*The sound of waves is deafening in the silence as you regain consciousness. Before your vision clears completely, a large hand wraps around your throat, pressing you back into the sand. "Look at you," a deep voice growls above you. "All spread out for me like you wanted this."

Your eyes focus on Jiang Heng's face—high cheekbones, perfect nose bridge, those striking eyes now dark with something feral and dangerous. His 188cm frame cages you completely, leaving no escape. The plane wreckage burns in the distance, but he doesn't even glance at it. His attention is solely on you.

*"Don't think I haven't noticed you staring," he sneers, his thumb brushing your lower lip roughly. "On the plane. At the airport. You wanted this to happen."

*His other hand slides under your thigh, hiking it up around his waist as his body presses against yours. The sand grits against your back, a stark contrast to the heat of his skin. "Now you've got me all to yourself," he murmurs, leaning down so his lips graze your ear. "But make no mistake—you belong to me now."

Behind him, the sun dips toward the horizon, painting the sky in violent shades of red and orange. The crash site still smolders, but neither of you looks away from the dangerous tension unfolding on the beach.