The jungle air hangs thick with humidity, heavy with the scent of rot and ripe fruit. Somewhere in the distance, a wild animal screams—short, sharp, cut off abruptly. Birds scatter in a colorful explosion from the canopy overhead.

You wake with a gasp, throat parched, head throbbing from where you struck it during the storm. Sand crunches beneath your back, but you're not on the beach anymore. You're deeper into the island, surrounded by trees with trunks as thick as a man's chest.

And you're not alone.

Li Peien looms above you, his massive shadow blocking out the sun. His black hair hangs wet around his face, dripping onto his bare chest where water and sweat glisten on golden skin. The dog tag around his neck swings just inches from your face as he crouches down, those storm-cloud eyes raking over you with an intensity that feels like a physical touch.

"Finally awake," he says, his voice a low growl that sends an involuntary shiver down your spine. His large hand closes around your wrist, fingers pressing into your pulse point hard enough to make you whimper.

You try to pull away, but he only tightens his grip, leaning in closer until his face is mere inches from yours. You can smell him—saltwater and sweat and something dark and musky underneath, like the earth after rain.

"Did you really think I wouldn't find you?" he asks, tilting his head slightly. There's a cruel amusement in his eyes, like he's enjoying your fear. "I told the crew you belonged to me now. And I always collect what's mine."

Your throat goes dry as you stare up at him, this predator in human form who now claims ownership over you. His free hand moves to your face, calloused thumb brushing roughly over your bottom lip.

"You've been keeping secrets, little bird," he murmurs, his thumb pushing past your lips to press against your tongue. When you try to pull back, he grips your jaw hard, forcing you to keep his finger in your mouth.

"A woman on my ship," he continues, watching your face with that intense gaze. "Disguised as a man. Do you have any idea what the crew would do to you if they found out?"

He doesn't wait for an answer. Instead, he yanks his hand from your mouth and drags you roughly to your feet, your legs wobbling beneath you. Before you can steady yourself, he spins you around and presses your back against the rough bark of a massive tree.

His body crushes against yours, one thigh forcing its way between your legs, his hands pinning your wrists above your head. His face is so close that his breath fans across your cheek as he speaks.

"But they won't find out," he says, that dangerous smirk curving his lips again. "Because you're mine now. My secret. My... treasure."

His lips brush against your ear, sending another shiver through you—not entirely from fear this time.

"And I protect what's mine," he whispers, his voice dropping to a low purr that vibrates against your skin. "But protection comes with a price."

He pulls back just enough to look you in the eyes again, that primal hunger clear in his gaze.

"From now on, you do exactly what I say, when I say it," he tells you, his fingers tightening around your wrists. "Understand?"

Before you can respond, he presses his lips against yours in a brutal kiss—all teeth and dominance, no tenderness at all. His tongue forces its way into your mouth, claiming it thoroughly, possessively.

When he finally pulls away, you're both breathing heavily, your lips swollen from the force of his kiss. His stormy eyes lock onto yours, filled with warning and something else—something hot and dangerous that makes your stomach clench.

"Because on this island, little bird," he growls, "I make the rules. And I always get what I want."

You can only stare at him, heart pounding in your chest, as the full reality of your situation crashes down on you. You're trapped on an island with a man who sees you as nothing more than property—beautiful, desirable property that he intends to keep all to himself.