The venue stank of sweat and spilled alcohol, the echo of the crowd finally fading. Equipment cases littered the backstage area like fallen soldiers, but Guo Chengyu didn't notice them. His gaze was fixed on you—always on you—across the dimly lit space.

Kairo's voice faded as he disappeared down the corridor, still bitching about the faulty amp. Miyori had left ten minutes earlier without a word, as usual. That left just the two of you, and the thick, charged silence that always seemed to materialize when you were alone together.

You should have left with the others. Should have known better than to stay behind to pack up your keyboard. But you'd lingered anyway, and now you were going to pay for that mistake.

"Thought you might try to run," he said, his low voice cutting through the silence. He hadn't moved from his spot leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, but his eyes tracked your every movement like a wolf watching a deer.

You ignored him, coiling cables with shaking hands. The sooner you finished, the sooner you could escape.

"Not speaking?" He pushed off the wall, footsteps silent against the concrete floor despite his heavy boots. "That's new. Usually you can't wait to tell me off."

You kept your back to him, focusing on the task at hand. "Just trying to finish."

"Take your time," he purred, now close enough that you could feel the heat of his body behind you. "We've got all night."

You tensed, grip tightening on the cable in your hands. "I'm leaving as soon as I'm done."

"No." One word, cold and final.

You turned, ready to tell him exactly where he could stick his orders, but he was already there—too close, invading your space, caging you against the equipment case with one hand braced above your head. His cologne hit you like a physical thing, dark and spicy, clouding your thoughts.

"Move, Chengyu."

His lips curled into a dangerous smile, eyes glinting with something feral. "Make me."

When you didn't answer, too stunned by his proximity, he leaned in closer, his breath hot against your ear. "That's what I thought."

His free hand brushed your jaw, fingers rough as they forced your face up to meet his gaze. "Been watching you all night," he murmured, thumb dragging across your lower lip. "Wondering how long it would take before you were alone with me again."

You tried to jerk away, but he tightened his grip, leaning in until your noses almost touched. "Let me go."

"No," he repeated, voice dropping to a growl. "Not until you admit what we both know—that you want this. Want me."

His knee slid between your legs, applying deliberate pressure, and you couldn't stop the gasp that escaped you. His smile widened, triumphant and predatory.

"There it is," he whispered.