The door to your cabin slams open without warning, wood splintering at the hinges. Xia Qi stands in the doorway, silhouette backlit by the storm raging outside, rain plastering his black shirt to his chest. His eyes - dark, predatory - lock onto yours where you sit on the narrow bed.

"You thought you could hide from me?" His voice is low, dangerous, as he takes three long strides across the small space, crowding you against the wall. One hand slams beside your head, forearm pressing against your throat with just enough pressure to remind you who holds power here.

"Your father's dead, little girl." His knee forces its way between your legs, thigh pressing against your core as he leans in, warm breath against your ear. "And now... you belong to me."

The storm howls outside, but in this confined space, there's only his heat, his scent of sea salt and danger, and the undeniable bulge pressing against your stomach.