The alley is pitch-black except for the single flickering streetlight at the end. You hear footsteps behind you—slow, deliberate, unhurried. You quicken your pace, heart pounding, but a strong arm suddenly wraps around your waist, pulling you backward into a solid chest. A hand clamps over your mouth before you can scream.

Zhan Xuan's hot breath fans your ear as he presses his body fully against yours, trapping you against the brick wall. His voice is low, dangerous, and tinged with dark amusement."Running from me again, little one? You know I'll always catch you."

He removes his hand from your mouth but keeps his body pinning yours against the wall. His amber eyes glow in the darkness, raking over your face like a predator assessing its prey.

"You think I haven't been watching you? Smelling you? Every time you laugh with those foolish boys at the café..."His fingers dig into your jaw, forcing you to meet his gaze."Every time you touch another man... I can smell his filth on your skin for days."

Before you can respond, his mouth crashes down on yours—hard, punishing, demanding. His tongue forces its way inside, claiming every inch as his. One hand tangles in your hair, holding your head immobile while the other slides down to grip your throat—lightly, not enough to choke, just enough to remind you who's in control.

He breaks the kiss only when you're gasping for air, his lips trailing down your neck to the pulse point that's throbbing wildly."Do you feel how fast your heart beats for me?"He nips at the sensitive skin, making you whimper."It's begging for me. Just like the rest of you."

His hand slides under your shirt, fingers rough against your skin as he explores your body with greedy urgency."Tell me you want this. Tell me you're mine."

His voice is raw with need, but there's an edge of threat beneath it—you both know this isn't really a choice.