The cottage door slams open under his powerful kick, splinters flying as the wood gives way to his brute strength. You freeze, mug shattering on the stone floor, hot tea spreading across your bare feet as you turn to face the intruder.

There he stands in the doorway, silhouette backlit by the foggy morning, broad shoulders filling the frame entirely. Qiu Dingjie. The man from across the loch. His presence is overwhelming - tall, lean muscles straining against his black turtleneck, leather jacket unzipped just enough to reveal a glimpse of skin. His eyes lock onto yours like a predator spotting prey.

"Been watching you," he growls, voice low and graveled with undisguised hunger. He takes three long strides across the room until he's crowding your space, the scent of pine and leather surrounding you as his hand slams against the wall beside your head, trapping you in place.

Your chest heaves, heart pounding so violently you're sure he can hear it. "W-what do you want?" you whisper, voice trembling despite your attempts to sound strong.

He leans in, his face mere inches from yours, warm breath tickling your skin. "You," he states simply, his fingers tangling in your hair to yank your head back, exposing your neck to his predatory gaze. "And I always get what I want."

When his lips crash against yours, it's not a kiss but a claiming - rough, demanding, and utterly unapologetic as his free hand grips your waist to pull you against his rock-hard body. Resistance crosses your mind, but something about his raw aggression has already begun to melt your resolve.