Page 7 of The Protective Gryphen

Gryphen grinned, that dimple back.

“I love you, Gryph,” he said. “I promise. You’re not going to scare me.”

God.

He hoped not.

Gryphen got up, leaned down to get the empty plates and garbage, and kissed him.

It was another tangle of mouths.

When he broke it, he whispered.

“Then you get all of me,” he admitted. “May God have mercy on you.”

With that, he headed back into the galley, and Ian’s heart was thumping in his chest.

When Gryphen looked around the corner, he smiled.

“Want to eat some popcorn for dessert on the bed while we pop a movie in? We should probably nap at some point. We’re going to be landing in the middle of the night.”

Ian didn’t hesitate.

That sounded perfect.

“With you? Mr. Carter, sign me up.”

Gryphen relaxed and just enjoyed the moment, not thinking about that darkness that lurked in him. It was a monster that would kill to protect what was his.

“Want to watch one of those cheesy romantic Christmas movies that you like?” Gryphen asked.

He stared at him, surprised by the offer.

Gryphen let him in on a little secret.

“What? I’m a sap too,” he said. “They are my guilty pleasure.”

Heading his way, Ian laughed.

“Then, we can be sappy together. That’s what makes it the best moments.”

Gryphen was happy.

For the first time in a long time, he didn’t hurt in his heart. This man was healing that.

They grabbed some popcorn, fresh from the microwave, and two more mini bottles of cider. Then, they climbed onto the bed, and Gryphen hit a button, closing the bedroom area door.

The lights dimmed, and the TV flipped down.

Gryphen fluffed the pillows and tapped his leg.

“On or off?” he asked.

“Since we both know we’re going to fall asleep, halfway through, take it off, Mr. Carter. Take it all off.”

He laughed.

“Don’t tempt me,” he said, doing just that. When his leg was off, and propped against the side of the bed, he handed Ian the remote.

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