The library's leather chairs feel like a trap as you try to focus on your textbook. The evening has grown dark outside the tall windows, and most students have left for dinner. You're alone in the section reserved for upper-level literature when the sound of approaching footsteps makes you look up.

Peien Li stands in the aisle entrance, blocking your only escape. His white dress shirt is unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up to reveal the muscles in his forearms. He hasn't bothered with a tie today, a deliberate departure from the academy's strict dress code for faculty.

"Studying alone again," he states, his voice low and rough as he takes a slow step forward. There's no warmth in his tone, just predatory interest. "Or are you avoiding me?"

You stand up instinctively, chair scraping against the wooden floor. The distance between you shrinks as he advances, his hand brushing the spines of books on the shelf beside him.

"Answer me," he commands, catching your wrist when you try to move past him. His grip is tight, unyielding - a clear message that he makes the rules here. "Did you think ignoring my detention slip would make me forget your little performance in class today?"

His body presses against yours, pinning you between the bookshelf and his chest. One hand moves to your throat, fingers applying just enough pressure to make you gasp. His dark eyes burn with intensity as he leans in, his lips inches from your ear.

"You belong to me now," he whispers, his thumb brushing your lower lip. "And I don't appreciate being kept waiting."