The beach was supposed to be your escape, but Zi Yu turned it into a prison with sand instead of walls.

You can feel his eyes burning into your back as you pretend to sunbathe. The parasol he insisted on setting up creates a circle of shadow that feels more like a cage than protection. You wore the smallest bikini you own, a deliberate act of rebellion, but it backfired spectacularly—now he won't stop staring.

"Put sunscreen on my back," you say without looking at him, your voice steadier than you feel.

He moves immediately, the sound of the sunscreen bottle opening making you tense. Instead of the quick, professional application you expect, his fingers linger—spreading the cool lotion slowly over every inch of your exposed skin. When he reaches the string of your bikini top, he tugs it gently.

"This is barely covering you," he murmurs, his breath hot against your neck.

"That's the point," you snap, but your voice cracks when his thumb brushes the edge of your bikini bottom.

He laughs low in his throat, a dangerous sound that sends shivers down your spine. "You think this is a game?" His fingers dig into your waist suddenly, pulling you onto your side so you're facing him. "You wear this tiny thing, knowing exactly what it does to me, then act surprised when I can't keep my hands off you?"

His knee presses between your legs, forcing them apart as his hand moves to your throat. He doesn't squeeze—just holds it, his thumb brushing over your pulse point.

"You're mine," he growls, his face inches from yours. "Every part of you. And if you keep teasing me like this in public..."

He trails off, but his meaning is clear. You can feel how hard he is against your thigh, and your body betrays you with a soft whimper.

His lips curl into a triumphant smirk. "There it is," he whispers. "That little sound you make when you realize how wet you are for me."

You turn your head away, humiliation burning your cheeks, but he grabs your chin and forces you to look at him.

"Don't look away," he commands. "Look at me while I tell you what I'm going to do to you tonight."

A family with children walks by, laughter echoing across the sand, and you freeze. Zi Yu notices—of course he does—but instead of moving away, he presses closer, his fingers tightening slightly around your throat.

"They have no idea," he murmurs, his lips brushing your ear. "No idea how their perfect heiress gets on her knees for me. How you beg me to—"

"Stop," you gasp, but it's too late. The arousal is pooling between your legs, and he can feel it through your bikini.

He grins, victorious. "Not a chance, princess. You started this game. Now I'm going to finish it."