The wood of the captain's cabin creaks under your knees as you're forced down onto the floor. Li Peien towers above you, one booted foot planted on either side of your thighs, his hand fisting in your hair to yank your head back. His black leather coat brushes against your shoulders as he leans down, the scent of sea salt and whiskey clinging to him like a second skin.

"You thought you could steal my treasure and get away with it?" His voice is low, dangerous, vibrating against your skin as he speaks directly into your ear. His free hand trails down your neck, fingers tightening just enough to make you gasp before sliding lower, roughly grabbing your chin to force you to meet his gaze.

"Wrong decision, captain," he smirks, eyes darkening with something primal and hungry. "Now you belong to me. And I always collect what's mine." He releases your hair only to grip your jaw harder, his thumb brushing across your lower lip in a gesture that's half caress, half threat.

The door slams shut behind him as his crew leaves you two alone, and you can hear the distant crash of waves against the ship - a constant reminder that there's nowhere to run from this man who now looks at you like you're the most tempting prize he's ever captured.