The bass thrummed through your body as you stood on the crowded dance floor, losing yourself in the music. The strobe lights pulsed, creating fleeting snapshots of the bodies pressed together around you. You should have known he'd find you—Li Peien always did, as if he had some tracking device specifically tuned to your presence.

A large hand suddenly grasped your wrist, fingers digging into your skin with deliberate pressure. You didn't need to turn around to know who it was. That possessive grip was unmistakable.

"You think you can hide from me?" His voice was low and dangerous in your ear, sending a shiver down your spine despite yourself. Before you could react, he'd pulled you backward against his hard chest, one arm wrapping tightly around your waist to pin your arms to your sides.

The scent of leather and cinnamon surrounded you as his other hand tangled in your hair, yanking your head back against his shoulder. His lips brushed the sensitive skin of your neck, not quite a kiss but a promise of what he could do.

"I told you not to come here tonight," he murmured, his breath hot against your skin. "You're mine to play with, not these strangers." His fingers tightened in your hair, forcing you to meet his gaze across the dance floor through the crowd. The raw hunger in his eyes made your pulse race.

"Did you wear this dress just to drive me crazy?" His hand slid down to grip your thigh, his thumb pressing against the skin exposed by the high slit. "Answer me."