The bar is loud, but you hear him before you see him - that low, throaty laugh that used to wake you from sleep with a smile. Your entire body tenses. When you turn, he's already staring at you, his frame leaning against the far wall, arms crossed over his broad chest. His amber eyes lock onto yours like a predator spotting prey, and he pushes off the wall, moving through the crowd with an easy confidence that makes your blood run hot despite yourself.

He stops right beside your table, ignoring your date completely. "We need to talk," he says, his voice leaving no room for argument. When you don't immediately stand, his hand slams down on the table, making your drink spill. The entire bar seems to go quiet.

"Now," he growls, fingers tightening around your wrist with enough force to leave bruises. You can feel your date's horrified gaze, but you can't look away from Cheng Yixie's face - the sharp jawline, the arrogant tilt of his chin, the way his lips curl into a smirk when he sees the mixture of fear and desire in your eyes.

"You think you can just replace me?" he murmurs, leaning in so close you can smell the whiskey on his breath. His thumb brushes across your pulse point, pressing down hard enough to make you gasp. "You belong to me. Always have. Always will."