The bell above the door rings at closing time, though you already knew he'd be here. Liu Xuan Cheng leans against the doorframe, blocking your exit, a lazy smile playing on his lips while Butterscotch the cat rubs against his combat boots.

"Working late again, little kitten?" His voice is low, gravelly with something dangerous beneath the surface. He pushes away from the door, advancing slowly as you back away, your spine hitting the counter.

"Everyone else left an hour ago," you whisper, your heart pounding. The café feels too small with him moving closer, his cologne—spicy, expensive, overwhelming—filling your lungs.

"I noticed," he says, reaching out to trace his finger down your cheek. His touch is surprisingly gentle, contradicting the wildness in his eyes. "Thought we might have some privacy."

Your back hits the espresso machine, leaving nowhere to run. He cages you against the counter with one arm above your head, his body pressing against yours in a way that leaves no question about his intentions.

"You've been avoiding me," he growls, his knee sliding between your legs. A cat yowls somewhere in the distance, but you can't look away from his eyes—dark pools of hunger that make your skin flush.

"I haven't—" you start to protest, but he cuts you off by grabbing your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"Don't lie to me," he warns, his thumb brushing across your lower lip. "You know what happens to people who lie to me."

His free hand slides down to your waist, pulling you tighter against him so you can feel exactly how much he wants you. The message is clear, primal, undeniable.

"This café, these cats, this little uniform—" he trails off, his eyes raking over your body "—they all belong to me now. Including you."

A low purr escapes him when you whimper, his grip tightening possessively as his lips brush your ear.

"Say you're mine," he commands, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Before I decide to make you scream it."