Page 284 of The Protective Gryphen

When they heard a door close upstairs in the tower, and someone walking their way, Ian had to unload the ring. Gryphen would see it in his pocket.

Then, the jig would be up.

He tossed it at Graham.

“Hide this for me,” he pleaded. “He’s good at picking things up.”

Graham caught it when he tossed it to him, so he put it in a canister that said ‘TEA’.

It would be safe there.

“Thank you,” Ian whispered.

It wasn’t long before Gryphen appeared in the room. Immediately, he stopped not expecting to see his man.

“Oh, Baby,” he said. “I was coming down to find you and see if you’re done.”

He explained.

“I was just on my way up. Graham and I were just discussing what happened to me, and I was telling him that I’m going to be good.”

Gryphen came to his side and kissed him on the temple.

“Of course, you are, Baby. You’re strong. You’re tenacious.”

Ian winked at his man.

“I am now. Did you miss me?” he asked. Gryphen. “Ready for our negotiations?”

Graham had no idea what they were discussing.

“You better believe it. Did you have enough time to make sure you got everything written down?”

“Oh, yeah, I did.”

Only, Ian was curious.

“Did you write up your contract?” Ian asked, not caring who knew. This sexy dominant cave Marine was his and all his.

Gryphen grinned wickedly and slapped him on the ass knowing he’d get riled up.

“Oh, you’d better believe it. I thought we could bring a bottle of wine up with us and get to work.”

It was clear that Graham was the third wheel.

“Well, gentlemen, goodnight, and if you’re hungry, there’s soup in the refrigerator. I was running errands, and didn’t get to make anything elaborate.”

That was fine.

They had lunch.

Besides, Gryphen would be dining on other things, and he had a feeling Ian’s belly would be full.

Call it a hunch.

When the man disappeared, Ian went to the wine chiller and grabbed two bottles.

“Red or white, my Lord.”

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