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.”

THE following day, Zoe awoke early to prepare breakfast. She was aware that Nana Milky was present, but she insisted on completing the task on her own.

“Have you seen Helios, Nana?” she inquired as she prepared to cut the white onions.

Nana greeted her with a smile. “He departed at the crack of dawn. H he will be on a week-long business trip.”

Zoe paused in her onion cutting and looked at Nana, baffled. She spent the entire day yesterday with Helios. As she was afraid to leave the house—prior to what happened recently—she chose to play board games after discovering a chessboard in the living room.

How come Helios failed to inform her?

“Didn’t he inform you?”

Zoe sighed and gave a faint smile. She examined the onions that had been chopped. “No. Hmm... well, it’s his business,” she replied, her voice a little somber.

Nana Milky approached her and took her hand in hers. “I’m certain he’ll call. Helios is always this way when he embarks on a journey.”

Zoe pursed her lips and gave a slight nod.

‘Why am I behaving as if we commit?’

Zoe sighed. “Thank you, Nana. There is no cause for concern. It is not as if we are in a—”

“Relationship?” Nana abruptly cut off, causing Zoe’s eyes to widen, and she felt a little surprised.

“Nana…”

The elderly woman smiled at her. “I recognize genuine affection when I see it.”

“It’s not what you think, N-Nana.” Zoe felt slightly embarrassed because she was certain the elderly woman was aware that she had already had sex with Helios. However, it never occurs to her that she might like him.

She was attracted differently, not liking him, and eventually fell into love.

“Helios is someone I’ve known for a very long time. Two years ago, he began to like a girl—more accurately. He became obsessed with her. I discovered the name one day, and it was yours.”

Zoe was so taken aback by the revelation that she was speechless.

She shook her head and locked her gaze on Nana Milky’s.

“Nana...” she said as she let go of the knife and wiped her hands on her apron. She pressed her hands into Nana’s as she continued, “—Helios was my first. Even I, I swear, have been puzzled by what has occurred in my life since that night.”

Nana smiled once more, causing Zoe to feel a little uneasy.

“I am aware. Things moved quickly between you two, but you don’t know Helios, so I’ll say that I’m proud of his decision this time,” the old lady said as if she were conveying a profound message.

Zoe squinted. “Nana, perhaps these,” she shifted her gaze around before returning her gaze to Nana, “—these will be only temporary. And I’m confident that Helios will eventually decide to release me—”

“You’re already sold to him, Zoe. Helios is someone I am familiar with. But promise me one thing…” the old woman sighed, “—trust him.”

Zoe’s brow furrowed slightly as if mystified. There’s something in Nana that she couldn’t figure out. “Certainly, Nana. Helios rescued me from the clutches of his father. I’m familiar with his father. That elderly gentleman was the one who assassinated the estate’s most prominent member—”

Nana shook her head in disbelief. “Ignore Don Lincoln. Simply put, your trust in Helios. And please hurry. You’re going to be late if we continue this drama,” she said softly, to which Zoe responded with a soft chuckle.

Zoe shook her head and released her grip on Nana’s hands. “I… “I’m a little bit—”

“Moved?”

Zoe chuckled and nodded.

“Well, then, continue making breakfast, and oh, don’t forget to give me a taste. I’ll just begin cleaning Helios’s room,” Nana said as she walked away, smiling at her.

Zoe sighed as she continued her work.

‘What just happened earlier?’ She thought.

She smiled and shook her head as her thoughts drifted back to yesterday. On the other hand, Helios insisted that she sleep in his room, but she declined.

Zoe was well aware that sleeping with a man was a bad idea and that it was a temptation. And cursed her because she was unable to help herself. As a result, it is advisable to avoid Helios.

Furthermore, she had not yet graduated.

She busied herself with cooking and preparations before joining Nana Milky for breakfast. Afterward, she then went upstairs to prepare for school.

Since she left her home, she has been aware that she is missing someone. Iris. Her mother.

If God can forgive sinners, why can’t she?

Zoe and her mother owe Helios money. He pays for everything and even ensures her mother’s survival.

She was well aware that their association with Don Lincoln would jeopardize their lives, and the only person in whom they could place their trust was Helios.

However, doubts lingered in Zoe’s mind.

She was still unsure whether Helios was a gentle soul or if he was also like his father.

‘Damn. How could I even consider such a thing?’ she thought before going down the stairs.

“Nana…”

Nana drew closer to her as she approached the main entrance.

“Don’t you think they’ll get a lot of attention? You knew I was known to be a commoner—a lady with no penny. Do you believe they will not criticize me for this?” Zoe inquired, her gaze falling on the two men dressed in suits resembling those worn by presidents’ bodyguards in films, commonly referred to as men-in-black.

Nana chuckled softly. “Oh dear, do not be alarmed. You’re going to be fine. Helios had already given them the order. Therefore, please make an effort to be at ease with them. And who knows what will happen when Helios marries you—”

“Nana... he was joking. Believe it not.”

The elderly lady gave a soft chuckle. “I’ve known Helios. He is incapable of cracking nor exerting a jest,” she stated.

Zoe inhaled deeply and sighed. She was about to walk when she caught sight of her dress’s hem. “And, Nana, why am I required to wear this type of clothing?”

Nana burst out laughing once more. “I’m sure you’re skilled at whining, dear. It is Helios’s will,” she said, turning to the man at her side and adding, “Take care of her.”

“Nana…”

“Have a pleasant day, Zoe. Additionally, check your phone,” Nana Milky emphasized.

‘Great! Yeah, the phone. I never had one in my entire life, not until yesterday morning. Where Helios handed me his spare phone because I didn’t want him to buy me a new one.’ Zoe let out a sigh. ‘I never imagined that Zoe, who lives on a narrow street in a wooden-walled apartment surrounded by stinking sewage, could wear such fancy clothes and even be treated like a princess while living with her prince charming.’