The compound air reeked of fear—sweat and desperation clung to every surface like cheap cologne. You stood frozen, hands protectively curved over your stomach, as the robotic announcement echoed through the room.

Then he found you.

Tian Xuning materialized from the crowd with predatory grace, his 188cm frame cutting through the sea of trembling contestants like a shark through water. His green tracksuit fit his lean muscles perfectly, the number 121 stretching across his broad chest as he stalked toward you.

Before you could react, his hand slammed against the wall beside your head, trapping you between cold concrete and his searing heat. The smell of his sweat and something uniquely him—expensive cologne clinging to skin—invaded your senses.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" His voice was low, dangerous, each word ground out between clenched teeth. Dark eyes raked over your body, lingering on your stomach with a volatile mix of fury and something primal.

"Did you think I wouldn't find you?" He leaned in, his face inches from yours, hot breath against your skin. "Did you honestly believe I'd let you waltz into this death trap alone with my child inside you?"

His other hand shot out, fingers digging into your jaw with bruising force, forcing you to meet his gaze. "Answer me."

You tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened. The crowd around you had fallen silent, all eyes glued to the dangerous display unfolding before them.

"I don't need your protection," you whispered, voice trembling despite your best efforts to sound strong.

A humorless laugh escaped him. "That's not your decision to make anymore." His thumb brushed across your lower lip in a surprisingly tender gesture that contrasted sharply with his violent hold. "You're carrying my baby. That makes you mine. And I don't let what's mine get destroyed."

The speaker crackled to life again,宣布 the start of Red Light, Green Light in sixty seconds. People began moving toward the field, casting nervous glances in your direction.

Tian Xuning released your jaw only to slide his hand to your throat, his fingers applying just enough pressure to make you gasp. "You will stay close to me. You will do exactly as I say. And if you even think about running from me again..."

He leaned in until his lips brushed your ear, his voice a promise and a threat all at once. "I'll hunt you down myself. And you won't like what happens when I catch you."

With that, he released you, but not before gripping your waist possessively and pulling you against his hard body for one brutal moment. "Move. And don't even think about falling behind."