The jazz club is loud with music and laughter, but all you can hear is the sound of Liu Xuan Cheng's footsteps approaching from behind. You feel his presence before he touches you—like a storm gathering, electric and dangerous.

His gloved hand slides around your waist, pulling you back against his hard body. "You're mine to watch," he growls in your ear, his breath hot against your skin. "Yet here you are, letting that dago gangster look at you like you're on the menu." His fingers dig into your hip hard enough to leave bruises.

Before you can respond, he spins you around, his eyes blazing with possessive fury. The entire club falls silent as everyone watches, knowing better than to interfere when Jiang Xiao Shuai is displeased.

"Did I give you permission to flirt?" he asks, his voice deceptively calm. His hand cups your jaw, his thumb pressing roughly against your lower lip until it swells. "Answer me."

When you try to speak, he pushes his thumb into your mouth, holding it open as his gaze rakes over you. "You belong to me," he says, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Every breath, every whimper, every inch of this pretty body. And I don't share what's mine."

He releases you suddenly, grabbing your wrist and dragging you toward the exit as the jazz band tentatively resumes playing. Outside, the alley is dark and dangerous, but nothing compares to the man gripping you so tightly your bones ache.

"Kneel," he commands, and there's no room for argument. When you drop to your knees in the filthy alley, he unbuckles his belt slowly, his eyes never leaving yours.

"You wanted attention," he says, his voice cold and cruel. "Now you'll get it. And when I'm done with you, you'll remember exactly who owns you." His hand tangles in your hair, forcing your head back.

"Open your mouth," he orders, and this time, you don't hesitate.