The morning sun streamed through the small window, painting the room in soft golden light. Adrian stirred slowly, blinking against the brightness. For a moment, he lay still, listening to the faint sounds of voices in the inn below and the smell of something being cooked in the kitchen. He rubbed his forehead gently, surprised at how heavy his body still felt. How long have I been asleep?
A knock came at the door— sharp, impatient. Adrian opened his mouth to respond, but before a word left his lips, the door swung open.
"You are awake at last." William's voice rang, warm and teasing, as he strode inside with that carefree smile that seemed to follow him everywhere. His presence filled the quiet room like a sudden gust of wind.
Adrian sat up slowly, leaning back against the headboard. His eyes narrowed slightly at the man who had barged in without so much as a pause. He never knocks properly, does he?
"Did you sleep well?" William asked as he closed the door behind him. Adrian did not answer immediately, only inhaled deeply before letting the breath out in a slow stream.
"Yes. I did " he replied at last, his tone calm and steady, his eyes fixed on the far wall rather than the intruder in his space.
William folded his arms across his chest, leaning his shoulder lazily against the wall, watching him with interest. Not only was the man before him beautiful in ways William could not put into words— his calm voice, low and unhurried, tugged at something inside him. A smile curled on his lips as he murmured, almost to himself, "I too had a great night."
Adrian's brow arched. He turned his head sharply, suspicion flickering across his features. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
William pushed himself off the wall and strolled closer, his steps deliberate. He stopped right in front of Adrian, close enough that Adrian could feel the warmth of his presence. He bent down, lowering his tall frame until their faces were almost level. His eyes gleamed with mischief, his lips curved into a smirk.
"Temì— mine." he whispered, his breath brushing Adrian's skin. "Say I am crazy, but I think I dreamt of you last night."
The air between them thickened instantly. Adrian's heart gave a small, unwelcome skip, though his face stayed composed. The man's nearness made chills prickle across his arms, and he hated that he could feel the warmth of William's breath so clearly. He turned his face sharply away, breaking the gaze, and pushed himself up from the bed.
"Don't I already know you are crazy already?" he muttered, his voice cool, though the slight quickness in his steps betrayed him.
William straightened, putting on a wounded expression, his hand pressed dramatically over his chest. "Ah, you wound me. I came to check on you first thing, and this is how you treat me?" His tone carried a playful whine, but his eyes still danced with laughter.
Adrian finally turned to face him, his head tilting upward as he met William's taller frame. His lips parted, ready to give a sharp retort— but he froze when he noticed the man's expression shift. The fake sadness melted, replaced by that familiar flirtatious smile, bold and shameless.
Adrian's jaw tightened. He swallowed his words, turned on his heel. He ignored him and strode past him toward the door without another glance.
William watched him go, amusement tugging at his lips as he murmured under his breath, "Running away again, Temì- mine. One day you won't."
.
.
..to be continued