Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Nick had never been one to meddle in others' affairs, but Julian was an exception. The fact that he had abandoned his own woman to rush into the freezing cold already left Nick in a foul mood.

Now, facing Kyle Raymond, who was determined to stop Aurora from leaving, Nick wasn't sure what he might do next if things escalated.

"Mr. Coleman, how generous of you to letnmy terms. But as I recall, you already have a woman by your side. So, what's with this sudden interest in another?" Kyle Raymond's words were laced with provocation, clearly referring to Irene. Their tumultuous past was well known, a scandal whispered about by many.

Afterward, Nick had cut ties with all women, keeping them at arm's length. This decision had beca source of mockery in certain circles.

"To me, Aurora isn't an outsider." Nick's voice was cool as he thought of Irene's affection for Aurora. It was mostly because of Aurora's connection to Julian, though Irene also genuinely liked the girl.

If something happened to Aurora today, Irene would be the first to hold him accountable. She had only just started to ease her attitude toward him, and if this situation went sideways, she would undoubtedly shut him out again.

For Nick, this wasn't just about Julian or Irene-it was about securing his own future happiness.

Memories of Irene's enticing smile and allure in bed flashed through his mind. No other woman had ever held a candle to her. For the sake of avoiding a lifetof loneliness, Nick was prepared to go all out today. Whether through negotiation or force, he had to take Aurora with him.

Perhaps, he thought to himself, rescuing Aurora might even make Irene happy. Who knows, she might throw herself into his arms as a reward. Wouldn't that be a win? As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Nick's icy demeanor unexpectedly softened. A faint smile tugged at his lips in the cold, heavy silence of the courtyard, where tension hung thick in the air.

He smiled. The man who was always as cold as snow actually smiled. And not just that- he seemed distracted. Kyle Raymond's brows furrowed deeply. "Did I say something funny?" he asked, his tone sharp, sensing the mockery in Nick's expression.

Nick quickly wiped the smile from his face, realizing the absurdity of his lapse in focus. In his younger days, such a mistake during a standoff would've gotten him killed.

"Aurora isn't an outsider. So, does that make her family?" Kyle Raymond's voice grew colder, his frustration evident. To him, Nick's behavior was a blatant show of disrespect.

"She's my sister-in-law," Nick replied flatly. "Mr. Raymond, you and I have no personal grievances. We've ca long way to get to where we are today, and I'd prefer not to escalate this into violence.

Let her go. Whatever you want-money, women, business deals-nyour price." Nick's tone had returned to its usual icy calm, but his words carried an unmistakable weight.

"And if I refuse?" Kyle Raymond countered. "I've taken a liking to her. I want her to stay." Kyle Raymond was never one to abide by others' rules. At first, his interest in Aurora stemmed from curiosity and faint admiration. It wasn't love, nor even infatuation.

But after meeting her, he found Aurora to be unique-unlike anyone he had ever encountered. Her laughter had a way of brightening his entire world.

He couldn't help but want to protect that smile. Yet, he feared his bloodstained hands might taint her purity.

His intentions were clear and restrained. He had no ulterior motives-not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't dare. He felt unworthy of her.

When Aurora had fainted, he brought her to his villa out of concern. He ensured she was cared for, even personally tending to her fever with wet towels.

Julian's calls had cin full of accusations, but Kyle Raymond wasn't the type to bow to threats.

In truth, he held no respect for Julian. If Aurora was Julian's woman, why couldn't he protect her? If Julian couldn't shield her, then Kyle would.

If it hadn't been him who found Aurora unconscious, who's to say what might have happened to her in the hands of someone less honorable? If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Kyle Raymond hadn't reflected on his own mistakes. Instead, he deliberately provoked Julian, saying things he knew would sting. From the start, he hadn't intended to harm Aurora.

Now Nick was at his doorstep, demanding her release. Kyle's pride and defiance flared. He wasn't about to hand her over just because Nick said so.

"Mr. Raymond," Nick said, his voice steady, "she already has someone in her heart. Holding onto her will only hurt everyone involved. Let her go, and we can part as friends. What do you say?" The crowd around them froze, stunned by Nick's words. Nick-always the lone wolf, proud and untouchable-was offering friendship? To those watching, the idea of Nick and Kyle Raymond joining forces was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. A union between these two would be an unstoppable force, capable of dominating entire industries.

Kyle Raymond smirked. "Mr. Coleman, I've always wanted to be your friend. But not because of a woman." "Kyle Raymond," Nick said coldly, "must you make this difficult? I've tried reasoning with you, but you refuse to listen. Do you really want us both to suffer?" "Mr. Coleman," Kyle shot back, "you've barged into my villa in the dead of night, and now you're questioning me? Do you think I'm weak?" In a flash, Kyle pulled out his gun, and the sound of others drawing their weapons followed instantly. "Bang!" The gunshot shattered the tense silence of the snowy night.

The once-quiet mansion sprang to life. Women in the house, startled by the noise, leapt from their beds. They knew Kyle Raymond's past-his ties to the underworld were no secret, even if he had since gone legitimate.

Panic spread among them as they feared the gunfire signaled old enemies coming to settle scores. Meanwhile, upstairs, Aurora stirred. The fever that had kept her unconscious had subsided to a low-grade warmth.

Slowly opening her blurry eyes, she scanned the unfamiliar room around her.

"Where am I?" she murmured, her voice groggy. She struggled to her feet curiosity\driving her to look out the window. What she saw chilled her: a courtyard filled with black-clad men, guns drawn, locked in a standoff.

At the center of it all stood Nick and Kyle Raymond.

A wave of unease washed over her as she hurried downstairs.

Nick's eyes narrowed as Kyle fired a shot into the sky.

"Kyle Raymond, you're asking for this. I gave you a chance," Nick said, his voice like ice.

Kyle's lips curled into a smirk. "Nick, those are my words to you."

"Fine," Nick replied, his tone e unyielding. "Letmake myself clear. No matter what it takes, I'm leaving with her tonight." "Then showwhat you've got." "Stop!" A weak, trembling voice broke through the standoff.

Everyone turned toward the sound, drawn to the woman who had just spoken. They were all eager to see the one who had managed to draw Nick Coleman into such a tic confrontation. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1