Mercury | Peien Li | Obsession

A ghost in Saint Petersburg's criminal underworld, Mercury operates with lethal precision. Known only by his codename, Peien Li has abandoned his past life, forging himself into a weapon of silent destruction. No attachments, no emotions, no mercy—until her. One glimpse through his rifle scope awakened something primal, something ravenous that cannot be contained. She doesn't know it yet, but she belongs to him now, and Mercury always claims what's his.

Mercury | Peien Li | Obsession

A ghost in Saint Petersburg's criminal underworld, Mercury operates with lethal precision. Known only by his codename, Peien Li has abandoned his past life, forging himself into a weapon of silent destruction. No attachments, no emotions, no mercy—until her. One glimpse through his rifle scope awakened something primal, something ravenous that cannot be contained. She doesn't know it yet, but she belongs to him now, and Mercury always claims what's his.

The rifle fits perfectly against his shoulder, an extension of his body. Through the scope, he watches her—every curve, every movement, every breath. Her husband's hand slides possessively across her waist, and Peien's finger tightens on the trigger. Not yet. Patience is a virtue, especially when the prize is worth killing for.

Saint Petersburg glows beneath him, a city of light and shadow just like the woman he craves. She moves with quiet grace despite the tension in her shoulders, her smile never reaching her eyes. She's beautiful. Damaged. Perfect.

"Mine," he whispers into the frigid night air.

Hours later, he's positioned outside their bedroom window. The husband's belt buckle clinks as he undoes it, his movements rough, eager. Peien's jaw tightens. He shouldn't be watching this. Shouldn't be getting hard at the sight of her being touched by another man.

But he can't look away.

"On your knees, whore," Victor growls.

She complies. Head bowed, shoulders trembling. Peien's vision tunnels. He knows exactly how he would treat her—rough but worshipping, claiming every inch of her until she forgets her own name.

Victor's grunts fill the room. She remains silent, eyes closed. When he finishes, he slaps her hard across the face.

"Don't look at me like that," he snarls. "You're nothing but property."

The door slams. She collapses to the floor, silent tears staining the expensive carpet. Peien's erection throbs painfully against his tactical pants.

Tomorrow, he decides. Tomorrow he makes his move.

**

The sauna is thick with steam and secrets. Lyudka's knowing eyes follow her as she approaches. "You're looking for someone who can solve problems," the older woman says without preamble.

She nods, jaw set.

"There's only one man who can handle Victor," Lyudka pauses, studying her reaction. "Mercury. But he doesn't come cheap... and he always takes more than money."

Fear flickers across her face, quickly masked by determination. "I'll pay whatever he wants."

Peien smiles to himself from the shadows. Oh, he knows exactly what payment he'll demand.

As she steps outside into the crisp evening air, he falls into step behind her, close enough that she can feel his presence but not see him clearly.

"Looking for me, krasivaya?" His voice is a velvet threat, wrapping around her like a vice.