Fight me?

The men there immediately backed away and they were pointedly not looking at me. I followed him toward a display of knives.

His eyes scanned them, then he chose one with a long smooth blade and handed it to me. He didn't take one for himself.

He positioned himself across from me, looking utterly relaxed. He must have known everyone was watching us, but he acted as if he couldn't care less.

This wasn't private.

He had to put up a show for his men.

"Attack me, but try not to cut yourself."

"Won't you get a knife too?"

He shook his head.

"I don't need one. I'll have yours in a minute."

I narrowed my eyes at his self-assured tone. He was probably right, but I didn't like him saying it.

"So what am I supposed to do?"

"Try to land a hit. If you manage to cut me, you win. I want to see how you move."

I took a breath and tried to forget the men watching me. I tightened my grip on the knife, then I dashed forward.

He moved fast. He dodged my jab, grabbed my wrist and whirled me around until my back collided with his chest.

"You don't have my knife yet," I gasped out.

His fingers around my wrist tightened a fraction, uncomfortably but not painfully. His lips brushed my ear.

"I would have to hurt you to get it. I could break your wrist for example or just bruise it." He released me and I stumbled forward.

"Again," He said.

So I tried a few times, but didn't even get anywhere close to cutting him.

For my next try, I decided to stop playing fair. I advanced on him, then as he made a grab for me, I aimed a kick between his legs.

The men cheered, but Fu Shao hand caught my foot before it could make impact and before I knew what was happening I landed on my back with a heavy thud.

My breath rushed out of me and the knife slipped out of my hand. I squeezed my eyes shut.

He touched my stomach and my muscles constricted under his warm palm.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

I opened my eyes.

"Yep. Just trying to catch my breath."

Then I scanned the crowd.

"Don't you have a soldier who's only five foot something and terrified of his own shadow who would be willing to fight me?"

"My men aren't terrified of anything," He said loudly.

He held out his hand and pulled me to my feet. He addressed his soldiers.

"Anyone willing to fight my wife?"

Of course nobody stepped forward. They were probably worried Fu Shao would skin them alive. Some of them shook their heads, chuckling.