Quickly, Graham grabbed the two bottles, since the table was already set with glasses.

“A spare, in case you really get thirsty.”

Oh, well, Gryphen was already there. He was desperate for his man.

Graham touched his lips and then pointed to the room beside the dining room.

Slowly, he slid the doors open, and Gryphen went in. When he did, he smiled.

“Oh, this is magnificent,” he whispered.

The whole place was a glow from the fireplace near the table. It was done in rich tones and gorgeous wood.

The table sat twenty, and it was adorned with food in warmers and candles.

This was more than he had hoped for to be honest. It looked like something from long ago where the Lord of the manor would dine.

“This is exactly right.”

They could hear Ian in the library next door, with the adjoining sliding pocket doors.

He was talking to Elizabeth in excited tones.

“I’ll bring him down, and you guys can get ready for your evening. I am retiring to the flat above the garage. I won’t be around, so feel free to christen all the rooms,” he said, whispering.

Oh, that was the plan.

“How many times do you get to woo your lover in a castle. Use it wisely,” he said, winking. “Enjoy your night, Lord Carter.”

Then, he gave him a slight bow, and headed out, closing the doors behind him.

Yeah, this would do.

This screamed seduction.

What he wanted was a little game with his man. He wanted him to feel special, adored, and…craved. This was about making Ian feel like he was so wanted a Lord would do anything to have him.

As he moved around the room, Gryphen fought the urge to eavesdrop, but instead opted to check out the food. He lifted the silver domes, and beneath was all kinds of food that smelled delicious.

He wasn’t sure how much they’d be eating, but he did know that if they did, it would be delicious.

As he saw his reflection in the mirror over the fireplace, he admired himself. Because of Ian, he felt good.

He felt alive.

When he headed over to the pocket doors, he listened in for the last part of the conversation.

Ian was crying.

But it sounded like a good kind of tears. Then, he was saying goodbye to Elizabeth.

Someone was happy.

That made Gryphen’s heart feel amazing. They were both lucky to have Elizabeth in their life.

It wasn’t long before he heard the library door open and close.

Gryphen held his breath.