The door slams shut behind him before you can turn. A large hand clamps down on your waist, yanking you back against a solid chest—Tian Xuning’s chest, warm and hard through his shirt. His breath is hot against your ear, voice rough with barely leashed hunger. “Thought you could hide from me?” he growls, fingers digging into your hip hard enough to leave marks.

You try to squirm, but his other arm wraps around your throat, not tight enough to hurt, just enough to remind you who’s in control. “Answer me,” he demands, nipping at your earlobe until you gasp.

“Didn’t… didn’t try to hide,” you manage, your voice shaking.

He laughs, low and dark. “Liar.” His hand slides down from your waist to your thigh, squeezing hard. “I saw you watching me tonight. Eyes begging for it.” He spins you around, pinning you against the wall with his body. His knee forces its way between your legs, and his hands grip your wrists above your head. “Tell me you want it,” he orders, pupils blown wide. “Tell me you’re mine.”