Proud

"You look like pig," Fu Shao said.

Fu Heng nodded.

"This is my 10 cup espresso but I'm still not feeling awake. Bet drank too much last night."

"You were tard," Fu Shao said.

"I'd have had your tongue cut out for some of the things that you said to my wife last night but if you weren't my brother."

Fu Heng grinned at me.

"I hope Big brother didn't do half of the things I suggested."

I wasn't sure what to say to that. He still made me nervous as he exchanged a look with Fu Shao who ran a thumb over my side, making me jump.

"Quite a work of art you presented us," Fu Heng said with a nod toward the back of the room where the sheets were draped over a kind of coat rack for better display.

I tensed. What does he mean?

But Fu Shao didn't look worried, instead he shook his head.

As Master Fu and my father were waving at us to join them and it would have been impolite to make them wait any longer.

Father rose when we arrived at the table and wrapped me in his arms. I was surprised by this open display of affection. He touched the back of my head and whispered.

"I'm proud of you, daughter."

I gave him a forced smile when we pulled apart.

Proud for what?

For losing my virginity?

For spreading my legs?

His father then put a hand on my and Fu Shao shoulders, and gave us a smile.

"I hope we can expecting a little Fu Shao soon."

I managed not to let my shock show.

Hadn't Fu Shao mentioned that I was on birth control?

"I want to enjoy my wife alone for a long while. And with the Mongo and Armstrong closing in, I wouldn't want to have children to worry over," Fu Shao said tightly.

There was no word to describe how relieved I was about his words.

Indeed, I really wasn't ready for children. I had already enough changes thrown my way without the added bonus of a baby.

His father nodded.

"Sure, of course. Understandable."

After that they launched into a conversation about the Mongo tribe and it became pretty clear that I was dismissed.

So I slipped out of Fu Shao grasp and walked toward the women.

And Qina met me halfway.

"Disgusting," she muttered with a scowl toward the sheets.

"I know."

I looked around, but couldn't the twin.

"Where are the twin? +"

"Upstairs in their room with Martial Zhen. Mother didn't want them to be there for the reveal of the sheets."

Qina leaned in conspiratorially.

"I'm so glad you're finally here. Those women have been sharing their bloody sheet stories for hours. What the fuck is wrong with the Fu family here? If I hear one more word about it, I'm going to give them a real bloodbath."

"Now that I'm here, I doubt they'll be talking about anything but the bloody sheets over there," I muttered.

And turned out I was right. Almost every woman felt the need to hug me and offer me words of advice that only made me nervous. It'll get better.