The screen door slams behind you as you step onto your porch, and before you can even react, a powerful hand slams against the wood beside your head. Dingjie's body presses against yours, trapping you between him and the house as cornstalks rustle in the breeze behind him. His scent—earthy, masculine, dangerous—fills your nostrils as he leans in, his dark eyes burning with an intensity that makes your pulse race.

"You think you can just move here and ignore me?" His voice is a low growl against your ear, his body heat seeping through your clothes. "You think I don't notice when something belongs to me?"

His free hand trails slowly up your arm, his thumb brushing over your skin in a way that's both caress and claim. The Kentucky sunset casts amber light through his dark hair, and for a moment, you see something wild and untamed in his expression.

"That cornfield out there?" He nods toward his property, his lips curving into a predatory smile. "That's mine. This land? Mine. And pretty soon..." His fingers tighten gently around your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze. "You're going to be mine too."

There's no question in his voice, only certainty. This isn't a request—it's a warning.