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 the 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.

Joe moved swiftly, pulling out a gun. But Vortex was faster. Before Joe could aim, Vortex fired decisively.

The sound of the gunshot echoed through the hall. Guests screamed and scattered, ducking for cover. Was there really an assassin on board? Was this not just a freak accident? Vortex's shot hit Joe's hand, making him drop his weapon. If it had been anyone else from the police, they might have hesitated, but Vortex had no such reservations. This boldness was what set him apart.

"No one has ever escaped me, Assassin K," Vortex said, his voice cold and commanding.

Joe Hopkinson raised his head again, his once-innocent expression gone. His eyes were sharp and dangerous. "Vortex, do you know what's most important to an assassin?" "A hand," Vortex replied nonchalantly. "But don't worry. You've still got one more, don't you?" The mask on Vortex's face obscured his expression, but the faint smirk at the corner of his mouth was visible. It was cruel and bloodthirsty. He had carried out countless high-level missions for the nation, and Assassin K was a notorious nin the underworld.

Normally, their paths 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 changed everything.

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! "Since you've already figuredout, 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. This was a grudge he couldn't let go of.

"They say Assassin K's 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 tone light but laced with menace.

Julian watched 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 chilling precision. No wonder Vortex had insisted Julian stay in the room. Against someone like Assassin K, Julian wouldn't stand a chance-and he'd only end up being a liability.

Assassin K knew he'd met his match. "Vortex, I didn't know you'd stoop to working for the police. Isn't investigating two deaths beneath you?" "I told you, I'm here to help a friend. Assassin K, I have no personal grudge against you. Arresting criminals is the police's job. My only goal is helping my friend. Tellthe truth-who hired you? If you cooperate, I might let you live." The offer was tempting, but Assassin K's face remained cold. "Betraying a client is a death sentence in this line of work. How would I survive in the future?" "Do you believe I can make sure you don't survive now?" Vortex said, his tone calm but his presence overwhelming. "I'll give you three seconds to think it over." "Three... two... one..." "How can anyone decide in three seconds?" Assassin K scoffed.

"It only takes one second to kill," Vortex replied, firing another shot.

With a sharp crack, Assassin K's other hand was rendered useless. This was the mark of a true master. The long conversation had been a façade, designed to make Assassin K drop his guard.

Vortex understood assassins too well. They were desperate, dangerous people. Cornering them could provoke a deadly retaliation. With so many people on board, collateral damage was a risk he couldn't take. That's why Vortex had handled this alone, without backup. "Wasn't your plan all along to kill me?" Assassin K asked.

"I injured your hands because, as you said, they're an assassin's most precious tools. If I let you go, you'd huntdown no matter where I went. I don't leave loose ends. Besides, you're no innocent. Your hands are stained with the blood of countless victims. Consider this my contribution to justice." Assassin K smirked disdainfully. "And you think your hands are any cleaner than mine? Kill me, and my friends won't let you go."

"You think I don't have enemies? I've faced assassins, mercenaries, and worse. A hundred like you wouldn't scare me. But you should worry about yourself. You know my methods. Cooperate, and we both walk away with minimal pain. Refuse, and you know what I'm capable of." Vortex's smile was cold, almost demonic. He was a harbinger of death.

If Assassin K had known his target wasn't just another wealthy heiress but someone who would bring Vortex into the picture, he would never have taken the contract.

Vortex had already subdued him and confiscated all his weapons. The mask he always wore was his shield against retribution. He had made too many enemies; if anyone discovered his true identity, they would stop at nothing for revenge.

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