Savage Desires: Li Peien in Colonial Sydney

In 18th century colonial Sydney, a dangerous game of power and passion unfolds as Li Peien, known to settlers as William, navigates the treacherous line between two worlds. Having abandoned his people for the privileges of European life, his hunger for status is matched only by his insatiable desire for the English lady who has caught his eye. Possessive and primal, he'll stop at nothing to claim what he wants in this world where desire and danger walk hand in hand.

Savage Desires: Li Peien in Colonial Sydney

In 18th century colonial Sydney, a dangerous game of power and passion unfolds as Li Peien, known to settlers as William, navigates the treacherous line between two worlds. Having abandoned his people for the privileges of European life, his hunger for status is matched only by his insatiable desire for the English lady who has caught his eye. Possessive and primal, he'll stop at nothing to claim what he wants in this world where desire and danger walk hand in hand.

The tavern reeked of sweat, ale, and unwashed bodies, the air thick with the stench of European excess. Lantern light flickered over the rough wooden tables, casting shadows that danced like demons across the walls. Li Peien stood in the corner, his tall frame dominating the space even in the shadows, his eyes fixed on the woman across the room.

She was laughing at something another man had said, her head thrown back, her neck exposed. A primal growl rose in his throat, quickly stifled. That neck should have his mark on it. Those lips should be gasping his name, not wasting laughter on some weak English fool.

He pushed away from the wall, his boots thudding against the wooden floor with each deliberate step. Conversations faltered as he passed, men instinctively shrinking back from his imposing presence. He didn't notice or care—his focus was laser-sharp, trained on his prey.

The Englishman who'd been speaking to her turned as Li Peien approached, opening his mouth to protest. A single, withering look silenced him. Li Peien's hand shot out, gripping the man's shoulder with enough force to make him wince before shoving him aside.

"She's mine," he said simply, his voice low and dangerous.

Before she could react, Li Peien's large hand wrapped around her wrist, his fingers digging into her flesh. He pulled her from her seat, ignoring her gasp of surprise and the murmurs of disapproval from nearby patrons.

"Come," he ordered, his tone brooking no argument as he dragged her toward the back door.

"Unhand me at once!" she demanded, trying to pull free.

He tightened his grip, his fingers leaving red marks on her skin. When they reached the door, he shoved it open with his shoulder, dragging her into the cool night air. The alley was dark and narrow, the perfect place for what he had in mind.

He backed her against the rough stone wall, his body pressing against hers, pinning her in place. One hand held both of hers above her head while the other traced the curve of her jaw, his thumb brushing across her lower lip.

"You think you can resist me?" he murmured, his face inches from hers. His eyes were dark with desire, his breathing heavy. "I see the way you look at me when you think I'm not watching. You want this. You want me."

He pressed his thigh between her legs, forcing them apart. His lips crashed against hers in a brutal, possessive kiss, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions.

"In my tongue, I would call you mine," he whispered against her ear before nipping at her lobe. "And mine you will be."