Rihanna loves Chris Brown though singer is dating Krista Santiago

Rihanna and Chris Brown have a strong and complicated bond, despite their public breakup and drama.

Rihanna and Chris Brown
Rihanna and Chris Brown have remained close though he attacked her in 2009 Reuters

Barbadian singer/actress Rihanna is reportedly missing former boyfriend, American singer Chris Brown. The FourFiveSeconds hitmaker is apparently keeping a tab on the R&B singer through his social media accounts, after it was revealed that he is dating Krista Santiago.

According to a report in Hollywood Life, Rihanna recalled her good old days with Brown after listening to Alicia Keys' 2001 single, Fallin. A source said: "Rihanna had weak moment [after hearing the song]. It made her reflect on how deep their love was when they were in their heyday."

"She sent Chris the YouTube link to Alicia Keys' 'Fallin.' The words Alicia sang just got to Rihanna," the insider added.

The source continued: "She hates the fact she and Chris kept falling in and out of love in the past. She never loved someone the way that she loved her some Breezy! Guess it's the holidays that's got her in her feelings."

Brown infamously assaulted the Grammy winner in 2009, by hitting her so forcefully that she had major bruises on her face, a split lip, and a bloody nose. However, the two of them still have a strong and complicated bond, despite their public breakup and drama.

Meanwhile, during an interview with T magazine, Rihanna talked about relationships and the qualities she looks for in a man. She said: "Guys need attention. They need that nourishment, that little stroke of the ego that gets them by every now and then. I'll give it to my family, I'll give it to my work — but I will not give it to a man right now."

"I'm turned on by guys who are cultured. That'll keep me intrigued. They don't have to have a single degree, but they should speak other languages or know things about other parts of the world or history or certain artists or musicians. I like to be taught. I like to sit on that side of the table," she added.