Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora slept soundly, but Ivy wasn't as fortunate. The impulsive comment she made last night had angered Justin.

Having offended Justin, Ivy couldn't expect to be treated kindly on this ship. Everyone ignored her, except for Frank, the only decent man onboard, who took pity on her and gave her a room.

The room, however, was nothing more than a storage closet. It lacked air conditioning and contained only an old, shabby sofa. Thinking about how they were both people pulled from the sea, yet treated so differently, Ivy felt bitterness rising in her heart.

"Miss, it's cold at night. Letget you a blanket," Frank offered.

"Excuse me, do you have a phone here? I want to call my family," Ivy asked. She had nothing with her, not even a way to contact her family. She had narrowly escaped death, and the first person she wanted to reach was Walsh. She longed to hear his voice.

"Miss, I'm sorry, but there's no signal for mobile phones at sea. The ship has two special landline phones, one in the control room and the other with the boss," Frank explained.

"I'm worried my family won't be able to findand will start panicking. Could you please speak to your boss for me? I just need one call to let them know I'm okay." "I'm afraid that won't be possible. It's late now; you should rest. One more thing-be cautious around the people on this ship," Frank warned before leaving.

Frank, despite being nicknamed the "old good guy," wasn't actually old. He was only in his thirties, but years on the ship with little care for his appearance-unkempt clothes, scruffy beard, and sun-weathered skin-made him look older than his age.

Ivy, observing his scruffy face and stubbly beard, had instinctively called him "uncle." "Thank you," she replied.

Frank's warning replayed in Ivy's head as she realized the nature of the people on the ship. Their casual attire, vulgar language, and the way they had watched her struggle in the water without offering help were clear signs. They had stood there, entertained by her desperation.

"Uncle, can I use your bathroom? My wet clothes are freezing me," Ivy asked, feeling her body tremble from the chill.

"Miss, water is limited on this ship. Only the boss has a private bath in his room. The rest of us share a communal bathroom, which might not be convenient for a woman like you. There's only one other woman on this ship, and she's... different. She doesn't mind bathing with the men. But you..." Frank trailed off awkwardly, and Ivy frowned. Compared to the luxurious triple-deck cruise ship she had been on before, this vessel was nothing more than a floating hovel. She resigned herself to endure it until they reached land.

"Do you have a basin in your room? I can clean myself with shot water instead. I can't endure this cold any longer." Frank nodded. "Alright." He led Ivy to his room, which was slightly better than the storage closet. It had a small private bathroom. "Here's the basin and hot water. I'll go get sclothes for you from Mrs. Woolf," he said.

"Thank you, Uncle," Ivy replied.

"I'm 32. CallFrank," he corrected, feeling awkward about being called "uncle" by someone younger.

"You're only 32? I'm sorry, then. Thank you, Frank, for speaking up and savingearlier," Ivy said sincerely. She remembered clearly that if it weren't for him, the boss might not have saved her at all.

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! "It's nothing. You're a young woman; it wasn't easy for you," Frank said, scratching the back of his head. "Go wash up. I'll step out. And remember, the people on this ship aren't good people, so don't leave this room unless necessary." Frank's words were vague, but Ivy quickly understood. Other than Mrs. Woolf, there was now a second woman on the ship-herself. Ivy knew exactly what men like these could do, and she had no intention of reliving the nightmare she had endured in that abandoned warehouse.

That experience had left her with scars she would carry for life. The stench of the vagrants and their leering laughter still haunted her dreams. Though she had buried those memories to save Genevieve, she knew they could never truly be erased.

Ivy removed her soaked clothes and used the hot water to clean herself. She was alive, and that was all that mattered for now. Aurora was also on this ship, and Ivy knew she would have her chance to act eventually.

"Miss, here are sclothes for you. There aren't many young women onboard, so you'll have to make do with these," Frank said, returning with an armful of clothing.

"Thank you, Frank," Ivy replied, grateful that fate had at least allowed her to meet one kind person.

"Frank, I hear you've already brought that woman into your room? Moving fast, aren't you?" A burly voice called from outside the door.

Ivy's heart tightened. This ship was strange, and the people on board even stranger. Frank had warned her that none of them were good.

"I just let her use my hot water. She was freezing after being in the sea for so long," Frank replied calmly.

"After washing, are you planning to take her to bed? Frank, we haven't had a woman on this ship in ages. The boss already has one in his room. This one's free game, isn't she?" Ivy's fingers gripped her sleeves tightly. Frank hadn't been wrong-these men were vile.

"No. She was saved by the boss himself. None of you better lay an hand on her unless you want your En heads blown off," Frank said firmly. "Is this about you wanting her all to yourself, or are you just scared of the boss?" "I'm not that kind of person. Now get lost before you scare her!" Frank growled, successfully driving the men away.

Once they were gone, Ivy stepped out of the bathroom. "Thank you for protecting me," she said softly.

"It's nothing," Frank mumbled, scratching his head awkwardly. "You can stay here tonight. Don'¤ Ó M ve misunderstand-ljust don't think it's safe for you to stay elsewhere." "Alright. Thank you," Ivy replied, exhausted. Frank's nicknas the "old good guy" reflected his kind nature. Ivy felt safe for the first tin days.

"You should take the bed. I'm used to rough sleeping; I'll manage," Frank insisted, seeing her settle on a chair.

"Thank you. Once I contact my family, I'll make sure to repay you," Ivy promised.

Frank opened his mouth but hesitated, unable to tell her the truth about the ship. This wasn't an m ordinary vessel, and once someone boarded, leaving was almost impossible. Seeing her tired expression, he decided to let her rest for now. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1