CHAPTER 44: SHE’S NOT FOR HIRE

"The lady says let her go!"

I recognize this voice. Liam! Now I am relief to know that I am safe in his arms.

"So I guess you are his boyfriend." The men chuckled mockingly as they sized him out. "We just want to borrow your girlfriend for a few minutes… are we asking too much?" one of them stated.

Fudge! Would there be a war inside this dining hall? Oh please don't! I silently prayed since the atmosphere is being heated up.

"I'm sorry but this woman is not for hire." I heard Liam's answer and it honestly cause my heart to skip a beat. I look up to him and he met my eyes. guess he read my thoughts at that very moment and smiled a bit. A smile of assurance. Then I won't worry then. I smiled back at him. a smile that says I trust him.

"There's a shrine not far from here, why don't you go there instead?" Liam added.

"Too bad, we don't want anyone but her." they advanced forward, we stepped backward.

"Too bad, she's not available." Liam raise the sheath of his sword.

"So you want a fight? Ha-ha! Do you think one will stand against five?

"Unfortunately, it's twelve against five." We heard Cole's tough voice. Cole and the team were standing behind the five men, ready to fight.

The bald men turned around and was utterly surprised. The men before them might be in their early twenties or teens perhaps but they are emitting fighter's aura. they can't possibly mess with these men with swords. As soon as the five men realized they're at disadvantage, they retreated and went back to their table.

I exhaled as soon as they left. but I could see Cole and the others forcing their laughter. Why are they giggling at a serious time as this? What are they looking at? Am confuse.

"Ahemm! They're gone now." Gideon chortle while looking at Liam's arm around the woman and Diana's hands around Liam's body. Seems like they saw through the men's eyes since they suddenly let go of each other. ***

I was too embarrassed to look at Liam. I didn't know I embraced him earlier. Guessed I was too preoccupied with what is happening a while ago. Ha-ha… dang! I scored! I silently celebrated within. Who wouldn't be happy to have such romantic moments with her crush? He-he. Yeah, I admit now, I like this mysterious guy. I just hope that we could travel together though I know it will never happen since he views me as a burden.

"Everyone, let's go back upstairs." Liam spoke.

"T-thank you… for saving me." I held Liam's arm when he's about to follow everyone upstairs.

"You!" Liam held back. I know he wanted to scold me but I immediately say sorry with puppy eyes. Men shouldn't be able to resist my charm that way. He-he

"It's not effective." He coldly uttered. Dang! my charm failed. "Woman, next time, don't separate yourself with the others nor go anywhere alone. What if I didn't show up on time, huh!"

"But you did." I fake a smile. I know there's no way of coaxing this angry lion so I'll just try every charm that I have.

"Tsk!" he's almost bursting but he chose to turn his back on me. he walks away but I manage to catch up on him.

"Hey boyfriend… don't leave me alone!" I manage to get a hold of his arm, never letting go despites his resistance, then we walked side by side. "Hmmm… what should I call you now? babe? Honey? Sweetheart?" I smirk as I look at his annoyed face.

"Shut up. you're not funny." He contests.

"Tsk! your no fun at all." I snorted. We went back upstairs but when I saw Grace looking intently at my hands holding Liam's arm, I quickly pulled away. I forgot they are in a special relationship. Dang!

I slowly sat beside Grace but she's seemingly aloof. Is she mad at me? well, I won't blame her. Should I start keeping my distance from Liam?

Asher and Cole were talking about their missions. They have a lot of terms I do not understand though I wanted to listen to them intently. Even the boys have their own topics while here I am, just a listener. I wanted to talk with grace but I think I need to give her some time to calm herself.

"So Liam, what are your plans right now?" I heard Grace asks the guys who's been silent for so long. he seems to be in deep thought.

"Hey bro… are you alright?" Asher elbowed him. That seemingly helped him snap out from reality.

"What?" Liam innocently stared at Asher but Asher pointed Grace with his mouth.

"Are you saying something?" He finally asks Grace.

"I-I was just asking about your plans after this."

"I believe everyone knew we will split up at the intersection road. Asher and I have an important appointment with someone tonight." Liam explained. I could see a hint of sadness in Grace eyes but she hides it with a smile.

"Ah, I see… but will you be coming with us after?"

"No."

"B-but wh----''

"We might come." Asher interrupted Grace. "That depends on the result of our negotiation."

"We will set out to Corinth tomorrow morning." Cole interjected. "I think it's better to spend the night here for a while. Who knows what kind of danger is awaiting us on the road." Then he stared at the men who tried to blocked me earlier. they seemed a bit suspicious.

"I understand. You may spend the night here." Liam must have read Cole's mind since he followed his gaze.

After a few more minutes of discussing some things among themselves, we set out to find a lodge who can house all of us. 12 men plus 2 women. Luckily, they found one. However, the setup is kinda similar to a boys and girls dormitory--- Yes, a separate house for men and women. It shouldn't be a problem, I think.

"We'll take this, sir." Cole made a final deal with the old man. "Just for tonight."

"You can stay here as long as you want." The old man chuckled. "You sure have two lovely women with you. You'll surely have troubles in the future."

"We hope not." Asher laugh. I don't know what the old guy mean but I understood future trouble. I hope it won't have anything to do with me.

"We'll come and pick you up tomorrow morning. Stay inside and never go anywhere alone. If you want to go out then notify the old man so he can relay it to any of us so we can accompany you, okay?" Cole warned us.

"We understand." We answered in unison.

"Then we'll be leaving the rest here. Asher and I will set out to the next village." Liam voiced.

"Then we'll see you off until the intersection road." Gideon suggested.

"No. you don't have to. Besides, we still need to drop by the drugstore on our way."

"Oh okay. take care then."

"Bye."

As soon as Liam and Asher went out, the men went to their quarters too.

"Ladies, please follow me. I shall show you your rooms so you can rest." The old man called us out.

We followed him patiently since he's on his old age. he couldn't even walk without his crane's assistance.

"We have four rooms here and four rooms upstairs. It's up to you if you want to go upstairs or stay here downstairs. Anyway, we don't have any guest besides you at this moment so you are free to choose." He kindly explains.

"We'll just take the rooms here." I courteously answered. Grace agreed with me as well.

"Well, if that's what you want, then feel free to choose a room for yourselves. If you need anything else, then you can see me at the small house beside this lodge.

"We'll do sir. Thank you." it was Grace who spoke this time.

The old man left us standing at the door. As soon as we saw him entered his humble house, we locked the door just as he instructed then we started to open the room one by one.

Grace chose the room with a small balcony while I stayed at the room opposite hers.

****

"Make sure to set the lodge on fire at 12 midnight." someone's striking a deal to a group of men.

"And we can take her, right?" the bald guy confirmed.

"Definitely."

Then the men smirked evilly. "You promised. And don't you ever dare to set us up coz we will definitely come for you." they threatened.

No. I won't dare. I would be pleased if you'll take her away. far, far, away. She sneered within.