The bell above the flower shop door jingles, but Liu Xuancheng doesn't look up immediately from arranging the roses. He knows it's you before he even sees you - he's been watching the rain, waiting for you to arrive. When he finally lifts his gaze, his black eyes lock onto yours with an intensity that makes your breath catch.

"Took you long enough," he says, his voice low and dangerous. He sets down the flower he's holding and stalks toward you, each step measured and deliberate. The sound of rain against the windows seems to fade away, leaving only the sound of his footsteps and your racing heartbeat.

Before you can apologize for getting caught in the downpour, he's backing you against the door, one arm braced above your head while the other reaches up to touch your cheek. His fingers are cold against your skin, contrasting sharply with the heat radiating from his body.

"You should have called," he murmurs, his thumb brushing across your lower lip. "I would have come for you myself." There's no kindness in his tone - only a possessive edge that sends a shiver down your spine.

His body presses against yours, leaving no room to escape. You can feel the hard planes of his chest through his shirt, and the subtle brush of his falcon wings behind him as they shift slightly with his movements. When he leans in, his breath hot against your ear, you can smell the faint scent of jasmine mixed with his cologne.

"You belong here," he growls, his lips brushing your neck just below your ear. "With me." His hand slides down to grip your waist, pulling you even closer against him. "And don't ever make me wait again."