Page 244 of The Protective Gryphen

“Because of what happened?”

He nodded.

“I didn’t want to fuck up, so I quit. Well, as you can imagine, that didn’t go over with Elizabeth. She bumped me to her protection duty. I know they didn’t need me, and she made it up, but I was just relieved to not have to leave. I’m sure if I ask Ivan, he’ll switch me out.”

Ian was grateful.

“Can you?”

“If that’s what you need to feel safe, and not worry, then yes. If you don’t think I’ll be able to be safe and come home, I’ll do it.”

He stared into his eyes.

Earlier, he’d asked Gryphen to put his faith in him. He could see that he wasn’t reciprocating that. While he did it on the ice a few minutes ago, he wasn’t trusting him to be good at his job.

So, he made a hard decision.

“No. Stay on duty. You’re good at what you do, and she needs you too. She gave you to me, and I want you to keep doing what you’re good at.”

He was surprised.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

Ian flipped a pancake and was honest.

“Yeah, because I know how good of a Marine you are. I believe in you.”

It made Gryphen smile.

“I am good at it. Thank you for having faith in me.”

Oh, he did.

“Just as long as you come home,” he said, putting the pancakes on the plate, and then spooning the fresh berry syrup over them.

After, he topped it with whipped cream.

Then, he carried the two plates around the island, and sat beside Gryphen.

Since they navigated another bump in the road, and it was solved, Gryphen focused on the food.

He was all about the food.

“This looks so delicious,” he said.

Ian was hoping it was.

As they began eating, Gryphen put down his fork. Then, he stared at Ian.

“You’re on breakfast duty. These are so freaking good. I love me some pancakes. Can you make me these on the weekend when we’re both home together?”

Could he?

He’d do anything for this man.

“Really?” he asked. “They aren’t anything special. Are you sure?”

He stopped him.

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