't take advantage of you," he said, his voice low and restrained.

"Frank, I... I'm willing," she whispered.

Before her words faded, Frank sealed her lips with his own.

That night was destined to be restless. Yet, as Ivy surrendered to the moment, her mind was filled with thoughts of Mio Walsh. She called out his name again and again.

Frank froze, realizing she already had someone in her heart.

Later, as Ivy curled up in his arms and fell into a deep sleep, their bodies damp with sweat, Frank clasped her fingers tightly. "Ivy, I'll protect you," he murmured.

He had already made up his mind-no matter what kind of past Ivy had, he would treat her well for the rest of their lives.

But when Ivy woke, her first words shattered his dream completely.

really don't want to stay on this ship anymore.

If you don't mind... would you marry me? I've always liked you. And after last night..." His voice trailed off, filled with

was, at his core, a traditional man. While he had been with women before, it was always transactional, with no emotions involved. But once he became physically involved with someone, he felt a responsibility to take care of them. To him, Ivy was the woman he wanted to

a boyfriend. I'm sorry. Last night... it was because of the drug. You're a good man. Let's just pretend

edge of the wooden bed tightly. His

"Ivy, I..."

are you? I have a boyfriend. He's a good man, and I love him. I know what happened last night was unfair to him, but I didn't have

silence. That was all he could say. She already had someone in her heart. How could she ever feel the same way about him? He wasn't the kind

you, Frank. Now that Justin isn't on the ship, the pirates are all eyeing me like wolves. You can't protect me forever. Please, Frank,

touch had set him alight the night before. How

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heavy with resignation. He had to summon

eyes filled with gratitude. Though the drug had played a role the night before, she had made a calculated choice. Frank was

make him feel guilty. After taking her body, he wouldn't be as decisive

off. Frank was her

foot outside, afraid the pirates would swarm her if she so much as stepped out. She had heard they would dock at a port that night for supplies and stay there until

best time to help her escape. Once the pirates had mostly left the ship, he escorted Ivy to

air of solid ground and felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

reminded her of Aurora's first steps on land-grateful and deeply moved. There was nothing like the sensation of standing firmly

her joy. He watched her excited face with a heavy heart. "Ivy, I'm sorry. I

If it weren't for you, I'd have died at sea. I wouldn't have had the chance to leave the ship. Frank, you're my