The bandits hearing his voice turned to him..their knife facing him and ready to attack if he made any sudden move.
William, the hero who appeared with a grand entrance suddenly raised both hands, palms out, grinning as if he'd walked into a tavern instead of a bandits' nest.
Seeing this Adrian shook his head- eyes rolling and muttered underneath his breath. " Fool. " Why didn't he just turned away or stay hidden but instead he showed up only to surrender.
" I come in peace..I come in peace. " William said with a beam.
" Why don't you just get on your way if you do not want trouble for yourself young master. " the leader said to William.
" Ah..I'm afraid I can not do just that. " William replied- his hands still in the airs.
" Why? Do you come seeking death then? "
" Uh uhm..uh uhm.." William said shaking his head. " Why would I seek death? That is such an horrible thing to say. I told you..I come in peace"
" Stop beating around. What do you want?"
" Right. I came to collect what is mine … What belongs to me. " He winked at Adrian and could hear Adrian scoff.
" And what exactly is this? "
William slowly brought down his hand which was in the air towards Adrian's direction. With a smile that could not hide how elated and supercilious he was, he pointed at Adrian. " Him "
Heat rose unbidden in Adrian's face— not from shame, but from the audacity. He gave him a fierce look.
'Since when,' his eyes snapped at William, 'did I ever become yours? '
Idowu on the other hand wondered what the William guy was playing at.
To confirm he heard him well, the leader asked. " Him? "
Seeing the confused look on the leader's face, William placed a hand on his head.
" Ah.. seems you do not get it. "
Placing a hand on his waist and pointing at Adrian, he continued.
" You see that beauty there...that very one with a beautiful face but hostile temperament, he is mine. He belongs to me." He paused smirking at Adrian.
He then continued " You see, although he is rude with a bad temperament, he is actually a nice person deep down inside of him. I understand if you are angry at him. I understand you very well as he is known for his rude behavior. If he had made you angry, I'd like to apologize on his behave. " William said in an humble manner Adrian almost fell for it.
Adrian stared at the man whose mouth was running nonstop and he could sworn if he had a weapon with him, he would have murdered him right then.
" Look..look. This is exactly what I am talking about. See that fierce look on his gorgeous face..so scary but yet endearing. " He placed his hands on his chest smiling at Adrian like he was his whole world.
The leader whom was running out of Patience for the man who was busy flirting with another man asked " what exactly do you have to say? "
" Ah right. The two of us have a deep connection and I cannot leave him alone for what so ever reason. " William replied the leader.
After staring at William for some seconds he answered. " Fine. You take what is yours and I take what is mine. "
He said to his men. " release them. "
His men released them and instantly. Idowu took his master by his hand and ran towards William.
William watched as the bandits packed the items into their bags and made to leave when he spoke again. " Where do you think you are going? " He questioned.
They all turned to him. The leader walking out amongst them, he answered him.
" What you mean by that? I returned what is yours and I am taking what is mine. Is there a problem there? "
" You know..those luggages you are carrying and referring to as yours, actually belongs to him and as you know, he belongs to me. Soooo.. technically, anything that belongs to him, belongs to me."
Adrian glared at him again. " Quit saying I belong to you..You dopey!! "
Like he wasn't the one who just got insulted, he smiled at Adrian.
" You brat! Really asking for trouble! Kill him! " The leader, provoked- ordered his men, having had enough of the man's nonsense and instantly they came charging at William.
" Ife mi- My love. Stay behind me.
Your devoted husband will protect you from all harm. Watch over our child while I deal with these pests." William said to Adrian and winked.
' what a flirtatious man ' Adrian thought and held the kid who had came out of his hiding spot. He took few steps away.
The bandits roared and charged, blades flashing in the pale light.
William's grin never wavered. In one smooth motion, his hands dropped from the air, and with a twist of his wrist, steel gleamed. A sword— where had he been hiding it? Adrian could not tell.
The first bandit lunged, a dagger aimed straight for William's chest. William sidestepped lazily, almost bored, and with a flick, the man's weapon clattered to the ground. One swift kick sent him sprawling into the dirt.
"Too slow. " William muttered, smirking as if correcting a child's clumsy mistake.
Another came from behind, swinging hard. William ducked, rolled, and rose fluidly, his blade carving a shallow line across the man's arm. The bandit howled, dropping his weapon.
Seeing this, the others became alarmed. The man before them was not an ordinary man. They began to feel reluctant to attack him as his skills was apparently at a greater level than their.
Adrian's eyes widened despite himself.
' He is fast.. he is fast' he thought. The fool, whom moments ago was spouting nonsense now moved with terrifying precision. Each strike was controlled, efficient, almost elegant. He did not expect his fighting skills to be so great.
As he disarmed a bandit, William glanced at Adrian. " Do not fall in love with me too fast, love. I am still just warming up."
"Show- off. " Adrian muttered, though his heart pounded harder with every move William made.
Idowu tugged at Adrian's sleeve. "Master… he is incredible."
Adrian scoffed, forcing his gaze away. "He is reckless." But his eyes betrayed him, drawn back to William again and again.
The leader finally stepped forward, furious. "Enough! Kill him!" He swung his heavy blade down at William with all his might.
The clash rang out sharp as steel met steel. William's knees bent under the pressure, but his grin only widened. He leaned close enough that the leader could see the amusement dancing in his eyes.
"You really shouldn't have touched what is mine. " William whispered. Then, with a sudden twist, he shoved the man off balance and slammed his hilt into the leader's gut. The man crumpled, gasping.
Silence fell. The remaining bandits froze, their weapons trembling.
Although he was restraining his strength, Adrian could tell he had profound vigour. His legs were firm on the ground..his steps light and his body fast. Even as he fought..his undeniable handsome face could not hide its elegance. His tied locked hair beam under the sun.
Adrian realized then, he had never met any man more handsome.
"He is… so handsome." The words slipped out before Adrian could stop them, barely louder than a breath.
" What?" William head turned towards him sharply.