IT'S been two days since Zoe lived with Helios. It's Monday, and she just went home from school. Her everyday life as a student became different the moment she lived with Helios. Yesterday, the man ordered someone to pick up and pack her things at her old apartment. However, they only brought her something that she would need at school but not her clothes because Helios bought many of them.

She knew he bought her but to the extent that he would buy her dresses and stuff. She couldn't say anything about his treatment. He's caring—despite the fact that he has a solid and scary aura, she still manages to stay calm on his side. And she has this strong feeling that she's safe when she's with him.

About her mom… they lost communication. But Helios assured her that her mother was safe. She trusts Helios' words. She doesn't know, but she felt at ease being with him in just a few days.

"Miss, dinner is ready."

"Thank you, Nana Milky. But I will wait for Helios first," Zoe said and smiled at Helios' butler.

"But Helios said you must eat dinner on time, Miss," the old woman said, which makes Zoe hold her hand.

"Nana, I'm okay. I will just wait for Helios, and you can have a rest. I will be the one who will prepare his dinner," she said.

The old lady sighed. "What else I can do? Since you live here, you always want to help, but Helios ordered that you don't have to and focus on your studies until you graduate."

Zoe crept a smile on her face. "Nana, I am just a nobody. So, I want to help."

The old lady shook her head and sighed. "Okay, then. I know I can't change your mind," the old lady said in defeat, then smiled at her. "You're such a beautiful and kind lady," she added.

She smiled back and let the older woman go into her room as she waited for Helios. Also, she needs to talk to him. She was curious about his treatment and the like. And why does he always ask her if she knew him?

And no matter how hard she tried to remember moments from the past people that she interacted with, she can't really remember him. The fact that she will forget the faces of people that she met, she also knew that it's pointless.

She glanced at the wall clock, and it was already eight in the evening. She turned off the television. Helios usually got home at this time, she thought. She stood up and was about to walk on her way to the kitchen when the main door opened.

And the man she wanted to see stepped inside.

A tint of shock was visible in Helios' eyes when their gazes met.

"What are you still doing?" he asked, and he walked to the wooden table near the door and put down his car key inside the swan's cup.

He started to take off his neckties as he walked closer to her.

Zoe sighed. "Did you already eat?" she asked, trying to be casual to him—well, they always talk as if they knew each other for a long time.

Yesterday, Zoe found out about his identity when she asked Nana Milky. He's a famous bachelor in the business world. He owned a car company.

"You knew I'm not eating dinner outside—"

"Yeah, you prefer Nana's dishes," she said and smiled. "Come on, let's eat," she added, which made Helios frown.

"You really talk to me as if we've known each other for a long time, yet if I asked you, you always replied that you can't remember," he said.

Zoe sighed. "It's the truth. I really can't remember—have we met before?" she tilted her head a little bit, "No matter how hard I tried to remember every event…" she shook her head, "—I can't remember that we have met before.

Helios formed a sly smirk on his lips. "Okay. Don't overthink about it," he said as he took off his coat and his necktie. He was about to throw it on the couch when Zoe rushed towards him.

"Let me," she said as she grabbed it. "I'll just put this on the laundry basket—"

"Zoe…" Helios called her name, which made her put to a halt.

She arched her brow and met Helios' gaze. She waited for Helios' following words, but his mouth didn't open, and just nodded at her before he walked towards the kitchen.

Zoe frowned. "Did he want to say something to me?" she whispered.

When Helios pulled the chair in the kitchen and sat, he cursed inside his head. Don't lose control, his inner self shouted.

He heaved a deep sigh and waited for Zoe. After a few moments, Zoe returned, and the woman started to serve him dinner, which she didn't need to. But it seems like the woman felt that she has debts to pay, so he just let her. Besides, it was the first time that a woman cared for her—he meant a stranger like her.

Zoe smiled at him, and he smiled back. And it's another thing that he does, unusually. He's not fond of smiling, but his heart softened with a simple smile or gestures from Zoe.

They eat dinner peacefully, and when he's done, he stands up and is about to put his plate on the sink when Zoe stands up and initiates to have it.

"You can go upstairs and rest. Leave it to me," she said.

He sighed and nodded. It seems he can't stop her. He then left the kitchen and went upstairs.

Zoe smiled unconsciously while washing the dishes. She doesn't know, but she feels like she was her girlfriend— "Damn it," she whispered. Then suddenly. She remembers that she needs to talk to him.

After she was done with what she was doing, she hurried to the next floor and knocked on Helios' room. She frowned and knocked once again but still, no one opened the door. She then tried to twist the knob, and her eyes widened… 'it's not locked,' she thought.

She pressed her lips together and heaved a sigh as she twisted it and pushed the door open. Her forehead creased when she didn't see Helios inside. She knew what she was doing was inappropriate, but she was just curious what his room looked like, and as she expected, it was shouted luxury, yet it was simple.

The interior paint is so cold to the eyes. It's gray and has a lining of black below. He has a king-sized bed. And the color of the sheet and his comforter is silky black. Now, she nodded. Helios maybe loves the color black and gray. The color of his pillows was gray.

She closes the door and roams her eyes inside his room. And her gaze stopped on the picture frames that were above his side table. She smiled. She walked towards it and grabbed it as she ran her fingers into his portrait.

"What are you doing here?"

Zoe suddenly put down the frame and turned around in his direction. Her eyes widened when he saw him.

Helios is half-naked!

And while he walked in her direction, her eyes went down to his navel—shit! Eight-packs, she screamed inside her head.

She was about to look away when her eyes caught the tribal tattoo on his left arm until it covered his left chest. She squinted her eyes, and thoughts suddenly came into her mind. Then she came to realize…

"Y-You…" her heart started to palpitate as the memories of that night came across her mind, "—you're that man—that tattoo…" she's sure that she already saw that tattoo—the unique tribal design…

Helios approached her side in a swift move and suddenly cupped her face and pressed his lips into hers.

WHEN Zoe’s lips met his lips, a bomb suddenly exploded inside her. The kiss is familiar, and so is his touch. She knew that her body recognized it.

He was the man whom she let have her that night two years ago. She can’t forget that tribal tattoo design covering his left chest and shoulder. The room that night is dim, but the tattoo shines through the dark.

She was sure that he was the man who took her virginity—yes, she lost it that night. It was clear as snow, but it was the memory she tried to forget. She was drunk. However, she still remembers what she did. She was at the counter at that time while waiting for her mom. She remembered clearly how she pulled the guy that passed by in front of her and suddenly kissed him. It was supposed to be a peck, but the guy caught her lips again.

She opened her eyes at the moment and pushed Helios away. Her chest was heavy panting while she stared at him.

“Now, you remembered me,” he said, and a smile formed on his lips.

“W-Why you didn’t tell me the moment—”

“I don’t want to. I want you to remember me by your will,” he replied as he met her gaze.

In Zoe’s eyes, confusion can be seen. “W-Why did you kiss me again?” she asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe I want to taste those lips again. You made me insane for the past years. And I had enough control not to get close to you—watching you from afar is enough—”

“Why do you have to do it? I am a stranger. It was just a one-night stand, Helios—”

“It is, but it is memorable. I remember how you rubbed your wetness on my navel—”

“Helios!” she warned, but the man just let out a soft chuckle.

“Why? Didn’t you enjoy that night too?”

“I was drunk,” she replied, which made Helios let out a mischievous smile.

“Really? Then why did you remember my tattoo? Well, maybe you’re drunk since it took you two days to remember—”

“It’s because you’re wearing long and half sleeves polo. And this is my second time seeing you—”

“Naked?” he interrupted, which made her roll her eyes.

“Half. Half-naked,” she corrected.

Helios formed a sly smirk on his lips and suddenly took off the towel that wrapped on his lower part, and Zoe’s eyes wanted to pop out of the socket when she saw his firm and hard shaft.

“Helios!” she exclaimed, but Helios just let out a soft chuckle and rushed towards her.

Surprise, she fell on the bed, and Helios leaned over as he put his hands on her both sides and met her eyes.

Zoe could feel the loud beats of her heart as she met his gaze. “H-Helios…” she mumbled. She wanted to push him away, but her body won’t cooperate.

“Zoe…” he whispered, wearing his deep velvety voice, which sent chills down Zoe’s body.

She tried her best not to look down. But damn herself when her eyes landed on his proud shaft.

“Loving the view?” Helios teased, which made Zoe get back her gaze into his.

“Stay away—”

She didn’t finish her words when Helios claimed her lips again. It was gentle at first, and when she kissed back, their kisses became rough.

Helios started to touch her from her face down to her neck until it went to her shoulder. Then suddenly, it changed direction; his hands went inside her blouse and caressed her flat tummy, which made her moan between their kisses.

She could see the fire growing and could feel the heat that it gave. His warm touch made her shiver. His kisses went down to her jaw, down to her neck as he pulled off her blouse and tossed it to the side, and she cursed herself inside her head because she didn’t even complain.

Helios stopped as he met her eyes, and all she ever wanted at that moment was to vanish. But she can’t because she has no magic.

His hand went into her left shoulder as he slowly pulled down the strap of her bra until his hand went on her back and lifted her up and pressed his lips again into hers.

Then came, he unclasped the hook of her bra and took it off her without breaking the kiss.

She moaned when she felt his warm palm envelope his right breast as his right hand went at the back of her head, and slowly, he leaned over, pushing Zoe onto the bed.

Soon as her back felt the cold velvety sheets, she moaned once again as his hand went above her breast and kneaded it gently.

While Helios nibbled her lips, she encircled her hands into his nape which deepened their kiss. He slightly bit her lower lip which made her gasp and part her lips. He then took that chance to dart his tongue inside her mouth and started to battle with her tongue.

A moan slipped from her mouth when Helios sucked her tongue gently and swirled it inside. Sooner, his hands tweaked his nipple in between his fingers, and his touch went down to her navel until he found the part of her cleft.

She was wearing pajamas, yet she could feel the warmth through his touch.

Helios gently rubbed his fingers into her mound behind her pajama as his lips went down to her neck, down to her shoulder, until his lips found her right nipple and started to nibble it. He swirls his tongue around her soft pinkish tips and then sucks it, which makes her shudder.

Her eyeballs rolled up, and she closed her eyes because the tingling sensation from Helios’s touch was slowly killing her.

Helios’s hand continues to rub her mound while his mouth is savoring her tip. He licked and kissed her left tip, then he ran his tongue on the other part of her breasts and put her right nipple inside his mouth. While savoring her tip, his hand went to the side of her pajama and pulled it off.

She gasped when she felt the coldness that came from the AC, but when Helios touched her again, heat evaded her body.

His hand went back to her mound and rubbed it. At the same time, he swirls his tongue down to her navel until it reaches the top of the garter of her panty. Slowly, he bit the strap and pulled it down, and let his hand do the rest until Zoe was naked.

Helios carried her and pushed her upward as he went on top of her in a swift move.

Zoe’s cheeks turned pinkish-red when they both locked their gazes on each other.

For goodness’ sake, they’re both naked.

She knew she was not that innocent, but damn, ‘how could things end up like this so quickly?’ She thought.

“You knew how much I control myself not to claim you—”

“You’re a coward then,” she interrupted, and she saw how lines were drawn into Helios’s forehead.

A sly smirk crept into his lips as he slowly leaned over and claimed her lips. Sooner, they found themselves exchanging rough kisses as if the wall in front of them broke. Their touches went wild.

Zoe mimicked him as he started to roam his hands all over her body. Her hand traveled into his nape, to his back, until it went into his chest as their kisses went deep.

And when Helios’s kisses went down to her neck, she couldn’t help herself not to moan out of pleasure. His kisses went down to her breast, and he licked her left tip again while Zoe trailed her fingers into the tattoo on his left shoulder.

She arched her body when his lips went down to her navel until she felt his warm breath in her between. She glanced down as she parted her legs to give Helios a better view of her mound.

Helios pulled himself up as he rubbed her clit, making her moan aloud. Then suddenly, he slid one finger inside her core. And a tint of pain registered on Zoe’s face, but when he started to thrust his finger in and out, pleasure began to dive in immediately, easing the pain.

However, Helios’s finger didn’t last too long inside her core because he moved up and kneeled in her between; his hands enveloping her thighs and guiding his shaft towards her wet core. And started to delve deeper inside her—banging her hard and rough.

Zoe awoke beside Helios the following morning. Naked. She shook her head as she locked her gaze on Helios, who was sleeping peacefully beside her.

She questioned herself at this point: how did she get in here?

She was a typical college student who was only concerned with her studies and her mother. Her mother, whom she adores, attempted to sell her to a man—a murderous devil.

However, how could she be certain Helios is not a mirror image of his father?

Zoe sighed and was about to descend when she felt a warmth draw her.

“Hey.”

When she felt Helios’s breath land on her bare neck, she closed her eyes. She sighed as she turned to face him.

Zoe smiled as she locked eyes with Helios. “Hey.”

“I apologize for last night—”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “You are not required to be sorry. We both desired it,” she continued.

Helios smiled and kissed her temple softly. His hands caressed her right cheek.

“I’m reluctant to claim you, but I can’t help myself—”

“I understand,” Zoe sighed. “Believe me; I am knowledgeable.” She drew in closer, cupping his face and claiming Helios’ lips. And when she released her grip, she smiled once more.

The silence returned, and all that remained were their eyes as if they understood each other simply by looking.

“So…”

Zoe’s brow arched. “So, what?”

“Are you sure you don’t have classes today?” Helios inquired, his gaze falling on Zoe’s natural pinkish lips.

“Hmm... are you sure you didn’t forget the days of the week?”

Helios let out a soft chuckle and pushed himself away from her, locking his gaze on the ceiling.

Zoe squinted. “Is there a problem? Don’t you have work?”

“It's a holiday.”

Zoe smiled and moved closer to him. Helios stretched her right hand, and Zoe rested her head on it.

When she smells his natural scent, she closes her eyes. ‘Damn, he still smells amazing,’ she reflected.

“Did my father instill fear in you?” Helios inquired abruptly, causing a crease in Zoe’s brow.

Did he not?

Zoe sighed deeply. “Yes.”

“I am—”

“However, I’m more afraid of what mom did. How could she have done such a thing to me?” Zoe felt a tightening in her chest as she recalled what had occurred just a few days before.

“She would have informed me, and I will do everything I can to help her. I am aware that she is a gambler, but—”

“Shh… I do not want you to consider it. The important thing was, you’re here with me. Safe,” Helios said as he hugged her, making Zoe bury her face on his side.

Zoe smiled and raised her eyes to him. “I appreciate it.”

Helios beamed a smile. “My pleasure, but it is not gratuitous...” he paused.

Zoe’s brow arched. “What? Do you want something?” she moved away from him and sat. However, when she caught a glimpse of Helios’s gaze, her eyes widened, and she immediately grabbed the comforter and covered her chest.

“You are aware that there is no reason for that,” he stated meaningfully.

Zoe sighed and rolled her eyes. “Simply get to the point. What are your intentions? You already have me—”

“Marry me.”

Zoe’s eyes grew wider. Did she hear correctly?

The silence filled in, and for a brief moment... Helios squealed with laughter.

Zoe clenches her teeth, and invisible smoke begins to emanate from her nose as if she were portraying an enraged dragon.

“How could you!” Helios caught her hand as she was about to slap him.

“Hey, my apologies. I simply wish to brighten the mood—”

“By pranking me?”

Helios’ lips were pursed. “I wasn’t intending to—Hey, Zoe.”

Zoe rolled out of bed without looking at him. She let go of the comforter, oblivious to the fact that Helios would witness her nakedness. In any case, he has already seen it.

“Zoe. C’mon. I apologize.”

Helios rose from his bed and approached Zoe, but she glared at him.

“Stop. Keep a safe distance from me. And this will not happen again,” she stated as she began looking for the bathroom. When she did, she rushed towards it but was quickly apprehended by Helios.

“Leave me alone!”

“No! I expressed my regret.”

“Well, I don’t require your apologies—”

“I intend to marry you—”

“Stop!” Zoe made no further attempt to wiggle. “I’m not interested in hearing about it. And, oh, I’ve got some housework to do,” she said, cocking her head to the side.

She locked her gaze on Helios’s eyes before lowering her gaze to his arms that encircled her waist.

“Let me go, Helios,” she repeated.

“No. Not unless and until you forgive me—”

“Forgiven. Now, allow me to go; I desired to take a shower—”

“Then let us do it...” Helios carried her in bridal style, “—together.”

For a brief moment, Zoe is powerless. She was taken aback, and the next thing she knew, they were sharing passionate kisses inside the bathroom.

As they both intensify their kisses, she encircles her arms around Helios’s nape.

When cold, refreshing water dripped on their bodies, their lips parted.

Helios’ hands began caressing her back. His hands reached her bottom, and he squeezed one of them.

He nibbles the inside of her lower lip until his kisses reach her jaw.

Zoe raised her head and shifted it to the side, allowing Helios easier access to her neck.

Water drips down her face, causing her to gasp, and she feels her back collide with the cold wall.

Helios’ tongue curled into her skin as she moaned softly. It made its way down to her chest, stopping just short of her left breast.

He swirled his tongue around her nipple and then sucked it, eliciting a loud mutter from Zoe.

“H-Helios…”

Helios continued swirling his tongue and proceeded one by one.

Zoe bit her lower lip in response to the sensation that something was growing inside her. She was desperate to explode. She desires him within her.

“H-Helios... please,” she pleaded.

Helios smirked and came to a halt. He straightened his posture and met her gaze. “Please, what?”

She gulped and took a deep breath. “I want you… inside me.”