Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 448: Wanting to Do Something lan's expression made it seem as though he was about to grab Gemma's hand and announce their engagement. Even Gemma's face flushed red as the thought crossed her mind-could lan have had a change of heart? "lan, are you here to share sgood news with us?" "From the first day, you've had a thing for this girl. It's about tyou two made it official!" "Exactly! You two are a perfect match-talented man, beautiful woman. A match made in heaven!" "lan, congratulations in advance," Leonard said, suppressing the unease in his heart as he offered his blessing. Everyone assumed lan was about to announce something romantic involving Gemma. Yet, they failed to notice the cold, detached expression on his face from beginning to end.

Gemma's heart pounded wildly. "lan..." she murmured softly.

But lan's voice was icy. "Yes, I did have a feeling for Gemma back when I was a freshman. But that's all in the past-I gave up on her a long tago.

I hope everyone can stop misunderstanding our relationship. Letmake it clear: I will never have feelings for Gemma again. She'll have her own family someday, so please stop making baseless assumptions that might ruin her future. Between us, there's nothing but a professional, colleague relationship." As he finished speaking, he let go of Gemma's hand. Both she and the onlookers were stunned. What was happening? Leonard, seeing the wounded look on Gemma's face, couldn't hold back anymore. "Ian, how can you say something like that? She's still a woman, after all." "What I said is the truth," lan replied calmly. "I've told you all before not to joke aboutand her, yet none of you listened. I'm doing this for her sake. She'll get married someday, and constantly tying her towill only block her prospects." Gemma looked at this version of lan, remembering how he used to blush just from speaking to her. If she smiled at him, he would lower his head and stare at his shoes.

Now, he could meet her gaze without hesitation, but there was no trace of her in his eyes anymore. This unfamiliar lan frightened her, yet at the stime, she felt an inexplicable attraction to this newfound maturity in him. He seemed more manly now, and it made her heart flutter.

There was a twhen she couldn't imagine lan saying such words. But now, seeing him transformed, she was more determined than ever not to let him go.

The atmosphere grew tense for a moment.

"lan is right. We're not a couple. I'm sorry for letting everyone misunderstand," Gemma interjected, trying to lighten the mood. "Wasn't today supposed to be a birthday celebration? Why is everyone focusing on us? Let's not dwell on unpleasant topics today." Her words successfully shifted the conversation and gave her a reason to stay. Her real plan was still in motion. "Yeah, what are we all standing around for? Con, sit down!" someone chimed in. Perhaps because Gemma had tactfully backed down, lan gave her a subtle nod. He hoped this would be the end of any connection between them.

The mood soon beclively again. Ian, known for his poor drinking tolerance, was quickly targeted. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, each drinking enthusiastically. Gemma, rolling up her sleeves, joined in on the drinking games. She seemed adept at these, effortlessly winning at dice and finger-guessing games.

As a beautiful woman, she naturally attracted attention, and everyone wanted to play with her. Meanwhile, Leonard and lan sat together drinking silently. Ian, however, didn't last long before he was visibly drunk.

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! "I can't anymore. I need to go home," lan muttered after stumbling to the restroom to vomit several times. "Nobody's leaving tonight! Keep drinking! I've already booked rooms upstairs. Once you're tired, just head up to sleep. Nobody's allowed to go home!" their boss declared. Despite his usual low profile, it was clear he cfrom a well-off family.

The group beceven more boisterous. The earlier tension between lan and Gemma was long forgotten as everyone immersed themselves in the games.

Gemma, too, was caught up in the games. Despite her impressive drinking ability, even she couldn't avoid getting tipsy. Her face was soon flushed red.

"I... I'm done. You all keep playing," she said, slipping away from the crowd. She slumped into the seat next to lan and promptly fell asleep.

lan glanced at the clock-it was already 2 a. m., and the others showed no sign of stopping.

Leonard handed lan two room cards. "Ian, Gemma's out of it. Since you don't want to play anymore, take her to her room, then head to the one next door to rest." "I'm not the right person to take her. You do it," lan replied coldly, wanting to avoid any involvement with Gemma.

"Look around. Which of these men here do you think is appropriate? They're all drunk and rowdy. Letting one of them take her would be a disaster. You're the only one who has no interest in her, which makes you the safest option.

Even if you two aren't a couple, you're still friends. Friends don't just stand by and do nothing, right?" Leonard reasoned.

"So why don't you take her?" lan shot back.

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! "Do you think I don't want to? I... I just can can'tthustrmyself, Leonard admitted, his eyes lingering on Gemma's partially exposed chest. His words, for once, weren't a lie. "Fine. I'll do it," lan relented with a sigh. He bent down and lifted Gemma into his arms. Gemma wasn't as drunk as she appeared-she was faking it. But lan carried her effortlessly in a princess hold, a feat that would have been impossible for a less physically capable man. This small gesture added another point in lan's favor in Gemma's heart. Gemma leaned against his chest, her hand pressed against his body. She could feel the firm muscles beneath his shirt, a stark contrast to the middle-aged, pot-bellied men she had once seduced for money.

lan's scent was clean and pure, free of cigarettes or alcohol. If not for tonight's unusual circumstances, he wouldn't have even touched a drop of alcohol. The faint trace of liquor on him now only added to his masculinity, and Gemma found herself wishing she could stay in his warm arms forever.

lan opened the door to the room and placed Gemma gently on the bed. She was wearing a black lace crop top and a short skirt. After being carried, her top had ridden up, exposing most of her slim waist, while her chest remained barely covered. The short skirt barely concealed her underwear-one slight movement would reveal everything. Gemma was fully aware of how enticing she looked.

It wasn't just lan, a man who'd never had a girlfriend, who would struggle to resist-she knew even experienced men would falter.

Alone in the room, both drunk, she closed her eyes and let her imagination run wild. The thought of lan's toned body, so different from the men she had known before, sent a thrill through her.

She cracked her eyes open, watching lan as he stood by the bed. Dressed in a shirt, vest, and slacks, he exuded a restrained, almost ascetic allure.

The more restrained he seemed, the more Gemma's heart raced. She couldn't wait any longer-she wanted him to do something, anything.

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