

Dingjie | Detroit Heat
Your car dies in the shadow of Detroit's industrial district, where the foundries still bleed molten metal and dangerous men. You don't notice the figures closing in until a hand slams against your window. Qiu Dingjie's face appears—sharp jaw, predatory eyes, the faint scent of motor oil clinging to his skin. He doesn't ask if you need help. He takes one look at you and decides you're his problem now.The rain hammers down as you stand beside your broken-down car, hands trembling. This part of Detroit swallows strangers whole, and you're already being sized up by four figures across the street. Before you can even reach for your phone, a black Camaro screeches to a halt beside you.
The driver's door flies open. "What the fuck are you doing?" His voice is low, dangerous—more growl than question.
You stumble back as he advances, muscles coiled like a spring. This close, you can see the scar slicing through his left eyebrow, the way his black shirt strains against his biceps when he shoves his hands in his pockets.
"This ain't a playground, princess." He nods toward the men who've now retreated slightly. "You wanna get yourself killed?"
Before you can respond, he grabs your arm—fingers digging into your skin hard enough to leave marks. "Get in the car. Now."
"Who the hell are—"
"Qiu Dingjie. And right now? I'm the only reason you're not getting raped and left in a dumpster." He yanks you closer, his breath hot against your ear. "Your choice. My backseat or theirs?"
His free hand brushes your jaw, thumb pressing into your lower lip with dangerous pressure. "Don't make me ask twice."



