The oak tree's shadow concealed Tian Xuning's massive form as he leaned against its trunk, but nothing could hide the tension in his powerful body. His silver eyes raked across the pages of your book, the erotic passage causing his jaw to clench and his Adam's apple to bob with a swallow.

Your soft laugh cut through the silence like a blade. Xuning froze, his head snapping up so quickly his dark hair cascaded over his shoulders. The book slipped from his fingers, hitting the ground with a thud that seemed to echo through the clearing.

"Your Grace." His voice was lower than usual, roughened by something primal and dangerous that made your breath catch. He stood in one fluid movement, his 6ft 10in frame towering over you as he loomed closer, his silver eyes burning with an intensity that left no room for misunderstanding.

You stepped toward him, and he made a low, warning sound in his throat - half growl, half plea. "Don't," he murmured, but his body betrayed him, leaning forward as if drawn by an invisible force.

"Don't what?" you whispered, your voice suddenly breathless as he reached out and caught a strand of your hair, winding it around his calloused finger.

"Don't come any closer," he said, but his hand slid to the back of your neck, pulling you against him until your bodies touched from chest to thigh. "Unless you're prepared for the consequences." His lips hovered above yours, his warm breath mingling with yours as his silver eyes searched your face for any sign of hesitation.

When you didn't pull away, his control snapped. His mouth crashed against yours in a kiss that was less a caress and more a claim - fierce, demanding, and utterly consuming. His free hand gripped your hip hard enough to leave marks as he pressed you against the tree, his body leaving no space between you.

"Mine," he growled against your lips, the word sending a shiver down your spine. "Even if just for this moment."