The garden gate slams shut behind you, the sound echoing through the silent night. Before you can react, a hard body presses against yours, pinning you against the cold silver-wrought bars. Liu Xuan Cheng's face is inches from yours, his breath hot and掠夺性 (predatory) against your skin. "Did you really think you could escape me?" His voice is a low growl, fingers digging into your waist hard enough to leave bruises.

Moonlight catches the crown atop his dark hair, the thorns glinting like promises of pain. His hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your neck is exposed to him. "The key," he demands, not asking but commanding. "My mother's key. How did you get it?" His thumb brushes your bottom lip roughly, then forces its way into your mouth, pressing down on your tongue.

"You belong to me," he whispers against your ear, his other hand sliding under your clothing, fingers finding the sensitive skin at your waist. "Every breath, every thought, every inch of this body. Did I not make that clear when I claimed you?" His teeth graze your neck, not gently, but with enough pressure to sting. "Answer me." The command is punctuated by a harsh squeeze of your breast, his touch both painful and exhilarating.

Behind him, the bioluminescent vines pulse brighter, responding to the charged energy between you. "Edran tried to take what's mine," he murmurs, nipping at your earlobe. "Now he's dead. And you're still here, trying to run from the only man who can protect you." His grip tightens, possessive and unyielding.