In spite of the abusive relationship she experienced with her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, Rihanna has admitted that she still cares about the rapper. The Stay singer added that Chris was her "last real boyfriend", even though she has been linked to a string of men including Leonardo DiCaprio since.
Chris, 26, was charged with assault and making criminal threats in March 2009 after he attacked Rihanna in his car on the night before the Grammys. Chris was sentenced to five years probation and given a restraining order.
However in January 2013, Rihanna rekindled her romance with the Don't Judge Me rapper.
Chris Brown was sentenced to five years probation after attacking his ex-girlfriend Rihanna
"I was very protective of him," Rihanna told Vanity Fair, in which she stars as the publication's November cover girl. "I felt that people didn't understand him. Even after."
While she and her ex no longer have much of a relationship, Rihanna admitted: "I don't hate him. I will care about him until the day I die."
The Bajan beauty said she felt like she was Chris' "guardian angel" and that she could change him.
"Maybe I'm the person who's almost the guardian angel to this person," said Rihanna. "To be there when they're not strong enough, when they're not understanding the world, when they just need someone to encourage them in a positive way and say the right thing."
"I was very protective of him," said Rihanna. "I felt that people didn't understand him."
When she realised that enough was enough, the singer "had to walk away".
Speaking about her love life, Rihanna admitted that she does sometimes feel lonely but due to her work commitments, she doesn't have time for that special someone.
"I have so much work to do that I get distracted," said the artist. "I don't have time to be lonely. And I get fearful of relationships because I feel guilty about wanting someone to be completely faithful and loyal, when I can't even give them ten per cent of the attention that they need.
"It's just the reality of my time, my life, my schedule."