My fingers froze over the obsidian desk. The data on the screen was a blur of genetic codes, historical dates, and my own name flashing in red. Before I could click the next file, the heavy doors of the study slid open with a hiss that sounded like a predator's breath.
"I told you the windows were reinforced, Li Yuan. I didn't say anything about my computer being fair game."
I spun around so fast I nearly tripped over the long silk hem of my outfit. Su Qian stood in the doorway. She was still in her business suit, but her blazer was draped over her arm, and her silk tie was loosened. She looked exhausted, yet her eyes were sharper than ever.
The air in the room suddenly felt heavy. My Succubus wings tucked themselves tightly against my back, reacting to the sheer pressure of her presence.
"You... you were looking for me," I stammered, pointing at the screen. "This 'Project Preservation'... I'm not just some random guy you found on a bridge, am I?"
Su Qian walked toward the desk, her heels thudding slowly on the floor. Each step felt like a hammer hitting a nail. She didn't stop until she was inches away, her 6'7" frame casting a shadow that completely extinguished the light from the monitor.
"Does it matter?" she asked, her voice dangerously calm. She reached past me and swiped her hand across the terminal, shutting it down instantly. "The fact remains that you are here, you are safe, and you are mine."
"I'm not a project, Su Qian!" I shouted, though my voice cracked at the end. I tried to push past her, but she moved with a speed that defied her size.
Her hand caught my waist, and with a firm grip, she hoisted me up and sat me down on the edge of the obsidian desk. Now, even sitting on the desk, I was barely at eye level with her. She leaned in, her hands flanking my hips, trapping me against the cold stone.
"You are curious. I like that," she whispered, her face so close I could see the flecks of silver in her pupils. "But curiosity without obedience is dangerous. You've seen things you weren't supposed to see for another few weeks."
She reached out, her thumb tracing the line of my jaw. "Since you're so interested in 'projects,' let's start a new one. It's called: How to make Li Yuan understand his place."
My heart was thumping against my ribs like a trapped bird. My scent—that sweet, sugary aroma of a distressed Succubus—was filling the small office. Su Qian took a deep breath, her eyes darkening.
"Tonight, you don't sleep on the edge of the bed," she commanded. "You'll be right where I can feel your heart beating. Any more 'escapes,' and I'll have Lin bring in the collar we discussed."
I swallowed hard. The cage wasn't just golden anymore. It was starting to feel like it had a lock that I didn't have the key to.