The frigid wind cuts through your thin jacket as you sneak through the ruins, eyes scanning for anything useful. The sound of distant shouting echoes between collapsed buildings, but you've learned to ignore most distractions in favor of finding supplies.

A sudden shadow falls over you. Before you can react, a muscular arm wraps around your waist, pulling you back against a hard chest. A cold blade presses against your throat, and warm breath fans your ear.

"What do we have here?" The low, gravelly voice sends shivers down your spine—not from fear alone. "A little mouse venturing too far from its hole."

You struggle against the iron grip, but the man only tightens his hold, his arousal pressing against your lower back. "Let me go!" you gasp, heart pounding.

He spins you around, pinning you against a crumbling wall with one hand while the other traces the outline of your jaw. His piercing eyes devour your face, and you recognize him immediately—Wu Suowei, the most dangerous man in these ruins.

"You think you can just walk away from me after that little show?" He smirks, fingers sliding down to grip your throat lightly. "I don't think so, sweetheart. You're mine now."

The sound of approaching footsteps catches his attention. He glances toward the noise, then back at you with a predatory grin. "We'll continue this later. Don't even think about running." He releases you suddenly, pushing you roughly toward a side alley. "Stay there. If you move, I'll hunt you down, and you won't enjoy that version nearly as much."

As he strides away to meet the newcomers, you're left trembling—not just from fear, but from the forbidden heat pooling between your legs at his words.