Page 55 of Immortal

“I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Who hurt you?” he asked penetratingly.

“It doesn’t matter.” I smiled, burying my feelings. “I never took you for a romantic.”

“Maybe it just takes finding the right one.”

I sighed. “How did you become so philosophical?”

“Wine.” Chengyin grinned conspiratorially. “I’ve had many a deep and meaningful conversation with myself over a cup.”

I laughed. Maybe it was better that he wouldn’t marry me; I might have throttled him myself. “Have you found this person?” I asked. “I’ve seen you with Minister Xiao’s son . . . but you’ve also been very attentive to his sister. Whom do you like?”

“Both?” He winked as I swatted him.

“Don’t be greedy. You’re stirring enough trouble in their family—” I stopped, imagining Minister Xiao’s fury, my smile widening. “Chengyin, I give you my blessing to continue.”

“I strive to obey, Your Ladyship.” He bowed mockingly, but then his expression turned serious. “What about you? Was it the God of War? He wanted to draw my blood the moment he heard of our engagement.”

“If anything, his pride was hurt,” I scoffed.

He tipped his head back, a speculative glint in his eyes. “You’re wrong. He wants you.” He let the words sink in before adding with a laugh, “You’d think an immortal would have better sense.”

Anger rushed through me. Chengyin had teased me countless times before, but this struck where it hurt. My hand shot forward to push him, like we were children again, all decorum forgotten. He caught my arm, his reflexes ever quick. As I kicked at him, he struck my foot aside easily—but then the door to my room flew open and slammed against the wall.

The God of War stood in the doorway. Without a word he stalked toward Chengyin, pulled him away from me, and hurled him against the wall. Chengyin gasped, his face twisting as he slid down, rubbing the back of his head.

“Is this how you treat your betrothed?” Lord Zhangwei demanded.

I stepped between them at once. “Leave him alone.”

“Leave me out of this,” Chengyin groaned, so softly only I heard.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered as I helped him up, then rounded on the immortal. “Apologize to Chengyin. Your blow could have killed him.”

“If I wanted to kill him, he’d already be dead,” he snarled.

“Ahh, there is no need for any demonstration.” Chengyin had gone pale. “I have complete faith in your ability.”

I jabbed Lord Zhangwei’s chest. “How dare you attack an innocent?”

“He attacked you.”

Chengyin released a long breath. “You’re wrong. She attacked me.”

“I did,” I said. “While you hit him without reason.”

“He struck you,” the god said grimly.

“We were sparring.”

His jaw tightened, but then he inclined his head to Chengyin. “I misunderstood—”

“An apology is not necessary,” Chengyin said hastily, raising his hands. “I will settle for you not wanting to kill me.”

Lord Zhangwei glanced at me. “I would like to speak with you—alone. As promised.”

Chengyin cleared his throat. “I just remembered I must be elsewhere. Unless . . . you need me to stay?” The last was spoken in a pleading tone.