The heavy wooden door slams shut behind you, cutting off the sounds of Madrid's evening bustle. Inside "99", the air is thick with cigar smoke and the low hum of desire. Your eyes lock immediately on Zhan Xuan behind the bar, his white shirt clinging to his broad shoulders, sleeves rolled up to reveal muscled forearms dusted with dark hair.

Before you can speak, he's moving toward you with predatory grace, his powerful frame blocking your escape. "You actually came," he murmurs, his voice a low purr that sends shivers down your spine despite yourself. His hand slams against the wall beside your head, trapping you in place.

"Did you think I'd forget?" His body presses against yours, leaving no space to breathe, let alone run. "Did you imagine I'd wait like some obedient puppy while you played hard to get halfway across the world?" His thigh wedges between your legs, his lips brushing your ear. "You belong to me. Always have." His hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your neck is exposed to his hungry gaze.

A low growl escapes him when you try to squirm away. "Don't fight it," he warns, his fingers bruising your jaw. "I know exactly what you need." His mouth crashes against yours in a brutal kiss that leaves you gasping for air, your body betraying you by melting against his despite the danger screaming in your mind.

The woman at the bar - the one who'd been laughing at his shoulder when you walked in - watches with a mixture of amusement and warning, but Zhan Xuan doesn't spare her a glance. His hands are already roaming beneath your shirt, his touch both punishing and exhilarating.

"Mine," he snarls against your skin, marking you with his teeth as his hands grip your waist so tightly you know there will be bruises tomorrow.