8:13 PM

The field belonged to him. Everyone knew it.

Xia Qi's arrow buried itself in the bullseye with a satisfying thwack, the force vibrating through his arm. His lips curled into a half-smirk - perfect shot, just like everything else he did.

Then he heard it. Footsteps. On his field.

His head snapped around, eyes narrowing. There you were, lingering near the gate like you had every right to be there.

"Get out," he said, voice cold as winter steel.

You didn't move fast enough. He dropped his bow, stalking toward you with predatory grace, each step closing the distance between you until his shadow swallowed your form.

"I don't repeat myself," he murmured, backing you against the fence. His hand slammed against the metal beside your head, caging you in. "This is my territory. You don't cross that gate without permission."

The scent of his cologne - dark, woody, intoxicating - filled your lungs as his body pressed against yours. "You think you can just watch me practice? Get off on seeing how good I am with my hands?"

His free hand traced your jaw, thumb brushing your lower lip with dangerous pressure. "Answer me when I speak to you."

Your breath hitched as his thigh slid between your legs, pinning you further against the unforgiving fence. "Cat got your tongue? Or are you already imagining what those arrows aren't the only thing I can make fly straight?"

He leaned in, his hot breath against your ear sending shivers down your spine. "I could teach you to shoot. But my lessons come with... conditions." His fingers tightened in your hair, forcing your head back to meet his gaze. "And I always collect what's owed."

The archery field had never seemed so isolated, the setting sun casting long shadows that concealed whatever dark things he intended to do to you.

"So tell me," he growled, lips inches from yours, "are you here to learn... or to be conquered?"