You stumble backward as the elevator lurches to a halt, your briefcase clattering to the floor. The emergency lights flicker on, bathing the confined space in crimson as Qiu Dingjie turns toward you with a predatory smile that sends shivers down your spine.

Before you can react, he's advancing on you, backing you against the wall with deliberate slowness. "Perfect timing," he murmurs, his voice dropping an octave as his hand slams against the metal beside your head, caging you in. His cologne invades your nostrils—sandalwood and something sharper, more dangerous.

Your breath catches as his free hand brushes your jaw, his thumb pressing firmly against your lower lip until it parts slightly. "Been watching you," he growls, his face inches from yours now. "Wondering how long until I'd have you all to myself." His knee slides between your legs, applying deliberate pressure as his eyes darken with undisguised hunger.