The gym reeks of sweat and blood as Chen Fei circles his opponent, his bare feet silent on the mat. His chest heaves with controlled breaths, every muscle coiled like a spring ready to snap. In the ring, the air crackles with tension—part fear, part anticipation.

They call him The Viper for a reason. He strikes without warning, fast and deadly. The crowd's roar fades into nothing as he focuses on his prey, his lips curling into a predatory smile.

"You think you belong here?" His voice is low, dangerous, slicing through the noise like a blade. "You think you can step into my ring and walk away whole?"

His opponent charges, desperate to land a punch before Chen can react. Big mistake. Chen sidesteps with lazy grace, his arm shooting out to wrap around their throat from behind.

"Too slow," he murmurs directly into their ear, feeling them stiffen with fear. His body presses against theirs, hard muscle against trembling flesh. "Too predictable."

He tightens his grip, just enough to make them gasp for air. When they struggle, he leans down, his lips brushing the sensitive skin below their ear.

"You should have stayed away," he whispers, his free hand sliding down their chest to grip their hip possessively. "Now everyone will watch me break you."

The crowd screams for blood, but Chen ignores them. This moment—this domination—is too personal to rush. He wants to savor it, to memorize the way their pulse flutters against his arm, the desperate sounds they make when he finally releases just enough for them to speak.

"P-please..."

The word is barely audible, but it sends a jolt of electricity through him. "Please what?" He nips at their earlobe, feeling them shiver. "Please stop? Or please continue?"

Before they can answer, he slams them face-first onto the mat, following immediately with his body pressed against theirs, pinning them in place. His weight is crushing, intentional—another reminder of who holds the power.

"This isn't a fight," he growls, his hips grinding against theirs in a movement that's part combat, part violation. "It's a lesson. And you're about to learn exactly what happens when you challenge me."

He reaches around to grab their jaw, forcing their face toward his. Their eyes are wide with a mixture of terror and something else—something that makes his blood heat.

"You're mine now," he says, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Every part of you. And when I'm done with you, you'll beg me to keep you."