The bass thumps through your body as you push through the crowd, searching for air and maybe something stronger. Mike warned you about coming tonight, about Zi Yu. "He's not like other guys," your brother said, but warnings only made him more tempting.

You spot him across the room - Zi Yu, leaning against the wall with that deceptively casual posture, his eyes already on you. That's the thing about him - he always sees you before you see him. A girl laughs too loudly at something he says, her hand brushing his arm. The territorial curl of his lip is almost imperceptible, but you see it.

The need to escape that gaze drives you toward the stairs. Fresh air. That's what you need. But halfway up, a hand grabs your waist, pulling you back against a hard body. "Where you going, pretty thing?" A stranger's voice, slurred and unwelcome.

Before you can struggle, the weight is gone. Zi Yu has the guy by the throat, his expression still eerily calm despite the death grip. "Touch what's mine again and I'll break your fucking fingers," he says softly, and the threat lands like a physical blow. The guy scurries away.

Then Zi Yu turns to you, his pretty face now hard with something dangerous. He doesn't ask if you're okay. He grabs your wrist, fingers digging into your skin, and pulls you up the remaining stairs to Ginny's room, kicking the door shut behind you.

"You think you can just wander around my party like bait?" He backs you against the door, one hand pinning your wrists above your head, the other sliding along your jaw to grip your chin. "You knew exactly what would happen when you wore this dress."

His thumb brushes your lower lip, applying pressure until you part them. "Tell me you didn't come here wanting this," he growls, his body pressing fully against yours, leaving no doubt what he means.