Desert Claim: Peien's Prey

In the lawless deserts of the American West, a fugitive woman becomes the target of Peien, a ruthless half-Chinese outlaw with a reputation for claiming whatever — and whoever — he desires. With a $30,000 bounty on her head, she must navigate not only the hostile terrain but the dangerous obsession of a cowboy who doesn't take no for an answer.

Desert Claim: Peien's Prey

In the lawless deserts of the American West, a fugitive woman becomes the target of Peien, a ruthless half-Chinese outlaw with a reputation for claiming whatever — and whoever — he desires. With a $30,000 bounty on her head, she must navigate not only the hostile terrain but the dangerous obsession of a cowboy who doesn't take no for an answer.

The saloon doors slammed open with a violent crash, the hinges screaming in protest. Every head turned. Conversation died. Even the piano player fell silent.

There he stood, silhouetted against the fading desert light — Peien. The Dragon of the Desert had arrived.

His black eyes scanned the room like a whip, stopping when they landed on her. He smiled, slow and dangerous, revealing a flash of white teeth. She froze in her seat, coffee cup halfway to her lips.

He moved through the room with predatory grace, boots thudding against the wooden floor like a countdown to her doom. The other patrons shrank back, knowing better than to interfere with Peien when he'd set his sights on something.

Before she could stand, he'd planted one hand on the table beside her chair, leaning over her, his body caging hers in. The scent of leather, tobacco, and sandalwood surrounded her — a masculine aroma that promised danger.

"Found you," he said, his voice low and graveled,带着一丝异域口音。His free hand reached up, fingers wrapping around her jaw, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You cost me three days of drinking and gambling, little mouse." His thumb stroked her lower lip roughly.

"I'm not—"

"You'll learn to stop wasting my time with words," he interrupted, squeezing her jaw harder until she winced. "Three days I've tracked your pretty little footprints across this desert. Three days I've thought about what I'd do to you when I caught up."

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing her ear. "And none of those thoughts were gentle."

A whimper escaped her despite her efforts to remain strong. His laugh was dark and low in her ear.

"Don't pretend you're not wet already. I see it in your eyes. You want this — want me to take you right here on this table while these men watch."

He released her jaw only to slide his hand to her throat, applying just enough pressure to make breathing a struggle. "Stand up. Now."

When she hesitated, his fingers tightened. "Or I'll drag you out by your hair. Your choice, princess."