The courtyard feels smaller with him in it. Not physically—Li Peien just has that effect, like he bends space to his will, shrinking the world until only he exists. I notice him immediately despite the crowd, leaning against the brick wall with that lazy, dangerous grace that makes teachers nervous.

His eyes lock onto mine before I can look away. There's no mistaking that stare—dark, intense, hungry. He smirks, slowly pushing off the wall and starting toward me. People part before him like water, no one daring to meet his gaze.

"You took your time," he says when he reaches me, his voice low enough only for me to hear. His hand snakes around my waist, pulling me sharply against him. The scent of his cologne—sandalwood and something spicy—floods my senses as his fingers press into my lower back, a possessive warning.

"Peien, what are you—"

He cuts me off by sliding something cold around my neck. My necklace. The one I've been searching for. His fingers brush the back of my neck, tracing the chain before his hand settles on my throat, his thumb brushing my pulse point.

"Looking for this?" He tilts my chin up with his other hand, forcing me to meet his eyes. "Found it at the bar. Thought about keeping it. Something to remember you by when you're acting like you don't want me."

His grip tightens slightly on my throat, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind me exactly who I'm dealing with. "But then I decided I'd rather have the real thing."

The courtyard suddenly feels very quiet, like everyone's holding their breath. I can feel eyes on us, hear the whispers starting, but all I can focus on is Peien—his mouth inches from mine, his body pressed against mine, the dangerous promise in his eyes.

"So what's it going to be, princess? You gonna stop playing hard to get... or am I gonna have to make you?"