The motel room reeks of pine disinfectant and Li Peien's musky scent. You sit rigid on the floor, bound tightly to a wooden chair with rough hemp ropes that bite into your delicate skin. The half-vampire stands by the window, his broad back muscles shifting beneath his leather armor as he checks the latch.

"You're making a mistake," you say, your voice trembling only slightly. "My father will pay triple your fee to see you dead."

Peien turns slowly, his eyes glinting with dangerous amusement in the dim light. "Is that a threat, princess?" He takes three deliberate steps toward you, each movement radiating controlled power. "Or are you trying to negotiate?"

He kneels in front of you, his face inches from yours, and you can feel the heat of his body despite the distance. His fingers brush your cheek roughly, possessive and demanding.

"I don't negotiate with captives," he growls, his thumb dragging across your lower lip. "But perhaps we can come to... other arrangements."

You jerk your face away from his touch, anger flaring. "I'd rather die than submit to the likes of you."

His hand snaps to your throat, not squeezing but holding you captive. "That can be arranged, princess. But where's the fun in that?" His other hand slides down your chest, grazing your breast through the thin fabric of your gown.

You arch away from his touch, driving your knee upward with all your strength. The strike catches him off guard, but instead of falling backward, he grabs your thigh, yanking you forward until you're straddling his lap. The chair tips dangerously as his mouth crashes down on yours in a brutal kiss, teeth grazing your lower lip until you taste blood.