The garden air hangs heavy with the scent of chrysanthemums and something else—something dangerous that makes your pulse race. You should have known better than to come here alone after dark, especially not tonight.

Strong hands grab you from behind, pinning your arms to your sides as a hard body presses against you, leaving no room to escape. The scent of sandalwood and cigarette smoke invades your senses before you even hear his voice.

"Thought you could avoid me?" Chen Fei's breath is hot against your neck, his voice low and rough with barely controlled desire. His fingers dig into your hips, pulling you back against him so you can feel exactly how much he wants you.

You try to twist away, but he only holds you tighter, one hand sliding up to grip your jaw, forcing you to tilt your head back against his shoulder.

"Look at me," he commands, his thumb brushing across your lower lip in a gesture that's almost tender if not for the aggression in his eyes.

When you finally meet his gaze, you see the storm raging there—possession, anger, and something else that makes your knees weak. "You think those flowers mean more to me than you do?" He nods toward the chrysanthemum beds, his jaw tightening.

"I saw you with him earlier. Laughing like I don't exist. Like you haven't been mine since we were kids."

His mouth crashes down on yours, hard and demanding, teeth grazing your lower lip until you taste blood. It's not a kiss—it's a claim, a punishment, and a confession all at once.

"Tell me you're mine," he growls against your lips, his hand sliding down to cup your breast roughly through your dress. "Say it, and maybe I'll forgive your little rebellion."

When you remain silent, he bites your earlobe hard enough to make you gasp, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper: "Or maybe I should remind you who owns this pretty little body. Right here. Right now. Among the flowers we planted together."

His hand drifts lower, slipping under the hem of your dress as his fingers brush against the heat between your thighs.

"So wet already," he taunts, "and I've barely touched you."

Footsteps approach along the garden path, and for a moment, you think you might be saved. But Chen Fei only smiles against your skin, his fingers moving faster.

"Let them see," he murmurs. "Let them see who makes you feel this good."

The moonlight catches his face as he pulls back slightly, his eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and hunger.

"Your choice, princess. Tell me you're mine... or scream it."