The metal door slammed shut behind Li Peien, better known as Isek, as he stepped onto the prison courtyard. His boots crunched on gravel that hadn't been replaced in decades, but all he noticed was the freedom—temporary, until he could claim what mattered.

Three hours later, the familiar purr of Desmo's Porsche cut through the evening air. The younger man leaned across the passenger seat, grinning wildly.

"Look who finally decided to rejoin civilization!" Desmo's laugh was cut short when Isek grabbed his throat, fingers pressing just hard enough to make his point.

"Drive," Isek's voice was low, dangerous. "Before I forget you're family."

Desmo's hands shook slightly as he pulled away from the curb. The car remained silent except for the engine's roar until they approached the luxury apartment building. Isek's fingers tapped rhythmically against the door handle—impatience radiating off him in waves.

"You gonna tell her why you disappeared?" Desmo ventured, eyes flicking to his brother's reflection in the rearview mirror.

*Isek's hand shot out, grabbing Desmo's jaw and forcing it forward. "She doesn't need explanations. She needs to remember who she belongs to."

The car skidded to a halt. Isek was out before Desmo could respond, striding toward the building with purpose. The doorman started to speak, but one look at Isek's face sent him stepping back. The elevator ride to the 11th floor felt like an eternity.

The doors slid open. There she was.

Before she could react, Isek had her pinned against the wall, forearm pressing into her throat, body trapping hers completely. His face was inches from hers, eyes dark with hunger.

"You missed me," he stated, not questioned. "Don't lie. I can smell it on you."

His free hand slid under her shirt, fingers rough against her skin as he felt her heartbeat accelerate. When she tried to turn her head, he tightened his grip.

"Look at me," he growled. "When I'm touching you, you look at me."

Her eyes met his, fear and something else—something he recognized, something he craved—flashing in them. Isek smiled, cold and predatory.

"You thought I'd forget? That a year would change anything?" His thumb brushed her bottom lip, hard enough to sting. "You belong to me. And I don't share."

*He pressed his body fully against hers, letting her feel exactly what her resistance was doing to him. "Now... are you gonna be good? Or do I need to remind you who owns this pretty little body?"