Athena's Pov

“... we can then simply apply the DMAS rule and solve the equation.”

I eagerly nodded at Tristan letting him know I understood everything. I don't know how he was so focused on the homework when I could think of so many other things we could be doing instead.

He was adamant on teaching me. I also had something in mind to teach him but he looked absolutely oblivious to it.

It's been eight days since our activity in the home theater and I don't understand how he doesn't want more. He said he loved it then how come he’s only restricting us to kissing me when I’m ready to do so much more.

“Now solve this one on your own, I'm gonna copy the rest on your notebook.” He said getting to work immediately and expecting the same from me.

“Tristan,” I called and he hummed in response. “Don't you think we should take a break? We've been at it for an hour now.”

“Sure. I was getting tired too.” He stretched his arms and I didn't hold back from taking a peak under his shirt. “I'll go get us some snacks for us.”

I grabbed his forearm and pulled him back when he tried getting up. He looked at me confused, not understanding what's on my mind. But before he could question me I got on his lap, straddling him.

His arms rested on my hips while mine encircled around his neck. He titled his neck up to look at me and I placed a feather kiss on his nose.

“Don't you think we should use this break wisely?” I whispered seductively.

“Wisely? How?” He knew exactly what I meant.

“Well if we don't share the same thought then I guess we can just go back to studies...” I shrugged.

Tristan didn't reply to me, instead pulled me even closer until I was sitting right on his crotch. He placed a hand on the side of my face and I instantly leaned down to kiss him.

Our lips molded together like they were meant for each other. Tristan has always been a quick learner, it didn't take him more than three times to finally get the rhythm I liked.

I've successfully taught him how to kiss but now I want to claim the rest of his innocence.

I lightly grazed my tongue on his bottom lip to ask for entrance. He obediently complied and I shoved my tongue inside his mouth, savoring how good he was for me.

His hands roamed my body grazing the skin above my waist, left bare as my sweatshirt rode up.

I pulled back from his lips and he let out a noise of protest. But I didn't let his frustration sink in as I leaned down to his neck and started sucking on his skin.

He breathed hard under my hands on his chest. He was so cute when he gave me all the control and just sat back like I owned him.

“Athena.” He breathed out as I left a beautiful purple hickey on his neck.

I moved down to his collarbone leaving a trail of kisses on my way. But I needed more access. So I started undoing the buttons of his shirt.

His hands instantly shot up to hold my wrists. “What're you doing?”

I pulled back to look at his face. He looked panicked, confused. My eyebrows pinched together at the expressions on his face clearly saying he didn't plan on going further.

“What happened?” I asked softly, trying not to make him uncomfortable.

He looked away and gulped. “I didn't know we were…”

“You don't want to have sex?” I blurt out the question.

It was so unsettling that my boyfriend wants to limit our relationship. He doesn't want to go beyond a certain extent. He wants kisses, blowjobs and would even pleasure me with toys but he won't have sex with me. He won't give me that right.

I knew it. I wasn't worthy of taking his virginity. He wouldn't give it to me when I passed around my body to any men who asked for it.

“I don't think I'm ready, Athena…” He whispered.

“You want to lose your virginity with someone else…”

His head snapped to me. “What're you saying? Of course not. If I wanted to I would’ve. I won't give myself to anyone but you, Athena.”

I sighed in relief hearing his words. I should really get it out of my head that I don't deserve the man I got. He's mine now. I should trust that he's not with me out of pity but love. He loves me and he's not going anywhere.

“It's just that we've just started dating. It's only been a month, I thought we could take it slow…”

“So you don't want to have sex because you're not sure…? About me.”

He shook his head. “I’m sure I want to do it with you and only you. I'm just not comfortable, Thena. This whole intimacy is totally new to me. We might've hugged, cuddled and talked about the filthiest topics but I hadn't kissed you, touched you or had you touch me until a month back. It's all new to me. That day in the theater… I was really horny cause you were unintentionally moving your leg up and down me while watching the movie but… generally I feel a little weird taking off my clothes. I don't know if I'm ready to see you naked or… put my dick in you. It might get too awkward for me... It all still feels like a dream sometimes.”

It was the first time I was hearing a guy say he wasn't ready. It had never happened to me before so I assumed every guy was totally on board with jumping into my bed if I asked for it.

But Tristan was different. I wasn't a means to the end for him that he'll take the first opportunity he gets. He’ll wait until we’ve developed more comfort between us.

I admired him for it. His patience was just another proof that he was planning for a long time together. He was going to stick around. I wasn't just a few months' hobby to him.

A smile appeared on my face as I leaned down to peck him. “I can understand, Tristan. There's no rush. I can wait as long as you want.”

All the worry dropped from his features. “Thank you. I was worried you won't like it…”

“Stop fearing I'll leave you, Tristan. You're the first person I'm dating who I genuinely love. Who I want because of his personality. The personality which isn't a facade to manipulate me. You're special because you're you and I'd be dumb to ever not want this.”

Tristan hugged me. “I'm so glad I waited for you. No one can understand me like you do.”

“I'm glad you waited for me.” I mumbled.

We were so comfortable in each other's arms when a knock sounded at the door. I groaned and cursed my fate. Why can't these brothers leave us alone? Why do they always think we're up to something?

They might be correct on their assumption but we deserve some privacy.

Ares alone has come checked up on us twice in the past hour and each time he’s intentionally left the door ajar. I don't know how the other two will act when I tell them about my relationship status.

After pecking his lips one last time, I got off Tristan's lap. We both adjusted our clothes before I walked towards the door to open it.

A smile formed on my face when I saw Zephyr standing there with a tray of fruits and nuts in his hand. He looked at me then back at Tristan awkwardly standing next to my bed.

“Aww you brought this for me?” I asked, taking the tray and putting it on the table.

But when I turned back around I saw Zephyr’s eyes were stuck on Tristan. “Why was the door locked?” He asked with a clenched jaw.

“We were studying and we didn't want any distraction-”

“I didn't ask you, Athena Konstantinos.” He cuts me off rudely.

Tristan looked uneasy but tried answering confidently. “We were doing this really complicated math problem-”

Zephyr didn't let him complete and cut him off. “Come here.”

I gulped, getting uncomfortable by his stiff posture and deadly voice. It's been so long since I last saw this scary side of him and I hoped I'd never see it again.

Tristan took a moment before finally mustering up the courage to walk up to him. When he was close Zephyr grabbed his jaw to pull him closer.

My eyes widened when I saw him tilting Tristan's neck to expose the fresh hickey I just left on him. My boyfriend didn't fight back, he just stood there with his arms by his side.

“You bastard.” Zephyr whispered with venom dripping from his voice.

I started panicking and a fear crippled my being as an image of him taking out his gun and putting a bullet in Eric’s head crossed my mind.

I took rushed steps towards them and pulled Tristan out of his grip before standing between them trying to shield my boyfriend from my father.

I knew Zephyr wouldn't hurt me. I have to make sure he won't do anything to Tristan either.

“Athena, move aside.” Tristan said to me in all seriousness but I didn't listen to him.

“I'm sorry, Zephyr. It was just a mistake.” I tried containing the situation.

A minute passed as he kept looking at me and didn't say a word. I don't know what he's thinking but I know if he wanted to kill someone he would’ve till now.

“Go home Tristan.” Zephyr finally said.

“Zephyr we-” He didn't let Tristan speak.

“Grab your stuff and fucking leave before I throw you out.”

The anger in his voice was so evident and I didn't want to risk his wrath. So I hastily moved to my bed to collect Tristan's belongings.

He came by my side and helped me while Zephyr stood there waiting for my boyfriend to get out. Once done Tristan looked at me unsure of his next move. I blinked and nodded letting him know I would be fine and he finally moved to the door.

Zephyr glared at him as he left and once we were alone I tried talking to him. “Zephyr I'm really sorry. I-”

He didn't meet my eyes which felt so wrong. “I thought we were getting somewhere, Athena. I would’ve appreciated hearing this from you then finding a fucking hickey on his neck!”

“I wanted to tell you, I was just-”

He raised a hand to stop me mid sentence. “Dinner’s in an hour. I expect you to be there.”

He said and left the room. I felt like I had cheated him. I felt bad that he was hurt because of me. He was hurt that I didn't trust him. I wish I had been truthful.

—————

When I reached the staircase I spotted Ares at the corner and instantly ran down the stairs to stop him before he got to the dining room. He halted in his steps hearing his name being called and gave me a curious look as I reached him.

“Zephyr,” I panted. “He found out about Tristan and me.”

“I know.”

“Is he mad?” I asked worriedly.

“I told you he won't kill Tristan if he catches you in bed with him. But I hoped you wouldn't put my words to the test.” He was disappointed. Just like everyone else is gonna be.

I gulped and looked down as a blush of embarrassment coated my neck. “My favorite flowers are roses. Just in case I don't survive this dinner.”

Ares scoffed, shaking his head. “He loves you too much. He can't even think of hurting you.”

“But he doesn't like Tristan, right?”

“He won't hurt the boy. That's all I can guarantee.”

“What does that mean?”

“It's gonna be fine. Let's go. Everyone's waiting.” He didn't let me argue and grabbed my hand before guiding me to our dining room.