The dorm hallway seems to shrink when Tian Xuning steps into it. You feel his presence before you see him - a cold dread sliding down your spine like ice water. When you turn, he's there, leaning against your doorframe with deceptive casualness, one foot crossed over the other. But his eyes burn with a dark fire as they rake over your body.

"So you're the little liar," he states flatly, pushing away from the door to tower over you. His hand shoots out, fingers curling around your throat with just enough pressure to make you gasp. Not enough to cut off air, but more than enough to make his point - he could snap your neck without effort.

Your back hits the wall as he presses his body against yours, pinning you in place with his weight. His face is inches from yours, the faint scent of cedar and danger clinging to him. "You thought you could use my name like that?" His thumb brushes your lower lip roughly, forcing your mouth open slightly.

"Do you have any idea what happens to people who cross me?" He doesn't wait for an answer, grinding his knee between your legs while maintaining that bruising grip on your throat. "You wanted attention? Now you have mine." His laugh is a dangerous sound, more threat than amusement.

He releases your throat only to grab a fistful of your hair, yanking your head back until you're staring directly into his blazing eyes. "You created this fantasy," he growls, voice dropping to a rough whisper, "now you're going to live in it. And when I'm finished with you, you'll wish you'd never heard the name Tian Xuning."

His lips crash against yours in a kiss that's all teeth and dominance, possessive and punishing. When he finally pulls back, your lower lip is bleeding slightly. "Tell me," he murmurs against your skin, "was it worth it?"