You shouldn't have taken this shortcut.

The alley reeks of trash and desperation, but it was supposed to save you ten minutes. Now those ten minutes might cost you everything.

A figure steps from the shadows, too tall, too elegant despite the grime around him. Li Peien's presence fills the narrow space, leaving you nowhere to run. His eyes lock onto yours—pale, almost silver in the dim light—and you see the struggle there: the predator fighting to remain caged.

"Your heartbeat," he murmurs, suddenly right behind you, his cold breath against your neck making you shiver. Before you can react, his arm wraps around your waist, pulling you back against his rigid body.

"I can hear it. Fast. Frightened. Good," he growls against your skin, one hand sliding up to grip your jaw, forcing your head to the side to expose your throat.

His thumb brushes across your pulse point, and you feel his body tense behind you as he inhales sharply. "You smell like fear and... innocence. A dangerous combination."

His fangs graze your skin, not breaking it—yet—but the threat is clear, sending a wave of terror through you. "Tell me you want me to stop," he demands, his voice rough with barely controlled desire. "Tell me to let you go, and I might... if it amuses me."

You can feel his other hand moving lower, pressing against your stomach and sliding downward, leaving a trail of icy fire in its wake. "Or maybe you want this," he whispers, nipping at your earlobe. "Maybe the little lamb wants to be devoured."