You are Next

Fo Ye took the place of whomever I'd danced with before. He was tall, but not as tall as Fu Shao, and not as muscled.

"You don't look impressed with the festivities."

"Everything's perfect," I said mechanically.

"But you didn't choose this marriage."

I gaped at him.

His dark hair and eyes gave him a look of cold efficiency while Fu Shao radiated fierce brutality.

Different sides of the same coin. In a few years the world would tremble under their judgement.

I snapped my mouth shut.

"It's an honour for me."

"And your duty. We all have to do things we don't want to. Sometimes it might seem as if we don't have any choice at all."

"You are a man. What do you know about not having a choice?" I said harshly, then stiffened and ducked my head.

"I'm sorry. That was out of turn." I couldn't talk to someone who was practically my Father like that..

Then I remembered he no longer was. I didn't fall under the rule of the Su clans anymore.

With my marriage, I'd become part of the Fu clans and thus Fu Shao and his father's rule.

"Madam. I think your husband is eager to have you back in his arms," Fo Lin said with a tilt of his head, then handed me over to Fu Shao who gave him a hard look.

Two dangerous man facing off.

Once we were out of earshot of Fo Lin, Fu Shao looked down at me.

"What did he want?"

"Congratulate me on the festivities."

He gave me a look that made it clear he didn't believe me. There was a hint of mistrust in his expression. The music stopped and Fu Heng clapped his hands, silencing the guests.

"Time to throw the bride band!"

As Fu Shao and I stopped as the guests gathered around the dance floor to watch the show.

A few even stood on chairs or held up their kids so everyone could get a good look.

He knelt before me under the cheers of our guests and raised his eyebrows. I gripped my gown and lifted it up to my knees.

Fu Shao slide his hands up my calves, over my knees and up my thighs. I stilled completely at the feel of his fingers on my naked skin. Goose-bumps erupted all over my body. The touch was light and not uncomfortable, and yet it terrified me.

His eyes were intent as they watched my face. His fingers brushed the garter on my right thigh and he pushed my gown up for everyone to see, revealing the entire length of my leg.

So I gripped the hem and he put his arms behind his back, then he bent over my thigh, his lips brushing the skin under the red band. I sucked in a deep breath but tried to keep my face in happy bride mode.

He closed his teeth around the edge of the band cut and pulled it down my leg until it landed in a heap at my white high heels.

So I raised my foot and he could pick the piece of lace up. He straightened and presented the red band to the applauding crowd. I forced a smile and clapped as well.

The only person who wasn't smiling was Qina.

"Bachelors," He called in his deep voice.

"Gather around. Maybe you'll be the lucky one to marry next!"

Even the youngest boys stepped forward, Su Liang among them. He was scowling. Mother had probably forced him to participate.

I winked at him and he poked out his tongue. I couldn't help but laugh, the first genuine gesture I'd managed during the wedding feast.

His eyes darted toward me, a strange expression on his face. I quickly looked away. Fu Shao raised his arm, the red band in his fist before he thrust it into the cluster of waiting men.