Page 33 of The Protective Gryphen

Gryphen cracked the eggs, washed his hands, and then moved to stand between Ian’s legs as he sat on the counter. They were mouth-to-mouth.

“I guess you’ll have to ask and find out,” he admitted. “Isn’t that what a relationship is about? Growing together, and moving forward?”

Ian’s heart was racing.

“I don’t have a lot to offer you,” Gryphen began, and Ian covered his mouth.

“You have everything to offer me,” he admitted. “You have your heart, and your laughter. You have a smile that makes me stop breathing. I don’t care about your past, Gryphen. I don’t care about your trailer, your beat-up truck, or your prosthetic leg. I want you. I want your present and your future.”

He dropped his hand.

Ian stared into his eyes.

“I just want you,” he whispered. “To love and protect me. I just want you to be my other half. That’s what I want,” he said. “If you don’t want the same, Gryphen, you need to go. Because I can’t fall more in love with you and lose this. I’m betting it all on you. If you aren’t betting it all on me, then you should walk away.”

He understood.

“When you’re ready, I’ll be here. Trust me, I’m not going far,” Gryphen admitted. “I’ll wait until you decide you’re ready.”

Ian understood.

When they got back, he was going to buy a ring, and propose to the man.

Because he was the happiest that he’d ever been, Ian leaned in, and their mouths met.

Gryphen kissed him, and this time, the tone of the kiss was completely different.

It was gentle.

It was filled with tenderness.

It was everything Ian had dreamed about his whole life when he thought about finding his other half.

When he broke the kiss, Gryphen stared deep into his eyes.

“When you’re ready, Mr. Patterson,” he said. “Do the deed and trust in me.”

Ian nodded.

When the whole Will Jackson mess was handled, that was the first thing he was going to do.

He was going to buy a couple of rings and marry a Marine.

Gryphen went back to cooking, and it didn’t take long. Eggs were always easy. After he served up the food, he helped Ian down.

Then, he handed him a plate.

Together, they sat at the kitchen island not far from the fireplace. The warmth was wonderful as they filled their bellies.

“After this, want to take a walk around the grounds?” Gryphen asked.

Ian swallowed his eggs.

“Yes. Sign me up,” he offered.

As they ate, Ian put his hand on Gryphen’s thigh, connecting them.

It was cozy and really couple-y.

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