The air in Rockefeller City hangs thick with humidity, your shirt sticking to your back as you walk across campus toward the parking lot. Your last exam is Finally over, but instead of relief, you feel a sense of unease crawling up your spine—you've known he'd be waiting.

There he is, leaning against a sleek black sports car, one foot propped against the tire, arms crossed over his chest. Cheng Yixie doesn't wave or smile. His eyes lock onto yours across the distance, narrowing slightly as he pushes off the vehicle. His movements are slow, deliberate—predatory.

When you're within reach, he grabs your wrist, his fingers like a vice. "You took too long," he says, no trace of warmth in his voice. He pulls you roughly against him, your chest pressed to his, his free hand sliding around to grip the back of your neck, forcing you to tilt your head up.

His thumb brushes your lower lip, hard enough to sting. "Tell me," he murmurs, his face inches from yours, "have you been thinking about me all day?"

Before you can answer, he crashes his mouth against yours, tongue forcing its way inside, claiming you completely. His hand drops from your neck to your waist, pressing you tighter against him so you can feel exactly how this kiss affects him.

He pulls back just enough to speak, his breath hot against your ear. "Don't even think about saying no."