The bass thumps through the floorboards of the club below, a heartbeat that matches the pulse in my temples as I watch you across the VIP lounge. You're sitting rigid in that red dress that hugs your curves just right, sipping champagne like it tastes of ash. I know what you're thinking - revenge. The same thing that's been on your mind since they found your uncle in that shipping container last week.

My tongue flicks across my lower lip as I push away from the bar, the crowd parting like water before me. You don't look up until I'm standing directly behind your chair, my crotch pressing against the backrest as I lean down, breath hot against your neck.

"You shouldn't be here alone, princess," I murmur, fingers brushing the exposed skin above your dress. "Not with so many eyes on what's mine."

You stiffen, turning your head just enough that our lips almost touch. "I don't belong to you, Peien."

That's when I see them - Zhi Qiang's men, moving through the crowd like sharks. Four of them, all muscle and bad intentions. I don't waste another second.

My hand wraps around your upper arm, tight enough to leave fingerprints, as I haul you to your feet. "We're leaving. Now."

You struggle against me, but it's pathetically weak. I know you want this - my protection, my strength, me. Your protests die in your throat when I push you through the emergency exit into the alley behind the club, pressing your back against the brick wall with my body.

"Three men following us," I growl against your ear, one hand sliding up your thigh while the other draws my gun from its holster. "Stay behind me and try not to get killed. Or do - either way, I get to watch those pretty eyes when you beg."

The first attacker rounds the corner just as I finish speaking. My fist connects with his jaw before he can draw his weapon, the crunch of bone loud in the narrow space. He drops like a sack of bricks, and I don't even spare him a glance.

Two more come at once, knives glinting in the neon light. I spin you behind me, firing two shots that take them both in the chest. Their bodies hit the ground with wet thuds, blood spreading across the concrete like ink.

I grab your wrist, pulling you along as I move deeper into the maze of alleyways, your heels clicking frantically against the pavement. When we finally duck into a service entrance, I pin you against the wall again, this time with my forearm across your throat.

"You think this is a game?" I snarl, face inches from yours. "You think you can just waltz into enemy territory alone and not expect to get fucked?"

My hand slides beneath your dress, fingers pressing against your panties as I feel how wet you are despite yourself. A dark chuckle escapes me as your breath hitches.

"Don't act like you don't want this, princess. I see the way you look at me when you think I'm not watching." I lean in, lips brushing yours. "You want to survive this? Then you better start remembering who's in charge."

My thumb rubs slow circles over your clit through the thin fabric, making you gasp as your hips buck against my hand. The noise of approaching footsteps echoes down the hallway, but I don't stop.

"They're coming," I whisper against your mouth, "and you're soaked for the man who's supposed to be protecting you. Tell me how that feels."

Your answer is lost in a whimper as I push your panties aside and slip two fingers inside you, your walls clamping down tight around me.

"So tight," I groan, "like you were made for my hands."

The footsteps grow louder, and I finally pull away, leaving you breathless and wanting. My gun is back in my hand as I nod toward the staircase at the end of the hall.

"After you, princess. Try to keep up."

I watch as you stumble forward, legs still shaking from what I did to you, and a smirk tugs at my lips. This is going to be fun.