Page 60 of The Protective Gryphen

“It looks like you have a mystery on your hands,” he stated.

Yes, yes, he did.

“I love a mystery. Now, we have to solve it.”

Gryphen laughed.

“You’ve been spending way too much time with Elizabeth.”

Probably.

It’s just that it was like one of those romantic holiday movies. He wanted to know how it ended.

“I wonder if anyone knows what happened to her?” he asked.

Gryphen knew this wouldn’t be something he forgot about, so he gave in.

“Well, then, we can find out. I’m sure there’s some place in town where we can research it and ask questions tomorrow.”

Ian stopped.

“I know you said we could go in, but are you serious? We really can?”

He nodded.

“Yeah, I confirmed it with Callen. He said it’s safe here, and there’s no news of anyone knowing we’re here. We can wander around, get you the kilts, and maybe do some research tomorrow.”

That was all he had to hear.

Moving, Ian put the very old book down, and he kissed the man he loved.

This was going to be an awesome vacation.

At the joining of their lips, Gryphen pulled him into his lap, and kissed Ian with all he had.

Deep within him, there was that darkness brewing, and it was always the precursor that warned him that he was going to screw it up.

Already, he could feel it.

His fear and insecurity brought on the nightmares, and that brought on him making stupid choices when it came to the important things in his life.

Mainly, Ian.

The downward spiral would be next.

He knew it.

“I can’t wait!” Ian said after breaking the kiss. “Can we maybe look around a little more? This place is big, and I’m curious. Graham said dinner wouldn’t be ready for ninety minutes, so we have an hour left.”

If that was what he wanted, Gryphen could give him that. He hoped it would make Ian want to never leave his side.

Setting him free, Gryphen followed, and as Ian led him through the halls of the stone castle, Ian could feel the energy had changed with his man.

His hand was tense as he was holding it. There was a distinct difference in the staccato of his walking beside him.

Something was wrong.

So, he stopped.

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