Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The small woman in the car reeked of alcohol. Julian wasn't sure how much she had drunk. The warmth of the car's heater enveloped them, but he was still worried she might catch a chill. He took off his coat and draped it over her.

Drunkenness often brought on cold shivers, so he held her close to his chest. In the soft glow of streetlights filtering into the car, he could make out her delicate, sleeping face.

She was happy, wasn't she? Today's victory must have been exhilarating. Even as an observer, Julian had felt joy for her. These past days, she had been racing around like a whirlwind, handling all sorts of matters.

Now, at last, she could rest. Julian carried her into the warmth of the house.

"Is she asleep?" Mrs. Hill asked upon seeing the woman nestled securely in Julian's arms. There was probably no other place in the world where Aurora felt as safe as she did in his embrace.

"She's asleep. Please prepare a light breakfast for tomorrow morning," Julian said considerately. He hadn't forgotten how miserable she always felt the next day after drinking.

"Of course, Mr. Barnet," Mrs. Hill replied, tidying up before heading to bed herself. Back in the room, Aurora was still fast asleep. Julian had no choice but to play the role of a servant once again.

He carefully removed her clothes and fetched a warm towel to clean her face and body. Aurora always insisted on bathing at night, but in her current state, a bath wasn't practical. Instead, he used the towel to wipe her down, ensuring she was clean and comfortable for a good night's sleep.

As he finished, Julian realized his body had already reacted to her proximity. He glanced at her angelic, sleeping face. After a moment of hesitation, he decided not to disturb her and went straight to the bathroom.

time in the future. Tonight,

had lit up with a notification. He hadn't intended to snoop,

want to know about Tina, meet me at Blue Rain Café tomorrow at 5 p.

learn about Tina. John, who had been closely associated with Tina, likely knew the truth. If he were willing to talk, the mystery

him. Tina had likely sworn John to secrecy. Why, then, would he now take the initiative to reach out,

darkened as a thought occurred

certain. Tina had left to protect Aurora and had deliberately kept her in the dark about the R family. If the curse was real, John's message carried

what Aurora had told him, John deeply loved Tina. At their first meeting, he had even

had changed her mind and wanted to reveal something to Aurora, she would have reached

Tina, might be willing to betray her wishes. He wanted to draw Aurora into this complicated situation, perhaps to alleviate some of Tina's

hand, he was breaking a promise to Tina. On the other, he wanted to help her. By texting, he left it to fate-if Aurora saw the message, she might go. If she didn't, it would be out of his

free. The next chapter is

had the same resolve to protect Aurora. No one, and nothing, would be allowed to harm the

unlocked the phone, opened the message, and deleted it. John Walsh, you left this to chance. Unfortunately, Aurora's fate is in my hands. Afterward, Julian powered off the phone and placed it back on the table. He slipped into bed beside Aurora, who instinctively burrowed into his arms as he settled in. "Julian..." she murmured, her lips

who leaned on him so completely, her trust and reliance

I worked so hard to have you in my life, and I won't let anyone or anything take you away

breath mingled

sighs fueled his desires. Initially, Julian had resolved to let her rest. But after everything that had happened,