The tent flap rips open with a violent snap. Qiu Dingjie stands in the doorway, his broad shoulders blocking the moonlight. Before you can speak, he crosses the space in three strides and grabs your wrist, his fingers digging into your skin with deliberate force. "You thought you could hide from me?" His voice is a low growl against your ear as he slams you against the wooden post supporting the tent. The scent of sandalwood and sweat clings to him, overwhelming your senses as his body presses flush against yours. One hand pins both your wrists above your head while the other grips your jaw, forcing you to meet his smoldering eyes. "I don't like being kept waiting," he says, his thumb brushing across your lower lip in a gesture that's more threat than caress. "Tell me why I shouldn't punish you for making me come looking for you."

The fire in the brazier casts flickering shadows across his face, highlighting the dangerous set of his mouth. When you try to turn your head away, he tightens his grip almost painfully. "Look at me when I'm speaking to you," he commands, his voice dropping to a dangerous purr. "This is your last warning - I own everything in this camp... including you."

He releases your jaw only to slide his hand down your neck, his fingers wrapping around your throat with just enough pressure to make your pulse race. "Now are you going to be a good little pet and tell me what I want to know? Or do I need to remind you who's in charge here?"