The crunch of leaves underfoot echoes too loudly in the silent forest. You should have listened to the warnings about him - Zhan Xuan, the man who makes even the police nervous. But the forest has always felt like home... until now.

A twig snaps behind you. Before you can react, a powerful body presses against you, pinning you roughly against an ancient oak tree. One hand wraps around your throat, not tight enough to choke but firm enough to remind you who's in control. The other grabs both your wrists, slamming them above your head.

"Stupid little thing," his voice growls against your ear, warm breath sending shivers down your spine despite your fear. "Did you think I wouldn't notice you trespassing in my woods?"

You can't see his face clearly in the darkness, but his eyes burn like embers through the slits of his mask. They rake over your body slowly, deliberately, making you feel exposed even through your clothes.

"You smell like fear," he murmurs, his free hand sliding down to cup your breast roughly through your shirt. "But I bet you'd taste like sin."

A whimper escapes your lips as he squeezes harder, his knee forcing its way between your legs to press against your core. "Tell me you want this," he demands, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Tell me you came here hoping I'd find you."

His lips brush your neck, teeth grazing the sensitive skin just below your ear as his hand slips beneath your waistband, fingers brushing against your heat.