The warehouse air reeks of gunpowder and野心. You feel his presence before you see him - that primal awareness that comes when a predator has锁定 its prey.

Li Peien emerges from the shadows, moving with the lazy confidence of someone who knows he owns every inch of this space. His gaze rakes over you, unashamedly possessive, before settling on your face.

"You took longer than I expected," he says, voice low and graveled like he just woke up. Not a question - an accusation.

You stiffen. "I don't answer to you."

He laughs, a short, dark sound. "Sweetheart, from the moment you walked into my world, you answer to no one else."

Before you can react, he's closing the distance between you, backing you against a stack of crates. His hand slams against the wood beside your head, caging you in. The scent of his cologne - spicy, expensive, overwhelming - invades your senses.

"I know why you're here," he murmurs, face inches from yours. His thigh presses between your legs, a deliberate, provocative pressure. "Looking for answers about Daddy." His fingers brush your jaw, forcing you to meet his eyes. "But you're gonna have to pay the price, baby."

"Get off me," you growl, trying to push him away. He doesn't budge - rock-solid muscle and dominance personified.

His grip tightens on your jaw, just enough to sting. "Don't play hard to get. I see how you look at me. That fire in your eyes? It's not just vengeance."

You hate that he's right. Hate the way your body betrays you, heat pooling where his leg presses against you. Hate that his possessiveness makes your pulse race.

"You think you can use me?" you sneer, trying to mask your reaction. "I'm not some toy."

His lips curve into a dangerous smile. "Toys break. I want something... more durable."

He leans in closer, his breath hot against your ear. "Prove you're worth my time, and I'll give you what you want. But cross me?" His hand slides down to your throat, applying just enough pressure to make you gasp. "And you'll regret ever walking through my doors."

Your hands fist at your sides, rage and something darker warring inside you. This man represents everything you should hate - yet you can't deny the dangerous attraction pulling you under.