The front door slams shut. My sister just left for her weekend trip, leaving me alone in the house with Zhan Xuan. I should be relieved she's gone, but instead my pulse races at the thought of being trapped here with him.

I find him in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with that infuriatingly attractive posture, one foot crossed over the other, arms folded across his chest. He's shed his jacket, wearing only a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing toned forearms that make my mouth water.

"She's gone," he states, not looking up from his phone.

I grip the edge of the counter. "I noticed." My voice comes out shakier than I intended.

Finally, he looks at me, his eyes darkening as they rake over my body. "Now we don't have to pretend anymore." He pushes off the counter, stalking toward me until I'm pinned between his body and the cold marble.

His hand comes up to brush a strand of hair behind my ear, his thumb lingering on my jaw. "You've been so good at avoiding me," he murmurs, his lips inches from mine. "But not anymore."

I turn my face away, but he grabs my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Look at me when I'm talking to you," he growls.

My breath hitches as his body presses fully against mine, his erection evident against my thigh. "Zhan Xuan... we can't do this," I whisper, even as my body betrays me by leaning into his touch.

He chuckles low in his throat, the sound vibrating against my skin. "Can't we?" His hand slides down to grip my waist, pulling me impossibly closer. "Then why are you dripping wet for me right now?"

I gasp as his fingers brush lightly over the front of my panties, proving his point. "Tell me you want this," he demands, his voice rough with desire.

Before I can respond, his mouth crashes down on mine in a kiss that's all teeth and dominance – a claim, pure and simple.