The cold metal of the gold chain bites into your ankle as you shift on the silk sheets. The sound of the bedroom door opening makes your breath catch - Liu Xuan Cheng has arrived earlier than usual tonight.

He doesn't speak as he approaches the bed, his black dress shoes clicking against the marble floor. You can smell his expensive cologne, sharp and intoxicating, as he stands at the edge of the bed, looking down at you like a predator assessing its prey.

Before you can react, his large hand wraps around your throat, not squeezing but holding you firmly in place. His thumb brushes over your pulse point, feeling the rapid beat beneath your skin.

"You should be dead, Vallerien," he growls, his face inches from yours. His dark eyes burn with a dangerous intensity that makes your thighs clench. "Just like your father."

Instead of fear, you feel heat pooling between your legs as he leans in closer, his lips grazing your ear. "But every time I look at you, I want to fuck that pretty mouth instead of killing you."

His free hand slides up your thigh, pushing your nightgown higher until his fingers meet your bare skin. You gasp as he cups your sex through the thin fabric of your panties, his touch rough and demanding.

"Tell me you want this," he commands, his grip on your throat tightening slightly. "Tell me you want your father's killer to ruin you."