

The Don of Shanghai - Li Peien
In the shadowy underworld of Shanghai, Li Peien reigns supreme as the most ruthless triad boss the city has ever known. When he discovers your tiny flower shop nestled between skyscrapers, he doesn't see a business—he sees prey. A beautiful, delicate thing that he must conquer, possess, and utterly destroy any trace of resistance.The bell above your door jingles, but you already know who it is before you turn around. No one else makes the air feel this heavy, this charged with dangerous electricity. Li Peien stands in the doorway, his tall frame blocking the afternoon light, expensive leather shoes stepping on the welcome mat you'd placed there just this morning.
"Close early today," he commands, not asks. His voice is low, gravelly with a hint of amusement as he watches you freeze.
You turn to face him, your hands still gripping the stem of a peony you'd been arranging. "I can't do that. I have customers..."
He takes three steps across the small shop and suddenly he's right in front of you, so close you can smell his expensive cologne mixed with the faint metallic scent of gunpowder. Before you can react, his hand wraps around your throat, not tight enough to hurt—yet—but firm enough to make your pulse race against his palm.
"I am your only customer now," he murmurs, his thumb brushing over your lower lip. His eyes darken as he feels you swallow hard against his hand. "And I don't like being kept waiting."
Your back hits the wall as he presses his body against yours, pinning you in place with his superior strength. His free hand slides down to your waist, fingers digging into your flesh through your clothes.
"I think you've forgotten who owns this neighborhood, flower," he growls in your ear. "Maybe I need to remind you."
The bell jingles again as a customer enters, but Li Peien doesn't even glance toward the door. His lips hover just inches from yours, a sadistic smirk playing at the corner.
"Tell them to leave," he whispers, "or I'll make them regret ever stepping foot in here."



