Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 80 Tenderness Is Intoxicating

The wind by the seaside at night was strong. Julian held the woman in his arms tightly, understanding finally, through her drunken ramblings, how she had survived these

past three years.

He had always thought that the dramatic changes in her were due to the shock of that night. Only now did he realize it was life itself that had changed her, hardening her into someone so strong and cold through adversity. On the surface, her personality had shifted significantly. She was enchanting, icy, capable of smiling at everyone, but in truth, she loved no one. This realization filled him with even more guilt. Had he tried everything to keep her by his side back then, could he have spared her all that suffering?

But then, he wouldn't have been able to witness such a charismatic woman she was

now.

Julian carried her back to the car, and from there, they returned to his villa. Throughout the journey, he never loosened his grip, holding her tightly against him. Her frail body seemed as though it would vanish if he let go. As he carried Aurora into the house, even the butler was taken aback, having never seen his young master handle a woman with such careful tenderness. His face was gentle, as if he held not a person but a priceless treasure that might shatter with the slightest touch.

"Mr. Barnet, you..." the butler began to speak.

"Shh," Julian whispered gently.

He did not want to disturb Aurora's sleep. The butler quickly shut his mouth, realizing that his young master had truly fallen for Miss Montgomery.

As Julian ascended the stairs, he whispered, "Prepare a light breakfast for tomorrow." "Yes, Mr. Barnet."

After instructing the butler, Julian carried her into the master bedroom. There, Aurora's dark hair was spread carelessly over the bed, her skin fair under the light.

In the past, he would have pounced on her, marking his territory fiercely. But today, he simply fetched some warm water and gently wiped the makeup from her face and the sand from her hands and feet.

removed, Aurora looked even more tender and frail. After

a gentle kiss on her forehead before turning off the light and drawing

through the night, perhaps due to the alcohol or perhaps because she exacted her revenge on Susan. She didn't have any nightmares and slept

with a pounding headache. Rubbing her eyes, she

it? Told you not to drink so fast last night," a man's voice said, startling

realizing she was

having dinner. How did I end up at your

I have

pulled

you doing?" Aurora tensed

gently. "You were so

made her feel somewhat embarrassed. She remembered the day she had returned to Clothville, when she had tried to teach him a lesson while he was vulnerable. Back then, he had been drugged, nothing like the formidable Julian of

morning to find yourself in

innocently lain in his arms after falling asleep last night. If she had been in someone else's

Over the years, she had attended many drinking sessions, some unavoidable, and she drank. To avoid getting drunk, she often went to the

complaint. She didn't respond to his question

first met. He wasn't as tough and domineering as he was before, having become much gentler instead.

off the covers and jumped out of bed, still wearing her short skirt

blood not only stained the sheets but also marked Julian's

red. "I didn't do