Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 223: First Acquaintance, Second Familiarity

The closeness of their posture might make an onlooker think they had not seen each other for a long time. Julian buried his head in her shoulder, inhaling the fragrance behind her ear, a scent that was unique-not the common perfume found everywhere. It was fresh and natural, making him feel pure and lazy. He wished he could hold her forever, that her scent could dispel the fatigue of his day.

"Busy today?" he murmured.

"Mhm, it'll get better after this busy period," Aurora replied lazily as she leaned into his embrace.

"If you can't hold up, just tell me. You're not alone anymore. Even if you fall flat, I'll always be here to help you rise again."

Julian loved her deeply. He saw all of Aurora's struggles and efforts, and he often wished she could be softer. She didn't have to be so hard on herself, she could be coquettish in his arms and just be a woman, yet she chose to soar high instead.

While he felt sorry for her, he couldn't bear to clip her wings, even knowing how dazzling she was. He knew how many people would be lost in her light; he wanted to shield her brilliance from others, yet he feared that dimming her would make her unhappy. Loving someone was hard, and choosing between options was even harder.

"Julian, I know you care for me, but I really want to achieve everything on my own," Aurora murmured as she nuzzled his chest like a kitten.

That was enough for him. Seeing this tender side of her was enough. No matter how tough she was outside, she could retract her spikes and reveal her true self in his embrace, and that was all that mattered.

"Of course, just keep working hard and come to me if you face any trouble," Julian said as he gently kissed her soft hair.

go home tonight; we'll have

first, I'll follow your

things didn't need to be spelled out; he could guess them already. This reduced

one kiss enough?" Julian teased,

enough now?"

unable to resist, quipped, "Little Bunny, I'm

naive she had been! After their passionate encounter, by the time they both got dressed and emerged, it had already grown dark

I'm hungry..."

instantly leaping far away from Julian's embrace, fearing he might once again overpower her with his

it; I meant my stomach is hungry," Julian said with

what you mean? You always

Julian said as he reached out his long arms and pulled her back into his embrace. "Who says you

kiss you anymore, so you won't

like it when you kiss me... I like everything about you, truly," Julian declared earnestly, causing

mean you're not

Aurora pushed him away

fast? Wait for me, are you still mad? How about I make it up to you by cutting you a steak?" Julian