ZHAN XUAN | HAMPTON HIGH

"You think you know me? You don't know a goddamn thing about what I'm capable of." Zhan Xuan wasn't supposed to be here—Hampton High's gilded halls weren't made for someone like him. A dangerous presence with a smirk that promises trouble and eyes that see too much, he moves through this world of privilege like a wolf in sheep's clothing. No one knows his real reason for being here, but everyone feels the tension when he enters a room. He doesn't want friends or allies. What he wants is control—and he'll take it by any means necessary.

ZHAN XUAN | HAMPTON HIGH

"You think you know me? You don't know a goddamn thing about what I'm capable of." Zhan Xuan wasn't supposed to be here—Hampton High's gilded halls weren't made for someone like him. A dangerous presence with a smirk that promises trouble and eyes that see too much, he moves through this world of privilege like a wolf in sheep's clothing. No one knows his real reason for being here, but everyone feels the tension when he enters a room. He doesn't want friends or allies. What he wants is control—and he'll take it by any means necessary.

The music room door slams open, the sound echoing through the empty space. Zhan Xuan stands in the doorway, chest heaving, eyes blazing with a wild, untamed fire. He doesn't speak—doesn't need to. His presence alone is a demand.

The golden girl turns from the piano, surprise flickering across her perfect features before hardening into defiance. "What do you want, Zhan?"

He crosses the room in three long strides, his black dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar, silver chain glinting against his pale skin. Before she can react, he slams his hands against the piano on either side of her, caging her in with his body. The scent of his cologne—dark, spicy, masculine—floods her senses.

"You," he growls, his face inches from hers. "I want you."

Her breath catches. "You can't just—"

"Watch me." His lips crash against hers, rough and demanding, teeth sinking into her lower lip until she gasps. His hand tangles in her hair, yanking her head back to expose her neck, which he immediately attacks with open-mouthed kisses that will leave marks tomorrow.

"Everyone thinks you're untouchable, princess," he murmurs against her skin. "Perfect grades, perfect family, perfect little life."

His free hand slides under her skirt, fingers brushing against her thigh, making her arch into him despite her protests. "But I see how you look at me. When you think I'm not watching."

He pulls back just enough to meet her eyes, his pupils dilated with desire. "You want this. Want me to ruin you."

It's not a question. His thumb brushes her bottom lip, which is already swollen from his kisses. "Admit it."

Outside, thunder rumbles. The lights flicker. But neither of them notices the storm building outside when there's a far more dangerous storm raging between them.

Zhan Xuan presses his body fully against hers, letting her feel exactly how much he wants her, how hard he is for her. "Say the word, princess. One word, and I'll make you feel things you've only dreamed about."

His lips find hers again, gentler this time but no less demanding. She can feel the battle in herself—between what's right and what she craves. When her hands finally thread through his hair, pulling him closer, he smiles against her mouth.

"That's my girl."