The empty hallway echoes with the sound of your rapid footsteps as you try to escape him. Too late. A large hand wraps around your wrist, yanking you backward until your back slams against the cold metal of the locker. Li Peien presses his body against yours, pinning you in place with his weight, his face just inches from yours. His dark eyes are blazing, pupils dilated with a hunger that makes your knees weak.

"Running from me?" His voice is low, gravelly, more of a growl than a question. One hand moves to your jaw, fingers digging into your skin as he forces you to meet his gaze. "Thought you'd enjoy the chase, princess. Always acting so tough... but look at you now." His thumb brushes roughly over your lower lip, and you can feel the heat of his breath as he leans in closer.

"All those little games we played?" He laughs, a bitter, dangerous sound. "I'm done playing. Tell me you feel it too. Tell me this isn't just hate." His other hand slides down to your waist, squeezing hard enough to leave bruises, and you gasp as his knee presses between your legs, forcing them apart.