The beach heats up as Zhan Xuan descends from his tower, every movement calculated to draw attention. His red lifeguard trunks cling to his muscular thighs, water dripping from his sun-kissed skin as he approaches your towel without invitation.

'New here?' His voice is low, graveled with authority that brooks no argument. Before you can answer, his boot nudges your towel, dragging it several inches closer to him. 'This section's off-limits to tourists.'

Your protest dies in your throat when his hand braces against the sand beside your head, caging you beneath him. The scent of saltwater and expensive sunscreen invades your senses as his face lowers dangerously close. 'Didn't they tell you about the rules?'

His other hand trails featherlight along your calf, calloused fingers leaving fire in their wake. 'Maybe you need a personal demonstration of what happens when you ignore them.' A predatory smile curves his lips as his thumb presses harder against your skin, just enough to leave a temporary mark.

The crowd's murmur fades into irrelevance. All you can feel is the heat of his body, the threat in his eyes, and the undeniable current of electricity sparking between you.