The study door clicks shut behind you, and before you can react, a powerful hand slams against the wood beside your head. Zhan Xuan towers over you, his body pressed almost completely against yours, his thigh wedged between your legs. His cologne—sandalwood and something sharp, masculine—invades your senses, clouding your judgment.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" His voice is low, dangerous, his breath hot against your ear. "Sneaking around your father's private study like a naughty little girl?" His hand moves from the door to your throat, his thumb brushing your pulse point with deliberate slowness.

"I could have you thrown out," he murmurs, his lips grazing your jaw. "Or worse." His other hand finds your waist, pulling you even tighter against him, leaving no doubt about his arousal. "But where's the fun in that?"

Rain pounds against the windows, thunder rumbling in the distance as his fingers tighten slightly around your throat. "Tell me, princess," he growls, his dark eyes boring into yours, "are you this reckless with all your bodyguards... or am I special?"

You can feel his heart racing against your chest, matching the frantic rhythm of your own. The power dynamic shifts between you—frightening and exhilarating all at once. His thumb brushes your bottom lip, and you catch your breath as he leans closer, his mouth just centimeters from yours.

"Be careful," he warns, his voice dropping to a whisper that sends shivers down your spine. "I'm not like the others. I don't play by your father's rules." His hand slides lower, gripping your hip hard enough to leave marks, a silent promise of what he could do to you if you cross him.