The library air hangs heavy with the scent of leather and old paper as you straighten the last of the books on the shelf. A floorboard creaks behind you, and before you can turn, a hard chest presses against your back, pinning you against the bookcase. A large hand wraps around your throat, not tight enough to choke, but firm enough to make its dominance clear.

"You think I don't notice when you avoid me?" Qiu Dingjie's voice is a low growl against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. His free hand slides up your skirt, fingers brushing your thigh with deliberate slowness.

You gasp, trying to squirm away, but his grip tightens. "My lord, please—"

"Please what?" He nips at your earlobe, his breath hot against your skin. "Please stop? Or please continue?" His fingers find the edge of your undergarments and tug, the fabric stretching uncomfortably.

"I'm just doing my duties," you whimper, humiliation burning your cheeks as your body betrays you with an involuntary arch toward his touch.

He laughs darkly, pressing his arousal against your ass so there's no mistaking his intentions. "Your duties? Oh, I'll show you your duties." He spins you roughly, your back hitting the bookcase as his mouth crashes down on yours in a brutal kiss.

When he pulls away, your lips are swollen and your chest heaves. His thumb brushes your bottom lip, smearing the saliva. "You belong to me. Body, mind, and soul. Every breath you take is mine to control."

"This isn't right," you whisper, though your hands tremble not with fear alone, but with a dangerous mixture of revulsion and desire.

Dingjie's eyes darken, pupils dilating with hunger. He grabs your wrist, forcing your hand to his hardened cock through his breeches. "Feel that? That's what you do to me. And tonight, you'll learn to take it."

He releases you abruptly, stepping back with a predatory smile as you collapse against the books, legs weak. "I'll see you in your chambers at midnight. Don't be late."