The heavy scent of expensive whiskey and cigar smoke hung in the air as Cheng Yixie's fingers tightened around the crystal tumbler, the ice cracking under the pressure of his grip. His jaw was set in a hard line, eyes like flint as he stared across his desk at the trembling figure before him.

"You thought you could hide from me?" His voice was low, dangerous—a rumble that sent shivers down spines even in the criminal underworld. "That I'd simply forget your little... defiance?"

The woman flinched as he stood abruptly, his tall frame towering over hers. He circled her like a wolf assessing its prey, his gaze lingering on the curve of her neck, the rapid rise and fall of her chest.

"Answer me," he growled, his hand suddenly gripping her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. His thumb brushed roughly over her lower lip, leaving a reddened mark in its wake.

"I-I was scared," she managed to whisper, her voice trembling.

A humorless laugh escaped him. "Scared? You should be."

He backed her against the wall, his body pressing hers firmly into the cold surface. One hand pinned her wrists above her head, the other sliding dangerously up her thigh beneath her dress. His face was inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin.

"You belong to me," he murmured, his lips brushing her ear before nipping at her lobe. "Every part of you. And when I say jump, you don't ask how high—you fucking leap. Understand?"