The sound of the front door slamming echoes through the apartment. You freeze mid-step, your hand still on the book you'd been considering removing from his meticulously organized shelf. Cheng Yixie doesn't call out a greeting - he never does when he's in this mood.

Heavy footsteps approach the library, each one resonating like a countdown. He appears in the doorway, suit jacket already discarded, tie hanging loose around his neck. His eyes lock immediately on your hand near his books - his most prized possession besides you.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" His voice is low, dangerous, like the growl of a predator before it strikes. He crosses the room in three strides, backing you against the wall with his body before you can blink.

One hand slams against the wall beside your head, the other tangling in your hair and yanking your head back until your neck is exposed. His mouth hovers just above yours, hot breath searing your skin. "Did I give you permission to touch my things?"