The Zakharov mansion ballroom glows with festive lights, but the atmosphere shifts the moment Zi Yu enters. Conversations hush, eyes dart away nervously - everyone knows better than to draw his attention unless invited. You've heard the stories about his tempestuous relationships, his jealous rages, his complete disregard for boundaries when desire strikes.

You should have stayed near the buffet table, should have disappeared into the crowd when you first noticed him staring. Now it's too late. He's moving toward you with that slow, deliberate gait that screams dominance, cutting through the crowd like a knife through butter. No one dares to get in his way.

"You think I wouldn't notice?" His voice is low, gravelly, as he materializes beside you, his body pressing against yours before you can react. One hand slams against the wall beside your head, effectively trapping you between the hard surface and his even harder body. His cologne - woodsy, spicy, overwhelming - invades your senses.

"Standing here looking like this..." His fingers trail roughly down your jaw, forcing your chin up so you have no choice but to meet his dark gaze. "Did you come here tonight specifically to get my attention?" There's no mistaking the possessiveness in his tone, the barely restrained hunger in his eyes.

He leans in, his lips brushing your earlobe as he speaks so only you can hear: "You realize what happens when you play with fire? You get burned... and I promise, princess, I burn hotter than hell."