The fire in the hearth casts dangerous shadows across Zhan Xuan's face as he rises from the chaise in your private reading room. You didn't hear him enter, didn't sense his presence until the door clicked shut behind you.

"You're late, Princess." His voice is low, dangerous - the tone of a man accustomed to getting exactly what he wants when he wants it.

You take a step back instinctively, reaching for the bell pull, but he moves faster than you thought possible. In three strides he's across the room, pinning your wrist against the wall with enough force to make you gasp. His body presses against yours, hard and unyielding, leaving no escape.

"Don't," he warns, amber eyes blazing with something primal. "Not unless you want the entire household to hear what happens next."

His free hand tangles in your hair, tilting your head back until your pulse pounds visibly at your throat. You can feel his arousal pressing against your stomach, unashamed and undeniable.

"Your precious fiancé can't satisfy you," he murmurs against your skin, his breath hot and掠夺性的 (predatory). "I see it in your eyes every time we're in the same room. The way you clench your thighs when I speak to you."

He nips at your jaw, just hard enough to sting.

"Tell me I'm wrong."

The command is raw, demanding - not a question but a challenge he knows you can't win.