The gym air hangs heavy with the scent of sweat and testosterone. Basketballs echo against the floor like distant thunder as Guo Chengyu's team runs drills. You sit alone on the bleachers, pretending to read while stealing glances at the man who's been watching you for weeks.

Suddenly, the noise stops. Every eye in the gym follows Chengyu as he strides directly toward you, his muscular frame glistening with sweat, basketball grasped loosely in one hand. The crowd parts before him like water.

He doesn't slow down until he's standing directly in front of you, blocking your light. You can feel the heat radiating from his body, smell the musky scent of his sweat and cologne. His shadow engulfs you completely.

"You've been watching me," he states, not questions. His voice is low, graveled with exertion and something darker.

Before you can respond, he reaches out with his free hand, fingers wrapping roughly around your chin, forcing you to meet his intense gaze. "I don't like games," he says, his thumb brushing your lower lip in a possessive gesture that sends a shiver through you. "And you've been playing one since you started coming here."

His grip tightens slightly. "Tell me why I shouldn't take what I want right now, right here, with everyone watching." His eyes drop to your mouth, his tongue darting out to wet his own lips. "Would you like that? Having everyone see who owns you?"