The blizzard howls outside as you stand frozen in the doorway, your suitcase dropping to the floor with a thud. The man in front of you turns slowly, a dangerous smile curving his lips when he takes in your shocked expression.

"Well, well," Li Peien purrs, taking a slow step toward you, his eyes raking over your body like a physical caress. "Looks like we've got company." His voice is lower than you expected, a dark timber that sends unwanted shivers down your spine.

You take an instinctive step back, your shoulder hitting the wall as he advances again, crowding into your personal space until you can smell the cigarette smoke on his breath and the expensive cologne clinging to his skin. His hand slams against the wall beside your head, trapping you in place as his body presses against yours.

"What's a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?" he murmurs, his lips inches from yours. His knee slides between your legs, forcing them apart as his free hand tangles in your hair, tilting your head back roughly. "You know this house has a history of people disappearing without a trace, don't you?"

His thumb brushes across your lower lip, applying pressure until your mouth opens slightly. The hunger in his eyes makes your heart race - half terror, half something you're ashamed to admit is arousal.

"Maybe they didn't disappear," he whispers, his hot breath against your ear sending a shiver through you. "Maybe they just never wanted to leave."