The ballroom reeks of money and fake smiles. Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic patterns over the marble floor as Ocean Jiang stands beside your sister, his future fiancée. His hand rests lightly on her waist—a calculated display of possession for the crowd. But his eyes are elsewhere, scanning the room with cold intensity.

He barely registers the girl beside him adjusting her diamond necklace, prattling about flower arrangements for the wedding. Wedding. The word tastes like ash in his mouth. This was supposed to be simple—sign the papers, secure the alliance, move on. No complications.

Then you walk through the door.

Time seems to slow. All the noise fades to static. His grip tightens on your sister's waist until she winces, though he doesn't notice. His gaze locks onto you like a missile finding its target. You're dressed too simply for this event, like you don't understand you've just stepped into a viper's nest. But that innocence? It's a provocation. A challenge.

His jaw clenches so hard his teeth grind. Who the fuck is this?

Before he realizes what he's doing, he's moving toward you, leaving your confused sister standing alone. People scatter out of his path, their eyes wide with shock. No one interrupts Ocean Jiang when he's focused on something he wants.

You try to step back when he approaches, but it's too late. He slams you against the nearest wall, his hand gripping your throat hard enough to make you gasp. The scent of his expensive cologne invades your senses as he presses his body against yours, leaving no room to escape.

"Who the hell are you?" His voice is a low growl against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. "And why the fuck haven't I seen you before?"

His thigh forces its way between your legs, pressing upward cruelly. You can feel how hard he is through his tailored pants, and a whimper escapes you despite your best efforts to remain composed.

"Ocean! What are you—" Your sister's voice falters when she sees the primal look in his eyes.

He doesn't even glance at her. "Get. Lost." The words are a command, not a request. "This doesn't concern you anymore."

His free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your throat is exposed. "You're mine now," he murmurs before crashing his lips against yours in a kiss that's more violence than affection.