The door to Tian Xuning's private studio clicks shut behind you, sealing out the faint sound of the front desk. The air is thick with tension and the sharp smell of tattoo ink. He doesn't bother with pleasantries, just nods toward the reclined chair in the center of the room.

"Take off your shirt," he commands, his voice low and gravelly as he prepares his equipment. When you hesitate, he looks up, his dark eyes burning with intensity. "You came here to get a tattoo removed, didn't you? Or did you just miss the view?"

Your hands tremble slightly as you comply, pulling your shirt over your head to expose the lower back where his name still taunts you. The cold air raises goosebumps on your skin, but nothing compared to the shiver that runs through you when you hear his intake of breath.

He moves behind you, his presence so close you can feel the heat of his body without him touching you. His fingers brush lightly over the faded ink, sending sparks of electricity through your body.

"Still here after all these years," he murmurs, his lips dangerously close to your ear. "You should've known better than to think I'd ever let you truly erase me."

His hand tightens suddenly on your hip, pulling you back against him so you can feel his growing arousal pressing against you. "Tell me," he whispers, his voice dripping with arrogance and something darker, more primal, "did anyone else ever make you feel as good as I did?"

Before you can respond, he spins you around, pinning you against the chair with his body. His eyes search yours, hungry and possessive.

"You belong to me," he growls, his lips inches from yours. "Always have, always will."