CHAPTER 36

I let out a groan of pain when I felt Oceanus' fist hit my stomach. I stepped back from where I was standing and bent forward while holding my stomach. I shot Oceanus a sharp look as I lifted my head, and he just grinned at me mischievously. He outsmarted me there!

"That's what happens when you don't focus on your training," Oceanus teased.

I ignored the pain in my stomach and repositioned myself, ready to brace for whatever Oceanus would do next. He just kept grinning, and I could feel my frustration with him building up again. He still knew how to get on my nerves, even though Helios was still number one on my anger list.

I dashed towards him, raining down heavy punches, kicks, and elbows. He blocked each attack with ease, but I kept going, my body feeling numb with adrenaline. He dodged every strike, no matter how fast I moved.

I launched a high kick toward his face, but he ducked low and seized my leg, slamming me onto the mat. Gritting my teeth, I wrenched my leg free and countered with a forceful kick to his face. He stumbled back but swiftly regained his footing. I closed the gap and kicked him in the stomach and held his nape to knee his face. My body spun in the air freely as I lightly landed with hands up and ready to strike.

"That hurt, huh?" I teased him.

We'd been at it for hours in Atlas' underground gym. It was our usual routine: workout, then spar. Sometimes I'd spar with Oceanus, and other times I'd go up against Atlas. With things being pretty chill lately, we'd been spending more time training, both hand-to-hand and on the shooting range.

I rolled my eyes and turned to leave.

"Hey! Where are you going? We're not done," Oceanus called after me.

"I'm out. I'm tired. We've been at this for hours. We can finish up next time. I need a break," I replied, walking away.

I headed to my room and straight to the shower. I was drenched in sweat and needed to rinse off. I let the cold water cascade over me, washing away the grime and sweat. Tilting my head back, I let the water run over my face.

A jolt of heat shot through me, a vivid memory flashing before my eyes. Helios, the birthday party, and the night in Hyperion's house. Nothing happened between us... but I know we almost did it if Atlas doesn't call me. But even now, I could feel the phantom sensation of him pressing against me—a hard, insistent bulge in his dark slacks.

I shut my eyes tightly, trying to push the image away, but it wouldn't leave. I could feel his breath on my skin, his lips on mine, his body pressing against me. Why couldn't I erase him from my mind?

It was wrong. A terrible mistake. But the heat of that night still lingered. His touch, his rough hands on my back, his grip on me—it had felt so right, so forbidden. I couldn't understand why.

I bit my lower lip as my hand found its way between my thighs. It was a new sensation, exploring myself like this. Each stroke sent shivers of pleasure coursing through me.

I was panting as I moved my hand faster. I could feel myself getting wet, and the memory of Helios flooded my mind. The image of him of our night together ignited a fire deep within me.

The cold water pouring over me did nothing to cool me down. The heat inside me was too intense. I arched my back as I moved my hand even faster, my teeth sinking into my lip. I could almost see Helios' face, his ash-grey eyes were dark with desire as he moved over me. I heard his soft moans and his grunts of pleasure.

It felt like there was something I was reaching for, something I needed. I couldn't control myself anymore, and suddenly, Helios' name escaped my lips as I continued to touch myself, lost in the moment.

"Helios..." I moaned.

As I reached my peak, I gasped and opened my eyes. Realization hit me. I had just done something I shouldn't have. And the worst part? I'd thought of him. Helios. It felt wrong—so very wrong. I could feel the heat between my legs, a reminder of what I'd done. My body felt weak and heavy.

I touched myself, and it was Helios' name I thought of while doing it!? This is so wrong! I could still feel the throb, the lingering sensation, even after it was over. My thighs felt weak from the strange feeling that lingered after I did it.

I ran my fingers over myself one last time, tracing the wetness. I couldn't believe how turned on I still was. I quickly cleaned up, feeling a mix of shame and satisfaction.

I'm fucked up, and this is wrong.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

My face was emotionless as I carefully combed my clean bun with a boar brush. My hair was tied up in a high ponytail as I did this in front of the full-length mirror in my small walk-in closet.

"Are you done?"

I instinctively placed a hand over my chest when I suddenly heard Atlas' voice through the earpiece I was wearing. I had completely forgotten we were in contact like that. I was too focused on fixing my hair.

"Almost," I quickly replied, pressing the earpiece to speak.

Once my hair was in place, I straightened up to check my full reflection. I was wearing a black sleeveless fitted top with a low turtleneck, paired with black leather cargo pants. I gave a subtle smile in the mirror, satisfied with my appearance.

I grabbed my black combat shoes from the side and put them on. Once done, I headed to the bed to grab my cropped leather jacket.

"I'm ready, Atlas. On my way up," I said after pressing the earpiece.

I picked up my phone and slid my pocketknife, the one I always carried, into the back of my pants. For now, I've hidden Saf, so I can't take it with me.

"Okay," Atlas replied briefly.

I just shook my head at his short response. I walked and made my way out of the warehouse. I caught up with him already inside Oceanus' car. As usual, the owner of the car wasn't around—probably off running errands for Atlas.

"Let's go," I said once I was in the passenger seat.

He just nodded and started the car, driving away from the warehouse. I adjusted my things and placed my phone on the dashboard so I could slip into my leather jacket. As usual, he is still wearing his mask again.

"Where are we going?" I asked Atlas as I glanced over at him.

"To Colosseum," he replied briefly.

I frowned. "Colosseum? What's that?" I asked, confused.

"It's an illegal underground fight club. I have a business meeting there, and there's also a betting event happening later. They have great prizes, so I'm going to try and win," he explained.

I nodded, understanding now. "Who are you betting on?" I asked him.

"You'll see when we get there," he replied quickly, giving me a brief look.

I let out a deep sigh and didn't bother asking him any more questions. I couldn't help but wonder what prize he was after this time. Shaking my head, I lowered my seat slightly, hoping I could at least get a bit of sleep.

After all, it was already ten o'clock at night, and I had to go with him to this place he called the Colosseum.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

I automatically opened my eyes when I felt Atlas' car come to a stop. I quickly got up from where I had been lying and stretched a bit. We both removed our seatbelts and got out of the car at the same time.

My brows furrowed as I realized we were in the middle of some tall grass. I looked at Atlas, confusion clear on my face, then glanced at Oceanus' car before returning my gaze to him.

"Did the car break down?" I asked him. "We're in trouble with Oceanus again, aren't we—"

"We didn't break down, Hexia. We're here," he cut me off.

"Huh? Where's this so-called Colosseum you're talking about?"

"Follow me."

He ignored Oceanus' car parked at the side and started walking away from it. I glanced back at the car one last time before following Atlas. I kept looking around, trying to spot this Colosseum he mentioned. Not far ahead, I saw an old, abandoned building.

"Is that it?" I asked him.

"Yes."

When we reached the front of the old, abandoned building, I paused for a few seconds to take it all in. The place was falling apart, with some of the walls already crumbling. It looked dangerous if anyone lived here.

"Atlas, long time no see. Good to see you made it here. It's been years since we last met. Looks like you've been really busy with your wife, huh? Seems like the rumors were right," a man suddenly said, stepping out from the building's entrance.

He had a cigarette wedged between his index and middle fingers. The guy was big, with a rugged, muscular build.

My eyebrow shot up when I heard the last part. Even here, they've heard the gossip? It really must be hard to escape rumors in a place like this.

"Nice to meet you too," Atlas greeted. "And this is He—"

"Mrs. Collazo! You're here, Nice to meet you," the man with the tobacco in his hand said, smiling. I even saw him nudge Atlas with his elbow as he walked up to him, still grinning. "Your wife is beautiful, Atlas. The rumors on our website are true."

"I'm not his wife—" I couldn't finish my sentence as Atlas nudged me.

It was clear from my expression that I was annoyed by what I was hearing. This mess was all because of Helios. Now, many people think I'm married to Atlas, even though I'm not! I didn't understand why, but I had the urge to strangle Atlas, even though I knew I couldn't. Instead of telling the truth, he just let people believe we were married!

"Just go with the flow," I heard him whisper.

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms in frustration. The guy with the tobacco must have noticed my sour mood because he laughed awkwardly and quickly looked away after I shot him a sharp glare.

"That's enough. You can call her Hexia. I'm sorry she's not in the mood right now. Is our card ready? We need it to get into the Colosseum," Atlas said.

I saw the man scratch his cheek. "Sorry, I should've told you earlier, but the location of the underground fighting venue was moved. It got bigger, and more people started coming to Colosseum, and our boss decided to expand the place for us."

"Where is the Colosseum now?" Atlas asked.

"To Isla de Brawl, Atlas."

"Isla? Like, an island?" I repeated, making sure I heard that right.

The man froze at my question and nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Ms. Hexia."

I exhaled sharply at what he said. What is this place we've come to? I could've been resting by now instead of coming here, but there was nothing I could do since we were already here.

"I can take you there, Atlas. Our boss' helicopter is on the rooftop of this building. Ready to go?" he asked.

"Let's go. The fight might have already started, and I don't want to miss my chance to bet," Atlas said. He grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the back of the building.

I had no choice but to follow his lead. I could feel the man we had been talking to trailing behind us. Casually, I took my pocketknife from my leather jacket pocket and flicked it open. I glanced back at the man and aimed the knife at him, locking eyes with him, my stare fierce.

I passed the knife on my neck and acted like I was going to slit his neck because of the anger I felt towards him earlier. I grinned at him when I saw how his eyes widened at what I did.

"Hexia, what are you doing?" I heard Atlas ask as we kept walking.

I quickly folded the pocketknife and slipped it back into the pocket of my leather jacket.

"Nothing," I answered quickly.

When we reached the back of the old, abandoned building, Atlas motioned for me to go ahead and climb the scaffolding, and they followed me until we reached the rooftop. That's when I saw the black helicopter.

The man was the first to enter the helicopter, and Atlas and I followed right after. I was closer to the door, so I closed it behind us. We fastened our seatbelts and put on the ear protection to shield ourselves from the noise.

"All set, Atlas?" the man, who was now sitting at the front of the helicopter to fly, asked.

"Yes."

"Alright. The flight to Isla de Brawl is only about 10 minutes, so it'll be quick."

The helicopter gradually ascended, making its way toward the infamous Isla de Brawl, the location of the illegal underground fighting known as the Colosseum.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"Welcome to the new Colosseum."

I leaned out of the window, and from above, I could clearly see the not-so-large Colosseum. My lips parted slightly at the sight. The stone used there was quite old-fashioned. And in the center, there was a large area that I assumed would be where the fights would take place.

The only lighting in the area was fire-based, especially in the central part, where the flames surrounded a circular space. That's where your attention would really be drawn to the fighters in the middle.

Outside the Colosseum, it seemed like there were scattered shops. Because aside from the illegal underground fighting, Isla de Brawl was also home to nightclubs. Toward the end, there was a small pier with several small yachts parked on the side.

We landed and got out as soon as everything was ready.

"I'll be the one to take you back, Atlas. Just call me when you're done."

"Okay. Thank you."

We headed straight to the main office of Isla de Brawl. As we entered, the person guarding the door immediately greeted Atlas as soon as they recognized him. The design outside was black, and the same went for the interior.

"How's it going, Atlas? I thought you wouldn't make it," the man greeted Atlas.

"It was almost a problem because you didn't mention that the Colosseum was moved here. Give me the ticket so we can place our bets. I'll send my bet to your bank," Atlas said quickly.

"Sure. Here's the ticket," the man said, pulling it from a drawer in his desk and handing it to him. "Your wife?" he asked, noticing me.

"I'm leaving. Are they starting yet?" Atlas asked, ignoring the man's question.

Atlas and I turned around at the same time, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes upon hearing his voice. Why do they have to talk so much?

"There's a newcomer, Atlas. He's here only on Saturdays. Want to bet on him? He's been fighting in the arena for hours now. This is his last fight before he leaves the island," the man said.

"What's his name?" Atlas asked, still not looking back.

"Alejandro," the man replied quickly.

"Give me another ticket. Hurry up," Atlas ordered.

I heard the man chuckle softly as he grabbed another ticket from the drawer and handed it to Atlas when he turned around. We didn't bother to say goodbye and just headed out.

"You know a lot of people here," I said as we walked.

Isla de Brawl looked like an ordinary island, and you wouldn't think there were illegal activities going on. I even guessed there were small hotels here for people who wanted to stay overnight. Despite it being late at night, the island was still alive with energy. There were people out, and especially women, who were still swimming in the sea, even though it was already dark.

"Yes. The truth is, he's my cousin. But he doesn't know it's me because I wear a mask," Atlas replied.

My eyes widened at what he said. He has a cousin! But then again, no one sees his face since he always wears a mask. Every time we have these kinds of meetings or agendas, he's always wearing it.

"Why do you always wear that mask?" I asked him, but he didn't bother to answer me.

When we entered the Colosseum, I could already hear the cheers of the crowd inside. There was a mixture of sounds that made it feel like we were truly in an ancient Colosseum arena. Atlas and I chose seats in the front row, the lowest section. We didn't bother to go higher up because it would be a waste of time.

"Looks like they've already started earlier," I said to Atlas.

Our seats were soft, and the backrest was comfortable. Since the Colosseum Arena is an open area, it was a bit warm. I took off my leather jacket and placed it on my lap, which was now crossed. Even though it was hot, it was fine because the breeze coming in kept it cool.

The deafening sound of shouting reached our ears when the man wearing a balaclava knocked his opponent to the ground. He wasn't wearing a top, just black stretchy pants, and now it looks dirty because of the sand. The sand mixed with the action of the fight. His broad chest was covered in sweat, and it seemed like he wasn't satisfied yet because he repeatedly punched the man in front of him.

I couldn't understand it, but my heart started racing when I noticed that his body shape seemed familiar, now glistening with sweat. Instead of feeling disgusted, it somehow made him seem even more attractive in my eyes.

"5-win streak! The winner again is Alejandro!" I heard a man's voice shout through the speaker.

The cheers and shouts from the people in the arena echoed loudly. I felt Atlas stand up from his seat.

"That newcomer looks good. I'll go get my additional winnings, and I'll be back here after we talked about the business meeting. Stay put—"

I stood up. "Huh? I'm coming with you. Looks like the fight's over—"

"And next up to fight is..."

We both turned our attention to the arena when we saw someone else entering, but Alejandro, the newcomer, was no longer there.

"Watch for a bit, and if you want to place a bet, you can use my ticket," he quickly said, handing me two of his tickets.

Before I could respond, he left me standing there. I sat back down and looked at the ticket I was holding. One had Alejandro's name on it, while the other was blank. It seemed that the blank one was for betting.

"Let me see your ticket, miss."

I lifted my gaze and saw a man standing in front of me. He had a large build, and the guy with him was holding an open box.

I showed them both of my tickets, and they only took the one with Alejandro's name on it. The man rummaged through the open box and handed me a stack of thick money—more than ten.

"I'll wrap this up for you, miss, would you like that?" the man asked.

"S-sure," I stammered, surprised by the offer.

They wrapped the money in black plastic and handed it to me. I placed it on the seat where Atlas had been sitting earlier and was about to sit down when the man spoke again.

"Are you going to place another bet, miss? You can still use your ticket—"

"She's not betting anymore. It looks like the last two players backed out. The fight might continue tomorrow. You may leave now," a familiar voice interrupted from behind me.

I instantly recognized who it was. My heart began to race so fast that it felt like it was about to leap out of my chest.

The man who had spoken didn't say anything else and quickly left with his companion.

"I didn't know you were here. Good choice to bet on me, Hexia."

I turned around, and Helios was standing in front of me. He had already taken off his black balaclava and was now sitting in the vacant seat next to me.

"You're Alejandro?" I asked, furrowing my brows.

"Uh-huh," he replied seriously.

"And for your information, I didn't bet on you, Helios," I said, irritated.

"Oh, so it must have been your husband who bet on me. Next time, tell him to raise the

stakes a little, so when I win, he gets a bigger return," He went on a long rant. When our eyes met, I felt weak under his gaze. "Or maybe he's out of money, that's why he only bets a small amount?"

"Are you crazy?" I asked.

"Don't settle for less, Hexia. You're okay with the fact that your husband isn't financially stable? In the end, you're the one who'll suffer," he said, his voice carrying an edge.

I shook my head and stood up, grabbing the black plastic bag along with my cropped leather jacket to leave. The fire in the arena that had been serving as the light source was slowly dying down, and I figured it was time to go.

As I reached the archway of the Colosseum, where the exit was, someone pulled me to the side. It was a small room that could barely fit two people. It was dim inside because there was no lighting, only a small lamp hanging outside, casting a faint glow.

I think this is where the guards were stationed every morning until the arena matches ended.

A shiver ran down my spine as I heard Helios' voice, low and menacing.

"Running away from me?" His hot breath fanned against my ear, sending a jolt of fear through me.

My heart pounded in my chest as an all-too-familiar heat crept over me. Every time he was near, I felt a strange pull, a dangerous attraction that I couldn't quite explain. Even my own body was betraying me, yearning for his touch.

He leaned in, his voice a velvety caress. "Does your husband know you're cheating on him?" he purred, his breath warm against my ear. "Does he know about what we did at Hyperion house?"

His words were a dangerous drug, and I was hopelessly addicted. My hands went limp, and I dropped the things I was holding as he pulled me into him, his arms wrapping around me. I felt my knees weaken, and I clung to him for support.

"Does he know how I kissed you that night? How I touched you and made you cry out my name?" He nipped at my earlobe, sending a shiver down my spine.

I gasped, my breath catching in my throat as my lips parted involuntarily.

He leaned in closer, his voice a husky whisper. "Your husband doesn't know everything, Hexia. Maybe he can't handle everything I do to you."

I tried to protest, but my voice was weak and trembling.

"I'm not his—"

A loud squeal escaped my lips when he forcefully bent me. I don't know myself that instead of being scared, I'm excited about what he's going to do next. He was behind me now, and he pulled my ponytail hair to the left, and I felt his soft lips on my neck, slowly kissing it many times.

"Did he even know how to please a woman, Hexia?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

"Fuck you, crazy bastard," I gasped, breathless.

I could almost feel the smirk on his face as he bit down gently on my neck.

"I guess the answer is no," he murmured, his voice laced with satisfaction. "Don't worry, I'll show you how a woman should be pleasured."

"What do you mean—"

I couldn't finish what I said when he pulled down my leather cargo pants, along with my thong underwear. I closed my eyes tightly when his finger touched my wet core. Exploring my womanhood and teasing me.

"You're wet," he softly whispered to me. "I like it very much, Hexia. You should only be like this to me and not to anyone else."

I bit my lower lip as I felt his middle finger slowly enter my womanhood. Because it was slippery, he quickly inserted it. After a few heavy breaths escaped my lips because I could feel his finger on me.

"You're so tight. Relax."

"Helios..."

A wave of sensation washed over me as his finger began to move within me. I gasped his name as he thrust faster, each stroke sending a jolt of pleasure through my body. This was new to me, and I was completely lost in the moment.

His strong arms lifted me, and my body pressed against his. I gasped as he placed me on the small table, the dim light casting an ethereal glow on his form. His silhouette, dark and imposing, filled my vision. The tension between us was clear, and I found myself pulled to him like a moth to a flame.

Why... Why does he look so delicious in my eyes?

I looked up as pleasure washed over me again, and Helios' finger slowed its pace inside me. I bit my lower lip hard and moved my hips to meet his finger as it continued to slide in and out of me.

I felt a sharp object against my neck while his finger continued to move inside me. I didn't know how to react because the pleasure I was feeling was overpowering.

"Do you want this, Hexia?" Helios asked me. "Would you rather have my finger or your husband's? I'll slit your throat if you lie to me. I want a real and straight answer, Hexia. Helios or Atlas?"

"Did you just blackmail me while your fingers are inside of me?" I asked him, panting.

Does he really expect me to answer his question while he's soaking his finger inside me? I can't even think straight, and all I want to do is feel his finger more and thrust it deeper inside me!

"Why not?" he whispered as his finger continued to play with my wet core.

"None of the above," I replied, squeezing my eyes shut as his finger moved faster inside me while his thumb rubbed my clit. Fuck, why does it feel so good? I need more!

"Hmm. Again, Hexia. Helios or Atlas?"

"I said none of the above—"

I grabbed his head as he lowered himself between my thighs. I gasped loudly when I felt his tongue slowly gliding across my wet core while his finger continued to move inside me.

Millions of volts of electricity shot through me every time he spread his tongue across my clit, sometimes licking it rapidly. I couldn't help but tug on his hair because of the strange and wonderful sensation I was feeling.

When I felt something building inside me, I couldn't help but grind my hips against Helios, calling out his name.

"Helios!"

I gasped when I looked at him, and even though it was a little dark, I saw how he wiped his mouth with his hand, and when he cleaned his finger, that was used on me with his mouth.

"That's right. The right answer is Helios. Nice choice," he said arrogantly and seemed proud of what he did to me.

I felt my cheeks heat up at what he said. I stood up and grabbed the table, feeling like I was going to fall, but Helios grabbed my waist. I pulled up my leather cargo pants along with my underwear.

"There's no right answer, asshole!" I exclaimed loudly at him and raised my fist to hit him in the face. He didn't seem to expect what I was going to do, so he didn't dodge immediately.

I picked up the things I was carrying earlier and left him in his place. My pace was fast and sometimes even slowed down because my leg and thigh were getting wobbly on the way back to Atlas' cousin's office. But what he said did not escape my hearing.

"You're always running away from me, Cinderella. No matter what you do, I know you'll still come back for me."

Is he crazy!? What has he even talked about?! Fucking bastard.

SHANGPU