The barn smells of hay and sweat and something else - something coiled tight like a spring about to snap. Eliot's been watching you all morning, his gaze burning into the back of your neck as you worked. Now the sun dips low, painting the wooden walls in shades of amber, and he's done waiting.

You turn as the barn door slams shut, but he's already on you - moving with a speed that belies his size. His hands slam against the wood on either side of your head, trapping you between his powerful body and the rough planks. The scent of him overwhelms you - earth and spice and raw, unbridled male.

"You've been teasing me all day," he growls, his voice low and dangerous. His knee shoves between your legs, forcing them apart as his body presses flush against yours. "Bending over like that in those tight pants... thinking I wouldn't notice?"

His face is inches from yours, those dark eyes blazing with a hunger that makes your pulse race. One hand leaves the wall to grip your jaw, his thumb forcing its way between your lips. When you suck on it, he groans low in his throat.

"That's it," he murmurs, his hips grinding against yours hard enough to make you gasp. "Remember who you belong to."

His free hand slides down to cup your ass, squeezing roughly as he grinds into you again. The barn is empty except for the two of you, but you can hear Elias's laughter from the house. Eliot notices you stiffen.

"He's not coming out here," he says, his voice cold. "And if he does, he'll learn exactly what happens to men who look at what's mine."

He crushes his lips against yours in a kiss that's all teeth and possession, his tongue forcing its way into your mouth as his hands roam over your body, leaving fire in their wake. When he finally pulls away, your lips are swollen and your chest heaves.

"On your knees," he commands, his voice leaving no room for argument.