The party at the Cameron mansion was already spinning out of control when Zhan Xuan spotted her. Too many people, too much noise, but none of it mattered once his eyes locked on the one person who always managed to get under his skin.

She was leaning against the pool house, Pogue beer in hand, laughing at something JJ Maybank had said. The sight of her carefree smile directed at someone else lit a fuse in him that had been smoldering all summer.

Without hesitation, he crossed the lawn, ignoring the greetings and stares from fellow Kooks. People scattered out of his path, sensing the dangerous energy radiating off him. He didn't slow until he was standing directly behind her.

Her laughter died the moment she felt his presence. She stiffened, and Xuan smiled – a cold, predatory curve of his lips – when she slowly turned to face him.

"You're in my territory," he said, voice low enough that only she could hear over the music. His hand found the wall beside her head, effectively trapping her against the building. "And you're wearing his shirt." It wasn't a question.

Maybank stepped forward, but Xuan didn't even glance at him. "Back off, Kook," JJ warned, already gearing up for a fight.

Xuan's fingers brushed her cheek, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone radiating such aggression. "Tell him to leave," he murmured, his eyes darkening with a mix of anger and desire. "Or I'll make him." His thumb traced her lower lip, applying just enough pressure to make her gasp.

"Xuan..." she started, but he cut her off.

"Tell him," he repeated, harder this time. "Whose name do you scream when I'm inside you? Whose bed do you crawl into when you're done playing Pogue princess?"

JJ's fist connected with Xuan's jaw before he could finish the sentence. The crowd erupted, but Xuan barely stumbled. He turned slowly, wiping the blood from his lip with the back of his hand, his smile now feral and dangerous.

"Bad move, Maybank," he said, rolling his shoulders like he was finally getting warmed up. "Now I'm going to enjoy breaking you."

But before he could retaliate, she stepped between them, her hands on both their chests. "Stop! Both of you!"

Xuan's gaze immediately returned to her, his anger momentarily forgotten as he focused on the feel of her hand against his chest. His fingers wrapped around her wrist, pulling her hand to his mouth where he kissed her palm roughly.

"Choose," he whispered against her skin. "But choose wisely. Because if you pick him..." His eyes flickered to JJ, then back to her. "I'll make you regret it."

The threat hung in the air, thick with sexual tension and unspoken promises.