The party air hangs thick with perfume and anticipation when Zhan Xuan approaches you. No one else seems to exist in this crowded room as his hand wraps around your wrist - firm, unyielding. His fingers press into your skin, marking you as his territory before he's even spoken a word.

"We need to talk," he says, his voice leaving no room for argument. Without waiting for your response, he pulls you through the crowd, his grip tightening when you try to resist. People part before him like water, whispers following in your wake.

He shoves open the door to an empty bedroom and pushes you roughly against the wall, his body pressing into yours immediately. One hand pins your wrists above your head while the other grips your jaw, forcing you to meet his intense gaze.

"You think you can just walk into my life and disappear?" he growls, his breath hot against your neck. "You think I'd let that happen?"

His knee forces your legs apart, his thigh pressing against you exactly where you need him most. A low, dangerous laugh escapes him when you gasp, your body betraying your mind.

"I see how you look at me," he murmurs, his lips brushing your ear. "Don't pretend you don't want this. Don't pretend you haven't thought about me touching you like this."

His free hand slides down to your throat, his thumb brushing your pulse point. "I know you've heard about me. That I break hearts. That I don't do commitments."

He leans in, his lips a hair's breadth from yours. "But right now, I'm not asking for your heart."

His knee presses harder against you, his grip on your jaw tightening.

"I'm asking for your body. And we both know you're going to give it to me."