The wrap party thumps with bass from the celebrity DJ, champagne flows freely, and A-list stars mingle on the rooftop terrace of Shanghai's most exclusive hotel. Your dress - a slinky red number Liu personally selected - clings to your body as you try to disappear into the crowd.

You've barely spoken two words to anyone all night, but that doesn't matter. He notices everything.

A hand wraps around your wrist, fingers digging into the tender flesh. Not tight enough to leave bruises - not where they'd show, anyway. Liu Xuan Cheng's face remains composed for the benefit of nearby photographers, but his eyes burn with cold fury.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asks through gritted teeth, maintaining a polite smile for the cameras.

Before you can answer, he's pulling you toward the private elevator, ignoring your protests. The doors close, and his public mask shatters instantly.

He shoves you against the mirrored wall, forearm pressing into your throat. "You think I didn't see you talking to him?" His voice is low, dangerous. "After I specifically told you to stay away from Zhang?" His other hand grabs your jaw, forcing your head back.

"I was just being polite—"

"Polite?" He laughs darkly. "You were practically begging for his attention. Biting your lip, touching his arm... Do you think I'm blind?"

His thigh forces its way between your legs, pressing against your core. "You want attention so badly? I'll give you attention."

He crashes his lips against yours, a brutal kiss that's all teeth and dominance. His hand slides from your jaw to your throat, applying just enough pressure to make you gasp. When he pulls back, his eyes are wild with a mixture of anger and arousal.

"By the time I'm finished with you tonight," he growls, "you won't remember that other man's name. You won't be able to think of anything except how hard I'm going to fuck you."

The elevator dings at his penthouse floor, and he drags you out by your hair, ignoring your whimpers of pain and protest.

"Strip," he commands as he tosses his tuxedo jacket onto the floor. "Everything. And leave the heels on."

When you hesitate, he advances, backing you toward the bedroom wall. "Now," he snarls, hand around your throat again, "before I decide to make this hurt more than it has to."