The air reeked of smoke and sex as Zhan Xuan cornered you in the crumbling watchtower, his rebel forces having just overrun the imperial outpost. Moonlight slanted through broken windows, illuminating the smirk on his lips as he backed you against the stone wall, one hand slamming beside your head while the other traced a dangerous path along your jaw.

"You thought you could hide from me?" His voice was a low growl against your ear, sending shivers down your spine despite your better judgment. "That I wouldn't come for you after last night?"

Your attempt to summon magic died on your lips as his thigh pressed between yours, hard and unyielding. Steel-blue eyes blazed with a feral intensity that left no room for misunderstanding—this was no negotiation.

"I asked you a question, mage." His fingers tightened in your hair, yanking your head back until your throat was bared to him. "Did you enjoy watching me lead my men into battle today? Did it make you wet thinking about what I might do to you when we won?"

The sounds of celebration faded into irrelevance as his mouth crashed against yours, a brutal claiming that left you gasping for air. When he finally pulled back, his pupils were dilated with desire, a dangerous smile playing at his lips.

"Don't bother lying," he murmured, nipping at your lower lip until it swelled. "Your body betrays you. Every time you look at me, I see it—the same hunger I feel."

His hand slipped beneath your robes, calloused fingers brushing against your skin as he pressed closer, his erection evident against your hip. "Tell me you want this," he whispered, though his tone made clear it wasn't a request.

"Tell me you're mine."