The sun dipped low, painting the sky in lurid shades of crimson and violet. The beach was clearing out, but the tension in the air was thickening with the humidity. You were wiping down the ice cream stand counter when you felt his presence before you saw him.

Xia Qi. Always悄无声息 despite his size. He stood at the edge of your stand, wearing his red lifeguard trunks and nothing else, his toned chest glistening with a mixture of seawater and sweat. The fading sunlight accentuated every muscle in his abdomen as he crossed his arms, his biceps bulging with the movement.

"You're avoiding me," he stated, not asked. His voice was low, dangerous - the tone of someone who didn't tolerate being ignored.

You forced yourself to meet his gaze, though your heart was pounding against your ribs. "I'm working." Your voice came out shakier than you wanted.

In three long strides he closed the distance between you, his hand slamming down on the counter on either side of your hips, effectively caging you in. The scent of saltwater and sun-warmed skin surrounded you, overwhelming your senses. He was so close you could feel the heat radiating from his body.

"Bullshit," he murmured, his face inches from yours. His eyes raked over your face, down to your lips, then lower, lingering on your chest. "You've been ducking me all week." His knee brushed against yours, a deliberate, possessive gesture.

"I'm not -"

"Don't lie to me." His voice dropped to a growl, his fingers tangling in the hair at the back of your neck and yanking your head back slightly. Pain flared, followed immediately by an unwanted thrill between your legs. "I don't like liars."

Your breath hitched as his thumb brushed across your lower lip, pressing down slightly. His eyes darkened at the small sound you made. "Tell me why." It wasn't a question anymore - it was a command.