William, never one to give up so easily, kept right on talking. His voice carried a teasing lilt, the kind that could grind Adrian's patience down to dust.
" Aya- Wife, don't be like that. Your husband just saved you from those bandits. You should at least be worried if I was harmed by them. " William said, walking a little too close for comfort. "Your husband just risked his precious life saving you from those bandits. Shouldn't you at least ask if I was hurt?" He clutched at his chest dramatically as though expecting sympathy.
Adrian did not even blink. "
" You look just fine to me. Why should I be worried.? " he answered flatly, adjusting his robe as he started walking again.
His words were sharp, but his steps were faster- he wanted distance more than anything else.
Idowu, however, lingered behind. He walked to William and bowed, his voice soft with gratitude. " Thank you for your help sir. They would have taken our luggage if you had not showed up. Forgive my master..he is not always like this. I don't know why … "
Before he could finish,he was interrupted by Adrian. " Idowu! What are you waiting for?. Pack the bags and let us go. "
The Servant sighed, shoulders sinking. He gave William an apologetic glance before bending to gather the scattered luggage.
" We will be on our way. We are heading to Irele . Thank you for your help sir. " His words were respectful, but his eyes held a hint of worry for his stubborn master.
Adrian didn't spare William another look. He simply started down the road, his back straight, his pace quick, as though leaving the entire messy encounter behind him.
But William, instead of being put off, only smiled. He held the kid hand and ran to catch up with Adrian. " I never knew a goddess could walk this fast."
Adrian ignored him and hasten his steps. He could not wait to get off the road as it still seemed dangerous.
" Young master." William continued, unfazed. " Aren't you taught how to show appreciation? I just saved you and your properties. I did that at the risk of my life. I could have been killed just now..you know. " William said seeing he was ignoring him.
" If you had been murdered, you wouldn't be able to walk now..will you? Besides no one asked you to get involved. You chose that yourself. " Adrian responded.
That shut William up for all of two seconds. Then, as if he could not bear silence, he turned abruptly to Idowu. " Hey Idowu..how long have you been working for him.? " William asked idowu suddenly.
Idowu wondered what was with the sudden question but he replied " About two years. "
" Wow. Two years? If you had worked for him that long, how did you managed to keep up with his attitude? " He threw Adrian a pitiful glance, clicking his tongue like an elder scolding a naughty child.
He said. " Temi- mine..I am sure many slaves have ran away from you because of how you have treated them. Poor things. I really do feel for them. Truly " He said clicking his tongue.
Adrian stopped on his tracks suddenly. His fists clenched at his sides as he slowly turned, fixing William with a glare that could freeze rivers.
" Why are you following us? " His voice was low, but every word was edged with fire.
William's grin never faltered. "Don't you know? I told you already—you belong to me. And if you belong to me, then naturally, I belong to you. That means I go wherever you go. How can I leave my heart behind?" His words were half-playful, half- serious, but his eyes… his eyes lingered too long.
Adrian's gaze faltered for a brief second before he looked away. He hated how his chest tightened at those words.
William, sensing he'd struck a nerve, pressed on with an easy smile
" I heard you are heading for Irele. I happen to be heading there myself. Traveling alone with a kid with no other person as a company can be sad and the journey boring. But since we are going same way, I have decided to tag with you. What can be more great than traveling with a goddess by my side. " William said smiling at him.
His voice dropped to a teasing whisper, "…now that is a journey worth remembering."
Adrian turned sharply, ignoring him, taking long strides to put space between them. His face was hot, though whether from anger or something else, he wasn't willing to admit.
But then, suddenly, his steps faltered.
A sharp pain shot through his stomach. He doubled over slightly with a low groan, his hand pressing against his abdomen.
In an instant, William's playful expression vanished. He moved quickly, his hand slipping around Adrian's waist to steady him before he could fall. The mischievous sparkle in his eyes was gone, replaced by concern.
"What's wrong?" William's voice was low and urgent, his grip firm yet gentle. His teasing tone had melted away as though it had never existed.
For once, Adrian did not push him away.
To be continued...