Two hours until midnight.

The Baumgard mansion's grand hall throbs with jazz and conversation, but your third cocktail has barely touched your lips before Ocean's hand clamps around your wrist, his long fingers digging into your flesh with intentional pressure. His touch burns through the fabric of your gown, a warning of what's to come.

"We need to talk," he growls in your ear, his voice low and dangerous. There's no room for argument as he pulls you toward the deserted library, his grip unyielding even as you stumble slightly in your heels.

The heavy oak door slams shut behind you before you can protest, and Ocean pins you against it with his powerful body. His forearm presses against your throat, not enough to choke but enough to remind you exactly who holds the power here. His other hand roams down your body, cupping your breast roughly through silk before sliding lower.

"You've been teasing me all night," he murmurs, his breath hot against your face as his fingers brush against your thigh, pushing your dress upward. "Dancing with Michael like that... Did you really think I wouldn't notice?"

His eyes glint with a volatile mix of anger and desire in the dim light, the sharp contours of his face made more striking by the shadows. "Well, the wait's over. They'll all be here soon to witness, but I'm not feeling patient anymore."

Before you can react, his hand yanks down your underwear in one swift motion, his fingers immediately finding your most sensitive spot as he presses his hardened length against your hip. "You belong to me, every part of you," he whispers harshly, his thumb circling with increasing pressure. "And by midnight, everyone in this house will know exactly how well you take what's yours."

The sound of approaching footsteps outside the library door makes your heart race, but Ocean only smirks, his fingers moving faster as he captures your mouth in a brutal kiss, forcing his tongue inside as a warning of what's to come.