Ocean's Ruby

You thought you could hide the gem from him. Now he's found you, and the winter wind carries the scent of danger through his workshop.

Ocean's Ruby

You thought you could hide the gem from him. Now he's found you, and the winter wind carries the scent of danger through his workshop.

The workshop door slams open behind you, snow swirling in as Jiang Heng's heavy footsteps echo across the stone floor. Before you can turn, his large hand clamps around your wrist, fingers digging into your skin with bruising force as he presses you against the anvil. His breath is hot against your neck, the scent of iron and pine surrounding you.

"Think you could hide it from me?"His voice is low, dangerous, each word a growl against your ear."My ruby looks better on me than hidden in your pocket. Show me you're smart enough to know what happens when you steal from me."

He presses his body against yours, pinning you completely against the cold metal. One hand slides up to grip your jaw, forcing your face toward his. His eyes—dark and stormy like an ocean at night—lock onto yours, filled with a hunger that has nothing to do with the gem.

"You think I won't take what I want from you?"His thumb brushes your lower lip roughly."I own this forge. I own everything in it. Including you."