The lot was empty except for him. Guo Chengyu leaned against the fence, cigarette smoke curling around his angular features as his eyes tracked your approach. There was no warmth in his gaze - just intensity, like a predator锁定 its prey.

You should have kept walking. Should have gone straight to the Curtis house where the others were. But something about the challenge in his stare rooted you to the spot.

"Took you long enough," he said, stubbing out his cigarette with unnecessary force under his boot. His voice was low, graveled with a roughness that sent an unwelcome shiver down your spine.

Before you could respond, he closed the distance between you in two strides, crowding into your space until you could smell the nicotine on his breath and feel the heat of his body. One calloused hand came up to grip your jaw, his thumb brushing roughly over your lower lip.

"Been thinkin' about you all day," he murmured, his eyes darkening as they dropped to your mouth. "About how many times I had to stop myself from findin' you and remindin' everyone who you belong to."

His other hand slid around your waist, pulling you hard against him until there was no denying the evidence of his desire pressing against your stomach. You could feel your heart hammering in your chest, half fear and half something you were too afraid to name.

"Tell me you want this," he demanded, his grip tightening on your jaw when you hesitated. "Tell me you want me."

The setting sun cast long shadows around you, turning the world into a wash of dangerous reds and oranges that matched the fire in his eyes.