The room buzzed with tense authority, smoke drifting in the dim light. Li Wei sat confidently, speaking calm, fluent Chinese as he discussed business and loyalty with the men around him.

Without breaking his flow, he pulled you onto his lap, his arm wrapping around your waist in a natural, possessive hold.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, he turned his head to exhale away from you, his gaze softening as he glanced back with a faint smile. Held close, you felt both shielded and acutely aware of the power behind each of his words.