Chapter 8

"Fu Heng," Fu Shao said in a low voice that made me shiver.

Su Liang was still snarling and struggling like a wild cat, but he held Su Liang at arm-length.

"Su Liang," I said firmly, gripping his upper arm.

"It's enough. That's not how we treat guests."

Su Liang froze, then gazed up at me over his shoulder.

"He's not a guest. He wants to take you away from me, Big sister!"

Fu Heng chuckled.

"This is too good. I'm glad Father convinced me to come."

"Ordered you," Fu Shao corrected, but he didn't take his eyes off of me.

But I couldn't return his gaze. My cheeks blazed with heat at his scrutiny.

My father and his bodyguards made sure that Qina, Qinli and I weren't around men very often, and the ones he let near us were either family or ancient relatives Uncles.

But now Fu Shao was neither family, nor old. He was only few years older than me, but he looked like a man and made me feel like a small girl in comparison.

Fu Shao let go of Su Liang and I pulled him toward me, his back against my legs. I folded my hands over his small heaving chest. He didn't stop glaring at Fu Shao. I wished I had his courage, but he was a little boy , an heir to my father's title. He wouldn't be forced to obey anyone, except for the Master.

That's why he could afford courage.

"I'm sorry," I said, even if the words tasted foul.

"My brother didn't mean to be disrespectful."

"I did!" Su Linag shouted.

I covered his mouth with my palm and he squirmed in my hold but I didn't let him go.

"Don't apologise, Big sister," Qina said sharply, ignoring the warning look I shot her.

"It's not our fault that he and his bodyguards take up so much room in the corridor. At least, Su Liang speaks the truth. Everyone else thinks they need to blow sugar up his leg because he's going to be a ma's…"

"Qina!" My voice was like a whip.

Qina snapped her lips shut, staring at me with wide eyes.

"Take Qinli and Su Liang to their rooms. Now."

"But, Big sister, " She glanced behind me.

I was glad I couldn't see Fu Shao expression.

"Go now!"

Qina then grabbed Su Liang hand and dragged him and Qinli away. I didn't think my first encounter with my future husband could possibly have gone any worse.

Bracing myself, I faced him and his men. I expected to be greeted by fury, but I found a smirk on his face instead.

My cheeks were burning with embarrassment, and now that I was alone with the three men, nerves twisted my stomach.

My mother would freak out if she found out I wasn't dressed up for my first meeting with him. I was wearing one of my favorited dresses with sleeves that reached my elbows, and I was silently glad for the protection all the fabric offered me.

Then I folded my arms in front of my body, unsure of what to do.

"I apologize for my sister and brother behavior. They are just… " I struggled for a word other than rude.

"Protective of you," Fu Shao said simply. His voice was even, deep, emotionless.

"This is my brother, Fu Heng."

Fu Heng lips were pulled into a wide grin. I was glad he didn't try to take my hand. I didn't think I could have kept my composure if either of them had moved any closer.

"And this is my right hand, Feng."

Feng gave me the briefest nod before he returned to his task of scanning the corridor.