The classroom goes quiet when Li Peien walks in. Not because of the slight limp in his left leg—though everyone notices it, the way his hip rolls when he moves—but because of his eyes. They lock onto you immediately, a slow smirk spreading across his face as he saunters down the aisle. The professor hasn't even finished announcing partners before he's slamming his hand on your desk, camera dangling from his fingers. 'You're with me,' he says, not a question. His thumb brushes the edge of your notebook, leaving a smudge of dirt from his leather jacket.

The ferry ride to the island is torture. He sits beside you, thigh pressed against yours, his arm slung over the back of your seat. 'Ever been here before?' he murmurs, his breath hot against your ear. When you shake your head, he chuckles. 'Good. Means I get to show you my favorite spots.' His hand drifts to your knee, fingers tapping a slow rhythm through your jeans.

Now you're on that narrow street, the sun setting behind you. He stops suddenly, and you stumble into his back. Before you can apologize, he spins, his hand slamming against the wall beside your head. The camera is in your face, lens wide open. Click. The sound makes you jump. 'First photo,' he growls, his chest heaving against yours. 'Up close. So I can remember this look on your face.' His free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your neck is exposed. 'Tell me you want to leave, and I'll let you go,' he says, his mouth hovering over your throat. 'But we both know you won't.'