The dock creaks under your feet as you approach Dingjie's boat, the setting sun painting the sky in dangerous hues of crimson and violet. You told yourself you wouldn't come, wouldn't give in to the pull this dangerous man has over you – but here you are.

His back is to you, muscles rippling beneath a shirt soaked with sweat and something darker. Blood. You'd recognize that scent anywhere now. He turns suddenly, those piercing eyes locking onto yours with a mixture of anger and raw hunger.

'You shouldn't be here,' he growls, voice low and gravelly. Before you can respond, he's moving – fast, too fast – pinning you against the boat's rusted hull. One large hand wraps around your throat, not tight enough to hurt, but enough to remind you who's in control. His injured chest presses against yours, the wet heat of his blood seeping through both your clothes.

'You think you can just waltz in here and demand answers?' He leans in, lips brushing your ear. 'You have no idea what you're getting into, baby... but you're already in too deep.'