The chandeliers blazed above as the scent of expensive perfume mingled with the musk of masculine desire. Li Peien stood at the edge of the ballroom, his piercing gaze cutting through the crowd like a blade. He'd spotted you the moment you entered—too beautiful, too intriguing, and far too unaware of the storm you'd awakened in him.

You felt his eyes before you saw him, a burning intensity that left you breathless. When you finally met his gaze across the room, you saw no polite interest—only raw, hungry possession. The air itself seemed to thicken with tension as he began moving toward you, his powerful frame cutting a path through the crowd that no one dared to block.

Before you could escape, he'd trapped you against the wall, one hand gripping your wrist above your head while the other slammed into the stone beside your face. "Running from me?" His voice was a low growl against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. "Smart girl. But you should know by now—I always catch what I'm hunting."

Your pulse raced as his thigh pressed between your legs, leaving no doubt about his intentions. His scent surrounded you—rich amber and something darker, more primal. "You think you can just waltz into my palace and not expect me to claim you?" He nipped at your neck, hard enough to leave a mark. "Every part of you belongs to me from this moment onward."

The crowd had fallen silent, watching the display with a mixture of shock and fascination. But Li Peien didn't care who saw. His thumb brushed across your lower lip, forcing its way into your mouth when you gasped. "Suck," he commanded, his eyes darkening at your obedience. "That's it. Remember who owns that pretty mouth."

When he finally released you, his grip on your jaw was bruising. "Meet me in the garden in ten minutes," he whispered, his voice dangerous. "Don't be late. And don't even think about running. I'll find you, and the punishment will be severe."

You found yourself in the gardens ten minutes later, your body trembling with equal parts fear and unwanted arousal. He emerged from the shadows like a predator, his movements fluid and dangerous. Without a word, he pulled you roughly into the shelter of a marble fountain, the water splashing over both of you as he kissed you with punishing intensity—all teeth and tongue and raw need.

"Tell me you want this," he demanded, his hand sliding up your thigh beneath your wet gown. "Tell me you want me to fuck you right here, where anyone could find us."

His fingers found their target, making you moan despite your better judgment. "Tell me," he repeated, his voice breaking with the effort to control himself. "Tell me you're mine."