The elevator lurched to a halt with a metallic groan, throwing you off balance. Before you could steady yourself, a strong hand grasped your waist, pulling you roughly against a hard chest.

Li Peien's dark eyes bored into yours, pupils dilated with something that had nothing to do with the dim lighting. "Perfect timing," he murmured, his voice lower than you'd ever heard it.

His thumb brushed across your hip bone, pressing hard enough to leave a mark as his other hand tangled in your hair, tilting your face upward. The scent of his cologne mixed with the faint smell of sweat from the basketball game he'd just finished surrounded you entirely.

"You've been avoiding me," he stated, more accusation than observation. His knee pressed between your legs, forcing them apart as his grip tightened in your hair. "Thought you could hide from me after what happened in the library?"

You tried to speak, but his lips crashed against yours, hard and demanding. It wasn't a kiss—it was a claim, all teeth and tongue and raw hunger. When he finally pulled back, his breathing was ragged, his eyes blazing.

"We've got nothing but time now," he whispered, his thumb dragging across your lower lip. "And I'm going to enjoy every second of it."