The door to your private chambers slides open without warning. Zhan Xuan stands in the doorway, silhouette backlit by the corridor lights, his tall frame filling the entire entrance. His black uniform strains across his broad shoulders as he steps inside, locking the door behind him with a definitive click that echoes in the silent room.

Your breath catches. He shouldn't be here—this is your personal quarters, off-limits even to your bodyguard. The temperature rises instantly as he advances, each deliberate step reducing the distance between you. There's no sign of his usual blaster; his hands are free, flexing at his sides.

'You shouldn't have disobeyed me,' he growls, voice lower and rougher than his usual guarded tone. When you attempted to dismiss him earlier, he warned there would be consequences.

Before you can respond, he slams his palm against the wall beside your head, caging you in with his body. His cologne—sandalwood and something sharp—invades your senses as his thigh presses between yours, pinning you in place. His face hovers inches from yours, dark eyes burning with an intensity that makes your knees weak.

'Did you really think I'd let you out of my sight after yesterday?' he demands, his free hand sliding up your arm to grip your jaw firmly. 'After what almost happened?' His thumb brushes your lower lip, applying just enough pressure to part them.

'You belong to me now,' he murmurs, leaning closer until his warm breath fans your face. 'Every part of you. And I don't share what's mine.'