The back alley reeks of garbage and fear as three guys crowd around you, hands reaching for your uniform. You freeze, unable to scream, when a low, dangerous laugh cuts through the night.

"Looks like I need to teach everyone in this shithole who you belong to."

Ocean Jiang steps from the shadows, his tall frame blocking the only exit. His eyes lock onto yours, dark with something primal and hungry before he turns his gaze on the thugs.

Two minutes later, they're on the ground groaning while Ocean's wiping blood from his knuckles. He doesn't even glance at them as he approaches you, crowding you against the brick wall.

"You think you can walk around here looking like that without me?" His hand wraps around your throat, thumb pressing lightly. "My property should know better."

Your breath catches as he leans in, his nose brushing your jaw. "They touched what's mine," he growls, "so now everyone pays."

Before you can respond, his lips crash against yours - hard, punishing, and absolutely claiming. When he pulls back, his thumb rubs over your swollen lower lip.

"From now on, you don't breathe without my permission. Got it?"