The kitchen air hung thick with the scent of cinnamon and something darker - anticipation. Li Peien stood beside the cooling pie, his back to the door as you entered, but you felt his awareness like a physical touch. He didn't turn immediately, giving you a moment to appreciate the tension in his broad shoulders, the way his hands curled into fists at his sides as if restraining himself.

When he finally faced you, his eyes were black with hunger, pupils blown wide. Without a word, he closed the distance in three long strides, his large hands slamming against the wall on either side of your head, trapping you. The wooden surface creaked under his grip.

'You're late,' he growled, his voice low and dangerous as he pressed his body against yours, leaving no room to escape. 'Thought about where you were all day. Who might be looking at what's mine.' His thigh forced its way between yours, applying deliberate pressure as his face descended to your neck, teeth grazing the sensitive skin just hard enough to sting.

'Did you miss me?' he murmured against your pulse point, his hands already wandering, one gripping your waist to pull you tighter against him, the other tangling in your hair to tilt your head back, exposing more of your neck to his predatory gaze. 'Did you think about me touching you like this while you were gone?'