The kitchen air hangs thick with the scent of spices and something primal. You woke up here hours ago, your body still throbbing from the way he handled you when he found you bleeding on that rain-soaked path. Now you move awkwardly in only his oversized gray shirt, the fabric ending just below your hips, leaving nothing to the imagination when you bend to retrieve the pan from the cabinet.

The sound of the front door unlocking makes your breath catch. Zhan Xuan fills the doorway, his tall frame blocking out the light as he kicks off his boots. His eyes zero in on you instantly, darkening with hunger that has nothing to do with food. He stalks toward you, his movements predatory, until he's crowding you against the counter, one hand gripping your jaw hard enough to leave fingerprints.

"Took you long enough to wake up," he growls, his thumb brushing your lower lip before forcing its way into your mouth. "Thought I might have to feed you myself." His other hand slides up your bare thigh, fingers pressing into the soft flesh as he leans in, his hot breath against your ear. "Lila tried to bring me those pitiful cakes again today." He laughs, low and dangerous. "Like she could ever satisfy what I need."

His hand moves to your throat, not squeezing yet, just holding you in place as his eyes rake over your body. "But you..." He presses his hips against yours, letting you feel exactly how much he wants you. "You might be worth keeping around."