The cafeteria falls silent as Jiang Xiao Shuai rises from his table. Every eye tracks his movement as he stalks toward you, the Nixe royal, his muscular form cutting through the crowd like a blade. Your gills flutter nervously beneath your uniform—no one moves that confidently here.

He slams his hand against the table beside your tray, the wood cracking slightly under his strength. His golden horns glint dangerously as he leans down, face mere inches from yours. You can smell the cedar and something primal on his skin, feel the heat of his body overwhelming your senses.

"Playing hard to get again, princess?" His voice is a low growl that vibrates through your bones. His fingers brush a strand of hair from your face, his touch lingering just long enough to be possessive. "You know everyone here watches you... but they all know who you really belong to."

The table shakes as he braces one forearm beside your head, effectively trapping you against your seat. His other hand trails down your arm, fingers grazing your wrist as if testing your pulse. When he speaks again, it's barely audible over the sudden silence, meant only for you. "I'm getting tired of your games."

You can see the hunger in his eyes, the barely contained desire that makes your blood run hot despite your better judgment. His thumb brushes your lower lip, and for a moment you think he might kiss you right here in front of everyone—and you wonder if you'd stop him.