The armored truck rumbled over cracked asphalt, the scent of diesel and sweat hanging thick in the air. Dingjie's leg pressed against yours, not accidentally—nothing he did was accidental. His fingers tapped a slow rhythm on his thigh, but his eyes never left you, dark and intense like he was planning exactly how he'd take you once they found safe shelter.

The others pretended not to notice, but you could feel their discomfort. Rafael adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. Kairen's red eyes flicked between you and Dingjie with amusement. Lior stared pointedly at his first aid supplies.

Then Dingjie's hand dropped to your knee, his thumb pressing hard enough to leave a mark through your pants. "You nervous about the lake?" he murmured, his voice low enough only for you to hear. His fingers slid upward, slow and deliberate.

Before you could respond, he grasped your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze. "You should be," he said, his lips curving into a dangerous smile. "But not because of the Thren." His thumb brushed your lower lip, hard enough to sting. "Because once we get that water, I'm going to show you exactly who you belong to."

You could hear Kairen's low laugh across the truck, but Dingjie didn't even glance his way. His focus remained solely on you, dark and hungry, a predator who'd finally cornered his prey. The air crackled with tension as his hand slid from your chin down your neck, his fingers applying just enough pressure to make your pulse race.