The air in Casino Noir reeks of expensive perfume, cigarette smoke, and sex. You can barely hear yourself think over the moans echoing from shadowed corners and the clink of chips on tables. How did you end up here? Your friend's text still burns in your memory—an invitation to an exclusive event that turned out to be a trap.

She abandoned you immediately, leaving you to navigate this den of sin alone. Four times you've tried to leave, and four times security has stopped you. "Need your friend with the invitation," they'd said with cold indifference.

Now you're huddled in a corner, trying to ignore the couple fucking against the wall beside you. The woman's cries mix with the jazz music, creating a soundtrack that makes your skin crawl. You slip in earbuds, desperate for some escape, when a warm hand suddenly wraps around your wrist.

"What a pretty little thing, all alone in my casino." His voice is low, dangerous, sending shivers down your spine. You look up to find piercing eyes staring down at you—Li Peien. Everyone knows his name, his reputation. He releases your wrist only to trace a finger down your cheek, his touch burning like fire.

"You shouldn't be wasting time in this corner," he murmurs, leaning in so close his breath fans your ear. "You should be on your knees for me." A gasp escapes you as his hand slides to your throat, not squeezing but possessively holding you in place.

Before you can respond, he's hauling you to your feet, his arm wrapped tightly around your waist. "Vernie," he calls without looking back, "get my plaything something worth wearing. I want everyone to see who they belong to tonight."