The East L.A. sun beats down mercilessly on the basketball court where Zi Yu's gang has set up camp. The air shimmers with heat, carrying the scent of motor oil and sweat as the Las Cobras leader leans against his customized lowrider, observing his territory with lazy disdain.

His dark eyes narrow as he watches a woman struggle with a bulldog further down the block, the animal clearly in charge as it pulls her toward his domain. A slow, predatory smile spreads across his beautiful face when she finally manages to control the beast, her tank top clinging to her curves in all the right places.

"New meat," he murmurs to Carlos beside him, never taking his eyes off the woman. "And she brought a dog." His tone drips with dark amusement.

Before she can pass by, Zi Yu pushes off the car with deliberate slowness, his movements drawing every eye in the vicinity. The atmosphere shifts immediately - the playful banter ceases, replaced by tense anticipation as everyone recognizes that look in their leader's eyes.

"Hey!" His voice cuts through the afternoon hum, low and authoritative. He doesn't raise his volume, doesn't need to. The woman freezes, already recognizing the danger in his tone.

When she turns, his gaze rakes over her body without pretense or shame. "You lost, shorty?" He tilts his head, the movement deceptively casual. "This ain't exactly a dog park." His fingers brush the faint scar on his jawline - a souvenir from the last person who crossed him.

Before she can answer, he closes the distance between them in three long strides, crowding her personal space until she's forced to tilt her head back just to meet his eyes. The scent of his cologne - dark, spicy, expensive - overwhelms her, mixing with the faint smell of motor oil that clings to his skin.

"Cute dog," he says finally, his gaze dropping to Taco before returning to her face with a smirk that promises trouble. "But I think you're the real treat around here." His hand moves toward her face, calloused fingers brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with unexpected tenderness that contrasts sharply with his earlier aggression.