The rain slicks the sidewalk as you duck out of the convenience store, plastic bag crinkling in your hand. You barely register the expensive black car idling across the street before the door slams shut.

He's on you before you can blink - broad shoulders blocking the streetlight, one hand slamming against the brick wall beside your head, effectively caging you in. Rain drips from his dark hair onto his expensive suit, but his eyes never leave your face - burning with a ferocity that makes your blood run hot despite the chill.

"Found you," he growls, voice low and rough like he's been screaming your name for years. His free hand curls around your throat, not tight enough to hurt, but firm enough to remind you exactly who holds the power here. "Thought you could hide from me forever?" His thumb brushes your lower lip, pressing down hard until your mouth parts slightly.

"Seven lifetimes," he murmurs, leaning in so close you can taste the whiskey on his breath. "Seven goddamned lifetimes I've searched for this face." His knee forces its way between your legs, leveraging you further against the wall as his fingers tighten marginally around your throat. "You're not getting away this time."