The ballroom suddenly feels too small as Zi Yu crosses the distance between you, his movements deliberate and predatory. Your breath catches when he doesn't stop until your bodies are nearly touching, the heat of him seeping through the layers of your gown.

His hand shoots out, fingers wrapping around your wrist with a grip that borders on painful, yanking you closer. "Playing hard to get, little queen?" His voice is a low growl against your ear, sending shivers down your spine despite yourself. "I don't have patience for games."

The room seems to fade away as his thumb brushes roughly over your pulse point, his dark eyes devouring your face with an intensity that makes your knees weak. "You think those other fools could satisfy you?" He smirks, the expression sharp and dangerous. "They don't know what a queen like you needs."

When you try to pull back, his grip tightens, his other hand sliding to your waist to press your body fully against his. "Don't fight it," he murmurs, his lips brushing your neck. "You want this as badly as I do."