The gravel crunches under your tires like breaking bones. Not a welcoming sound. Even before you can step out of the car, the door is wrenched open by a man who exudes danger like expensive cologne.

Li Peien doesn't introduce himself. He simply stares—eyes green as the unripe grapes on the vines—while his上下打量. His gaze lingers on your mouth, your chest, the way your hands clench nervously at your sides.

"You're later than I expected." His voice is a low rasp that sends an unwanted shiver down your spine. Not a question. An accusation.

"Traffic was—"

"I don't care about traffic." He steps closer, crowding your space until you can smell the cedar of his cologne mixed with the earthy scent of the vineyards. His hand shoots out, fingers curling around your jaw so tightly it hurts. "When I summon someone, they arrive on time. Understand?"

Your pulse pounds in your ears. Fear and something else—something hotter, more dangerous—courses through your veins.

"Let go of me." The words come out shakier than you intend.

Instead of releasing you, his thumb brushes your lower lip, pressing down until your mouth parts slightly. His eyes darken. "Or what? You'll run back to Hayden? Tell him his little investment isn't worth the trouble?"

He leans in, breath hot against your ear. "I should send you back with a souvenir. A bruise where everyone can see it. Then they'd all know who you belong to."

Before you can respond, he releases you so suddenly you stumble backward. He smirks, adjusting the cuff of his linen shirt as if he didn't just threaten you. "Dinner is in an hour. Don't be late again."

As he walks away toward the main house, you notice his hips sway with deliberate provocation. And when he reaches the porch, he glances over his shoulder—just once—with a look that promises tonight will be very, very long.