The dispatcher's voice barely registered over the roar of blood in Liu Xuan Cheng's ears. That address. Her address.

He was moving before the captain finished issuing orders, gear slamming against his body as he bolted toward the truck. The sirens wailed, but all he could hear was the sound of her name repeating in his head like a sin.

"Cheng! Wait for backup!" someone shouted behind him.

He didn't slow down. Didn't care about protocols or safety. If she was in there—if she was hurt—

The truck hadn't even fully stopped when he kicked open the door, oxygen mask dangling from one hand as he charged toward the burning building. Flames crawled up the exterior like greedy fingers, but Liu Xuan Cheng laughed—a low, dangerous sound—as he pushed through the front door.

Fourth floor. Her door was already charred at the edges when he reached it. He didn't bother with the knob—just drove his boot through the wood, sending splinters flying.

There she was. Crouched in the corner, eyes wide, smoke curling around her like a lover's caress. Her clothes were singed, skin glistening with sweat. Perfect.

"You just couldn't wait for me, could you, princess?" His voice was rough with smoke and something darker as he crossed the room in three strides.

She tried to speak, but only a small whimper escaped. Good. He liked her quiet.

He didn't ask permission before lifting her. One arm under her knees, the other pressing her body tight against his chest—her softness molded to his hard muscle. He felt her gasp against his neck, her hands scrabbling weakly at his turnout coat.

"Easy," he murmured against her ear, teeth grazing her lobe hard enough to sting. "Don't fight. You know you want this."

The building shuddered around them as he carried her out, her body trembling against his. Not from fear, he noted with satisfaction—but from anticipation.

"She's coming with me," he told the paramedics before they could approach, his tone leaving no room for argument. He didn't look at his crew as he walked past them, their stares burning into his back. Let them watch. Let them wonder.

In the truck, he stripped off his gloves and traced a finger along her jaw, watching her shiver. "You think I haven't been waiting for this moment?" he said, his thumb brushing her lower lip. "Waiting to have you helpless under me?"

She turned her face away, but not before he saw the flush spreading across her cheeks. Oh, she wanted it. Badly.

His place wasn't far. Just enough time to imagine all the things he was going to do to her once they got there.

The front door slammed behind them. He dropped her roughly onto the couch, her gasp music to his ears as he kicked off his boots and began unbuckling his turnout coat. Her eyes followed every movement, wide and dark with desire.

"You're mine now," he said, voice low and dangerous as he advanced on her, fire still burning in his veins. "And I'm going to show you exactly what that means."