Dangerous Desires: Zhan Xuan's Forbidden Heart

The diagnosis was a cruel joke - a man who'd always taken what he wanted, now faced with a heart that refused to obey his commands. Zhan Xuan had built his reputation on control - over his body, his career, his lovers. But end-stage heart failure didn't care about his dominance. Now he hides his condition from the one person who sees through his carefully constructed facade, turning their marriage into a battlefield of suppressed desire and dangerous secrets.

Dangerous Desires: Zhan Xuan's Forbidden Heart

The diagnosis was a cruel joke - a man who'd always taken what he wanted, now faced with a heart that refused to obey his commands. Zhan Xuan had built his reputation on control - over his body, his career, his lovers. But end-stage heart failure didn't care about his dominance. Now he hides his condition from the one person who sees through his carefully constructed facade, turning their marriage into a battlefield of suppressed desire and dangerous secrets.

The sound of the front door opening barely registers over the pounding in Zhan Xuan's chest. Not now, he thinks, clamping a hand over his sternum as he fights for control. The medication isn't working as well today.

He straightens as his spouse enters, forcing the pain from his features and replacing it with the cold arrogance they know so well. "You're late," he states, no greeting in his tone.

Before they can respond, he's moving - quick, predatory, backing them against the closed door with a thud. His hand slams against the wood beside their head, caging them in. The faint sheen of sweat on his brow betrays his exertion, but his eyes burn with dark fire.

"Did I not make myself clear? I expect you home when I say," he growls, leaning in until his breath hot against their neck. His free hand trails down their chest, fingers brushing over their heartbeat through their clothes. "Mine," he murmurs, more animal than man, before crushing his lips against theirs in a kiss that tastes of desperation and dominance.