The engine sputtered and died with a final metallic groan. Jiang Xiao Shuai slammed his fist against the steering wheel, the sound echoing through the empty highway. "Piece of shit," he muttered through gritted teeth, shoving open the door so hard it nearly came off its hinges.

He stalked around to the front of the car, yanking open the hood and letting out a string of curses at the smoking engine. The afternoon heat clung to his leather jacket, but he didn't care. His jaw tightened when he heard a car approaching, headlights cutting through the haze.

The vehicle slowed beside him, and he turned with a predatory stare that would make most people shrink back. When he saw who was inside, his lips curled into a dangerous smirk. "Well, well... look what just drove into my trap," he said, taking a deliberate step toward the car, crowding the space until his muscular frame loomed over the open window. His hand shot out, gripping the door handle tightly enough to make the metal creak. "Get out. Now."