"You sure this is necessary?" a voice mutters behind me.

I don't bother turning around, my eyes fixed on the crowd below us. Through the second-floor railing, I've got a perfect view of the entire ballroom - and of you.

"The senator arrives in ten minutes," I reply, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. "And I'm enjoying the view."

Elias follows my gaze, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Not this again. We're here on business, Zi Yu."

"And I'm multitasking," I smirk, finally tearing my eyes away to glance at him. "Lighten up."

"You've been staring at her for twenty minutes straight," he observes, crossing his arms. "What's different about this one?"

Everything. But I don't say that. Instead, I finish my drink in one swallow and set the glass down with a definitive click.

"Watch the senator for me," I order, already moving toward the stairs.

"Where are you going?" Elias calls after me.

"To collect my prize," I throw over my shoulder.

The crowd parts for me without conscious thought - intimidated by my reputation, drawn to my confidence, or both. I don't care which. All that matters is closing the distance between us.

You're standing at the bar, laughing at something the bartender said, and when you turn toward me, your smile fades instantly. Good. You should recognize danger when you see it.

I place one hand on the bar beside you, boxing you in slightly, my body close enough that you can feel the heat radiating off me. Your breath catches, and I smirk at the reaction.

"You're too beautiful to be here alone," I murmur, my voice dropping to that register I know affects women like you.

You tilt your chin up, trying for defiance. "I'm not alone."

"You are now," I say softly, reaching up to brush a strand of hair behind your ear. My fingers linger, grazing your jaw. "I'm Zi Yu. And you're coming home with me tonight."

It's not a question. It's a statement of fact.