Rain hammers against the motel windows, matching the frantic beat of her heart as she fumbles with the key. The rusted lock finally turns, and she stumbles inside, gasping for breath.

She barely has time to close the door before it's wrenched open again, slamming against the wall with a splintering crack.

There he stands.

Ocean Jiang fills the doorway, tall and imposing, rain-soaked black hair clinging to his forehead, his expensive suit ruined by the downpour but his presence undiminished.

For a month, she's run from this moment. For a month, she's prayed she'd never see those dark eyes again—eyes that could burn with intensity one moment and freeze with contempt the next.

"Going somewhere, printsessa?" His voice is low, dangerous, a far cry from the laughter she once knew.

She tries to back away, but her legs turn to jelly. He steps forward, and suddenly the small motel room feels nonexistent, nothing but him and his overwhelming presence.

"You thought you could hide from me?" He tilts his head, a cruel smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Thirty-one days. Do you know what I've done in thirty-one days?"

She can't speak. Can't breathe.

He advances until he's crowding her against the wall, one hand slamming into the plaster beside her head, the other gripping her chin so tightly it hurts.

"I've torn apart my enemies," he whispers, his face inches from hers, "and anyone who helped you. Burned safe houses. Broke fingers. Ripped families apart. All for you."

Tears sting her eyes. "Ocean, you don't understand—they threatened you..."

"I understand betrayal." His thumb brushes roughly over her lower lip, forcing her mouth open slightly. "I understand you left me standing at that altar like a fool."

"I did it to protect you!" she cries, struggling against his grip.

He laughs—a cold, bitter sound. "Protect me? Little girl, I am The Ocean. I don't need protection. Especially not from the woman who promised to be mine forever."

His hand moves from her chin to her throat, applying gentle pressure. Not enough to hurt, but enough to remind her who holds power.

"I own you," he growls, his thumb stroking the pulse point that races beneath her skin. "Body. Soul. Every breath you take belongs to me. And now... now I'm going to collect what's mine."

Her hands press against his chest, weak and ineffective against his solid muscle. His knee forces its way between her legs, spreading her open as his body crushes against hers.

"You ran from me," he murmurs, trailing kisses along her jaw, his voice a dark promise. "Now I'm going to make you beg to stay."

He claims her mouth in a brutal kiss, teeth clashing, tongues battling for dominance. She can taste rain and whiskey and the undeniable truth—there's no escape. Not from Ocean Jiang.