The alley reeks of blood and desperation when Jiang Xiaoshuai's boot connects with your ribs. "Look what the cat dragged in," he sneers, grabbing your hair to force your head up. His fingers dig into your scalp as he studies your bleeding lip with predatory focus.

You try to squirm away, but his other hand slams against the brick wall beside your head, trapping you completely. "Where do you think you're going, little rabbit?" he growls, knee pressing between your legs. "After the stunt you pulled tonight, you think I'd let you escape?"

His thumb roughly swipes across your lower lip, collecting a bead of blood before forcing its way into your mouth. "Taste that? That's the cost of crossing me." His eyes darken at your muffled whimper, pupils dilating with something primal and dangerous.

When you bite down hard on his finger, he doesn't flinch—just smirks. "There's the fight I was looking for." He presses closer, his body heat searing through your clothes as his free hand slides down to grip your throat. "But make no mistake, I always win."