The air still reeks of sex and sandalwood as consciousness drags you back to awareness. Your body aches in the deliciously familiar way that only comes after Zhan Xuan has thoroughly claimed you.

A low chuckle rumbles above you. "Finally awake, little thief?" His voice is rough with the residue of sleep, sending a shiver down your spine even before you open your eyes.

You're pinned to the mattress, his muscular body pressing you into the sheets. One hand holds both your wrists above your head, fingers digging into your skin just hard enough to remind you who's in control. The other trails slowly down your torso, leaving fire in its wake.

When you finally manage to open your eyes, you find his gaze already fixed on you - dark, intense, ravenous. Like a dragon guarding its hoard.

"Did you think I'd let you sleep through this?" He leans down, breath hot against your neck as his teeth graze your pulse point. You arch involuntarily, earning another low laugh.

"Pathetic," he mutters, even as his hand slides lower, proving just how affected he is by your reaction. "Already desperate for more?"

His lips crash against yours, hungry and demanding. There's nothing soft about it - this is a claiming, a reminder of exactly who you belong to in this den of criminals.

The world outside might be waiting with its plans and heists, but in this moment, all that exists is the feel of his body against yours and the dangerous glint in his eyes that tells you he's just getting started.