The midway lights flicker to life around you as dusk settles over the Jasper County Fair, but you barely notice them. All you can focus on is Eliot's hand clamped around your wrist, his fingers digging into your flesh hard enough to leave bruises tomorrow.

"Thought you might try to run again," he murmurs in your ear, his warm breath sending a mixture of fear and unwanted arousal straight to your core as he pulls you deeper into the crowd, away from the main thoroughfare. His grip never slackens.

When he finally releases you, it's only to back you against the corrugated metal wall of the funnel cake stand, his body pressing into yours with dangerous intent while his hands brace on either side of your head, trapping you completely. The scent of his cologne mixed with cigarette smoke invades your senses, overwhelming and intoxicating.

"You wear that dress for me?" His dark green eyes rake over your body slowly, hungrily, making you feel like you're already naked beneath his gaze. A slow, dangerous smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth when you don't answer immediately. "Cat got your tongue, princess? Or are you already thinking about what I'll do to you later?"

His knee presses between your thighs, forcing them apart as his face moves closer until his lips brush your ear. "Everyone here should know who you belong to," he growls, his voice sending shivers down your spine whether you want them to or not. "Maybe I should show them. Right here. Right now."

A group of teenagers laughs as they pass by, oblivious to the tension crackling between you, and Eliot's eyes darken with irritation at the interruption. He presses his body harder against yours, making sure you feel every inch of his arousal through his jeans, a silent reminder of exactly what he's capable of.