Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

After waiting for two hours, Frank finally returned. When he pushed the door open, Ivy was taken aback.

"Frank, you're back?" she said, her voice filled with surprise.

Frank smiled as he stepped into the room. "What? Don't recognize me?" he teased, walking toward her.

Ivy stared at the man before her. The rugged, scruffy image she had grown used to was gone. His once long and messy beard was shaved clean, and his hair was cropped short.

Without the beard, Frank looked like a completely different person. His bold, chiselled features became strikingly apparent. Even though his clothes were plain and old- fashioned, bought from the small village, he looked refreshingly handsome.

"Your beard... where did it go?" she asked, still stunned.

"I shaved it. I couldn't meet your family looking like a mess, could I? I figured I should clean myself up. Don't you think it looks better?"

Ivy chuckled. "If you'd looked like this from the start, I never would've called you 'old man."" She couldn't help but think of Justin, who had also looked like a different person after shaving and cutting his hair.

"What kind of look do you prefer?" Frank asked, his voice soft.

"It doesn't matter," Ivy replied, her tone warm. "As long as it's you, I'll love it all." She reached up and touched his face. She wasn't used to this smoothness-before, his beard would always prick her skin during kisses.

"Ivy, I'm exhausted," Frank admitted, his voice heavy. "I need some sleep." He looked drained, and the redness in his eyes made her heart ache.

"Alright," she said gently. "Come inside and rest." She took his hand and led him to the bed she had been using these past few days.

The moment Frank's head hit the pillow, he was ready to fall asleep. Ivy decided to join him for a nap. After all, their relationship was no longer uncertain; they'd already crossed that line of intimacy. It didn't feel strange to lie beside him now.

"Sleep," she whispered, resting her head against his chest.

Unlike her time with Mio, where lying in bed together always felt distant and awkward, Frank's presence was grounding. Mio had never held her close, and she'd been too nervous to touch him. With Frank, it was different. She wanted to lean into him, to feel his warmth.

Frank stiffened slightly at her touch, and she guessed he was remembering that passionate night they'd shared.

"Ivy..."

murmured, her

Frank's honesty was disarming, his shy nature

in love for the first time. She didn't answer, simply

pause, she opened her eyes and saw Frank looking at

you kiss me?" she asked

asleep," he said sheepishly. Frank could be so endearing at times

She leaned forward and kissed him instead, taking the lead. His kisses were unpracticed and clumsy, driven

inexperienced with women, but kissing was something he had never done before

tension building between them. Frank, ever the gentleman,

stifled a laugh. He's hopeless, she thought

within him. His

he stammered, "I just took a

her

he added,

fresh scent of soap

teased, feigning ignorance. She enjoyed seeing him flustered, his honesty making him an easy target for

you. Is that okay?" His face turned an even deeper shade of

wanted

is it that you want to do?" she teased,

night," he mumbled, his

me, Frank. Do you mean

stars on the deck like we did last

both embarrassed and determined. "This," he said, flipping her onto her

turn to blush. She looked up at him, his bronze skin glowing

on his body taut

asked again, his voice tender

you a pirate?" she blurted out, catching him

"What?"