The Protective Gryphen: The Ravensmire Chronicles

Chapter One

Chapter One

The Air Strip

Departure Time

Tuesday Late Afternoon

The United States

They were on the jet, and the captain was getting ready to take off to get them to the safety of another country. It would be a place Ian could relax, and Gryphen too. The whole time he sat there, Ian was astounded with the luxury.

His travel partner saw the look on his face.

“Pretty nice, huh?” Gryphen asked. “I always think the same thing when I’m flying out with them.”

Ian was fixated on one thing.

“Is that a big bed back there?” he asked.

Gryphen nodded and buckled in.

“Get into your seat belt, Baby,” he said, helping him. “And yes, it is. Jackson James flies a lot, and he sleeps when they travel overnight.”

The captain interrupted them.

“Mr. Carter, we’re going to be taking off now. We’ll close the cabin so you can move around and be comfortable.”

Gryphen nodded.

“Thank you, Jim.”

The cabin door closed, and they heard the latches locking into place. They’d have privacy until they landed.

It didn’t take long before the sleek jet began moving into position, and then, it started taxing down the runway, picking up speed.

It was a fast jet, and it would get them to Scotland before they knew it.

They both leaned back, and Gryphen put his hand over Ian’s as they were heading into the sky.

When they leveled out, the intercom came on.

“This is your captain speaking. We will be touching down at the private air strip in Scotland in seven hours and approximately thirty minutes. You are free to move around the cabin and if you need anything, Mr. Carter, or, Mr. Patterson, just push the buzzer.”

That’s when the intercom went off.

Gryphen unbuckled, and he got up to move around. He was a little hungry and wanted a snack.

Heading back to the galley, Ian was curious.

So, he followed.

He wasn’t sure how many jets he’d be on in his future, but he’d never forget this one.

Yes, he traveled with Gabe, but Airforce One was like a flying metropolis. It had levels and rooms. This was…fast, sleek, and definitely not something he’d ever experienced before.

When he peeked into the back, right before the bedroom space, there was a kitchen.

“We didn’t get to eat our dinner, so I thought we’d eat now,” he said.

Ian leaned on the doorjamb.

“I could eat.”

Gryphen pulled out snacks and two frozen meals.

“What tickles your fancy, Ian? There’s turkey or there’s pasta?”

He grinned.

“We could share. I kinda like both. Want to go halfsies with me?”

When Gryphen looked over, the dimple in his chin made Ian’s heart skip. The man was ridiculously handsome in his black cargo pants and black t-shirt. He was out of his body armor since no one could reach them up here.

The man made his brain go fuzzy with lust.

He couldn’t help himself.

“That sounds like a plan, Mr. Patterson,” he said, putting them both in the microwave and turning it on. “I do like dinner on a jet,” he admitted, opening the refrigerator, and pulling out two small, individual bottles of wine.

“You’re drinking?” he asked, surprised.

Gryphen turned them.

They were non-alcoholic apple cider.

“Callen keeps the legit booze locked up. The kids fly on this jet too. These are the non-alcoholic sparkling cider ones. The only thing I’ll be hopped up on is sugar.”

Ian grinned.

“Fancy,” he said. “Where are the cups? I’ll help you get dinner ready.”

Gryphen told him.

When he was reaching up, they hit a bump of turbulence, and Ian was forced to tumble into Gryphen’s body as he reached out to catch him.

It made him gasp when he came face-to-face with a wickedly smiling Gryphen.

“Hey there,” he said, taking that opportunity to put the moves on the man.

Why not?

Currently, they were out of danger, and the only thing bothering Gryphen was his back. It was sore from the gunshots, but this made him feel better.

They.

Were.

Safe.

He’d be lying if he said he didn’t want to get all caveman-y on him. Whenever he smelled Ian’s cologne and soap on his skin, it made him want to lose control.

Gryphen couldn’t help himself.

“I’d like to kiss you,” he whispered, his lips so damn close to Ian’s mouth.

“Why are you asking?” he answered.

“I don’t want to scare you.”

Ian was honest.

“I like it when you’re wild and out of control. I’m not afraid of you, Gryph. I trust you.”

That made Gryphen’s heart skip in his chest.

He didn’t hesitate as he took his mouth in a wild kiss.

As they leaned on the counter in that galley, Gryphen made love to his mouth, and Ian couldn’t help but be mesmerized.

The strength in the man’s body called to him, making him crazy.

How could it not?

When he finally broke the kiss, Ian blinked through the haze.

There were a few things he’d ascertained from it.

Gryphen knew how to kiss.

Oh, and Ian liked being pressed to his body.

Yeah, that had been one hell of a kiss, and it drove up the heat in that galley.

When Gryphen was back in control, he stared deep into Ian’s baby blue eyes.

“Thank you for the kiss,” Gryphen said, still not letting Ian go.

The man blinked.

“I could do that all of the time.”

Gryphen nuzzled him with his scruffy chin, and it sent chills through Ian’s body.

“I’m available. This is your vacation, and if you want to spend it kissing me, then I’m the winner here.”

Ian loved how he made him feel. Gryphen always watched him like he was special, and he held him like he was fragile.

In a way, Ian was.

His ex had broken him, but this man had put him back together again.

Thankfully.

“I think I’m the winner,” Ian admitted. “Is your mouth registered as a deadly weapon?”

He grinned.

And kissed him again, but this time, Gryphen went deeper. He kissed him like he was the last man on Earth, plumbing his mouth to drive him wild with just that mating of lips.

When he finally set him free, Ian felt drunk.

“Jesus. I can’t think.”

And that was likely for the best. Gryphen was feeling very protective, and he hoped at some point, he didn’t cross the line and do anything that he’d regret.

As the microwave dinged, Gryphen focused.

“What do you want to do since this is your Christmas present and vacation?”

Oh, he was well aware.

Ian rested his head on his shoulder.

“I’m doing it. There isn’t a better holiday to be had by me,” he admitted. “Trust me.”

That made Gryphen smile.

What he liked most about the man was he was chill, and not high maintenance. There was nothing worse than a significant other who was difficult to get to relax.

Ian was amazing.

He liked watching a movie and cuddling on the couch more often than not.

That was one of Gryphen’s favorite things too.

“Do we know where we’re staying?” Ian asked, out of the blue.

Gryphen ran his hands up and down his back, just offering that reassurance of touch.

“We don’t, but I know Callen sent me a text before we took off. There will be a limo taking us there. I brought the cash,” he said, pointing at the briefcase that was sitting on the seat not far away.

“She wasn’t kidding, I guess,” Ian admitted.

No, Elizabeth hadn’t been when she said use cash only so that they were off of the grid.

Gryphen walked over to it and opened it. Inside, was PLENTY of cash.

Ian whistled.

“If I didn’t know what they did for a living, I’d feel like I was in one of Jackson James’ books,” Ian admitted.

On that, Gryphen agreed.

“Let’s just say we’ll be good, and that will buy us lots of kilts.”

Ian was amused.

“I mean, if that’s your kink, Gryphen, sign me up.”

He began laughing.

“Yeah, I like everyone seeing my one good leg, and my prosthetic one with the flag on it. No one’s buying I’m Scottish.”

Ian didn’t care.

He liked Gryphen as he was.

HIS.

When he remembered they were waiting on food, Gryphen set him free. Then, he pulled the hot meals out of the microwave, and put them on the plates.

Dinner was served.

Carrying them out of the galley and to the small table not far away with the two seats flanking it, he placed them down.

Ian had the non-alcoholic cider and two glasses in his hands.

When they sat, Ian unscrewed the lids, poured the cider out, and handed Gryphen a glass.

Gryphen held his there.

“To your vacation,” he said.

Ian stopped him.

“To OUR romantic getaway where we get to know each other and see where this wild relationship will go.”

Gryphen’s heart skipped.

“Too forward of me?” Ian asked.

Gryphen was honest as he peeled back the plastic on the microwave food.

“I have to put this out there. I’m going to screw this up, and I’m likely going to make you want to run from me. I’m a mess,” he said.

“So you keep telling me,” Ian admitted. “Maybe let me decide if you’re a mess or not. Maybe I like a challenge.”

Gryphen stared into his eyes.

“Anything I do won’t be to hurt you. I’m just doing battle right now.”

Ian was curious.

“What are you fighting?”

His cheek twitched.

“Gryph, talk to me. I don’t want you to worry when there’s nothing to worry about.”

“I get…possessive. I’ve lost everything, Ian, so when I get something, I lock on and I will annoy the hell out of you.”

Ian began eating half of his pasta.

“Is that why your last relationship ended?”

“I texted too much. I smothered him, and I think I scared him. I come on strong. One might call it a huge red flag fest. I’m just accustomed to losing everything.”

He was curious.

“Are you going to stalk me?”

He shrugged.

“If I’m not working, likely. Don’t be shocked if you go to your office and I’m there.”

“In a kilt?” Ian asked, grinning.

It stopped Gryphen dead in his tracks.

And made him laugh.

“Likely not at the workplace. That seems like a whole other set of red flags. You know, the kinds that get you committed.”

He snorted.

Then, he sipped his apple cider.

“I’m going to be honest.”

Gryphen waited.

“I don’t like clingy men.”

Gryphen didn’t move, and Ian saw the flash of fear in his eyes.

“That was until I nearly died, and for some reason, Mr. Carter, you became my emotional support Marine.”

“I know I’m going to lose you,” he said, putting his fork down. “Just know that I’m sorry in advance, and I tried.”

He reassured him.

“You’re not going to lose me. I can tell you’re holding back, Gryphen. There’s a man inside I want to know. You can let him out and allow me to see him.”

“And if you don’t like how stalkerish and possessive he is? Because then, the cat is out of that bag, and it’s an ugly cat with lots of issues. Meow.”

Ian touched his hand.

“Trust me. I trust you. Will you ever bash my head off a floor and rape me?”

He gasped and looked horrified.

“NO!”

Ian smiled.

“Then, I’m probably going to stick for the long haul. I happen to like wearing you on the back of me.”

Ian switched their plates so Gryphen could have the other half of his pasta, and he’d finish up the turkey.

“Probably?” Gryphen asked.

“If you show me the real you, Gryph, I’ll not be worried about what I don’t know. I can deal with your idiosyncrasies, just like you deal with mine.”

Gryphen ate some pasta.

Finally, he spoke.

“If I let him out, Ian, I can’t put him back. He’s going to want to run roughshod over you, taking care of you. He’s going to want to hold you, love you, and be a pain in your ass when it comes to personal space.”

Before the assault, that would have annoyed him. Now, after the fact, he liked Gryphen being all over him.

“So? Let him out. You don’t have to pretend with me. I’m not afraid of you.”

He considered it as he finished the pasta, and Ian the turkey.

“Okay. Ian. I’ll trust you. Marines don’t do things the easy or safe way. We tend to be out of control.”

“Please tell me you mean that for sex too.”

It caught him off guard.

Gryphen laughed.

“Yes, for sex too.”

Ian was all smiles.

“I’ll toast to that,” he said, holding up his non-alcoholic drink. “Sign me up.”

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.

They cuddled down into the pillows, Ian against Gryphen’s chest.

As the movie started, Ian was feeding him popcorn. A few pieces for him, and then a few for Gryphen.

That kept his hands free to hold him.

“Are you sure you want to watch this?” Ian asked, looking back at him.

Gryphen kissed him.

Then, broke it to talk to him.

“Go wild. This is your vacation. If you feel like making out after the popcorn, know I’m also available for that—sans the kilt—for now.”

Gryphen wiggled his eyebrows.

“I’ll even let you manhandle me, Mr. Patterson.”

Jesus.

How did he get so lucky?

In that minute, Ian forgot what had happened to him, and that his ex wanted him dead.

He forgot the pain, and only remembered how lucky he’d been to cross paths with a certain Marine.

All he could think about was this trip, the man beside him, and how life…

Finally.

He was winning.

Love was winning.

* * * The Ravensmire Chronicles * * *

Across The Ocean

Scotland

Landing Strip

The trip had been smooth, and from takeoff to touch down, there weren’t any issues. That was always a good thing when you were flying over a large body of dark water. The idea of going down in it…not something that anyone wanted to do.

Despite telling themselves they were absolutely going to sleep, neither Gryphen nor Ian did.

Instead, they watched movies, made out, and cuddled in the bed. Having sex there was a hard no for both of them since it wasn’t their bed.

Oh, they wanted to, but that was just a little too weird for Ian. Gryphen was with him on that one.

That was Jackson James’ love nest, and you didn’t shake your feathers in another man’s bed.

Ever.

So instead, they just chilled out and spent time being a couple, since that was the path that they were now on together.

And it was nice.

Damn nice.

After a few hours of movies and making out, they were now buckled in, and ready to touch down.

It was when the wheels of the sleek jet touched the tarmac, that they both stared out of the window to see the airport.

There was that telltale bounce of a jet landing, and then the taxiing toward their destination. They were rolling toward the part where private jets landed, and Gryphen was glad.

Finally, he felt safe.

Between Will Jackson and a crash landing…

It was good to be in a location where they had anonymity—for the most part—as much as Jackson James could ever have.

This would give them some breathing room where no one was shooting at Ian—or him.

Because Will Jackson was a man on the edge, and people like that tended to get others killed. They definitely needed a lot of space between them.

It was also space that they needed to ensure that the media would believe that it was Jackson James who had arrived there and not them.

Thank God for rich bosses who knew how to evade the media’s camera lenses.

One picture, and the word would be out that Jackson James wasn’t there.

And they were.

As the pilot opened the cockpit door, he smiled at the two men and shook their hands.

“Gentlemen, you’re here. Mr. James has arranged for your ride to your destination. Head on down because someone is already waiting for you. As for us, we’re staying for a couple of days, just in case we’re instructed to fly you out. We have backup plans in case something goes south.”

Again, Gryphen was grateful to everyone who was helping him keep Ian safe.

It took a village.

Apparently.

“We appreciate that. I’ll call if there’s a situation, okay?”

The man nodded and let them leave.

When they headed down the stairs, Gryphen went first to make sure that Ian was safely blocked by his body. He stayed in front of him as he was scanning the tarmac for anything that was off.

Was it over the top?

YES.

Did he care?

NO.

He’d already taken a few shots in the back, and he’d like to live long enough to see where this romance went. Dying now was bad timing.

Really bad timing.

At the bottom of the jet’s stairs, Gryphen held out his hand and took Ian’s in his to escort him to the limo.

“Let’s get to our hotel, or wherever they’re putting us. I want to get inside until I can get a better feel for the place.”

Honestly, that worked for Ian. He was just happy to be there with Gryphen and was already thinking about this man in a kilt.

Holy shit.

That was going to be hot.

Shirtless?

Oh, well, someone was having one hell of a fantasy about a sexy one-legged Marine, and he wasn’t sorry. This was his Christmas vacation gift, and apparently, his hot new boyfriend.

Yeah, a lot had changed in a day.

That was for damn sure.

“Mr. Carter and Mr. Patterson?” the man asked with a thick Scottish accent as he approached them on the tarmac.

Gryphen had seen him waiting by the sleek black limo that, oddly, had Blackhawk plates, and Gryphen immediately knew that he was going to be their driver.

That was…weird.

Did the family have a residence here?

They didn’t mention that, but if there was a car, there was a home.

Right?

He greeted the man, and again, Gryphen was protecting Ian as best he could. He was behaving like a paranoid Marine who had taken shots to the back of his body armor just a few hours ago. He had the bruises to prove it.

“Yes, that’s us.”

The man explained.

“I’m your driver, and it’s a wee trip to the location, so let me get you there. Mr. James mentioned that you’re to do this lowkey, so please, hop into the vehicle before the media gets some long-range lenses on their cameras and takes your pictures.”

That was the last thing they wanted.

Honestly, Gryphen felt naked without a gun.

What wouldn’t he give to have one?

Getting into a strange car was not a thing he liked to do, but the sun was rising, and he didn’t like them being out in the open without protection.

He wasn’t allowed to bring his gun here because of the laws, and to a Marine, accustomed to wearing a side arm, this just sucked.

Yeah, he felt out of place.

“Thank you,” he said, as they headed toward the limo. When the man opened the door, they ducked in and got comfortable.

Their driver peeked inside to talk to them.

“I’m Graham Lainey, and I’ll get you there safely. If you need me to stop for anything…”

Gryphen needed to regroup, do some recon, and see where they were before anyone was wandering around or stopping to see the sights.

“We’re good. Just get us there.”

Graham nodded and without another word, he closed the door.

When he got back inside behind the wheel, the window between them was closed, and they had privacy.

Because they were alone, Ian yawned, and Gryphen had that overwhelming need to take care of him.

“Why don’t you put your head in my lap?” Gryphen offered.

Immediately, Ian laughed, and he couldn’t help it.

Yes, his mind went there.

How could it not?

Gryphen was a very attractive man, and he was acting all protective. That got Ian all worked up.

“Why, Mr. Carter…,” he began. “In the back of a limo?”

That caught him off guard, because he was thinking protection, not sex.

But now, he was in the gutter with Ian too.

So, he grinned salaciously.

“I mean, or that. I was thinking so you could rest, but I’m good for some limo sex if you’re up for it. Someone has a kinky wild side.”

He wished.

Ian was pretty sedate—but that was until he found out that sex with Gryphen was a whole new level, and he liked experiencing all facets of it.

Desperately, he wanted to take him up on the offer, but unfortunately, Ian had to put that fantasy away.

They didn’t know how long the ride was going to be, and once he began blowing Gryphen, he wanted to end with him in his lap, being taken.

Sue him.

He liked cumming with the man.

Apparently.

Instead of exacerbating that whole situation, Ian put his head on his lap, and immediately, Gryphen began stroking his hair, soothingly with his big hand.

God.

Ian was so happy, even when on the run and having to hide from his ex.

“That’s nice,” he admitted. “I like when you touch me,” he said.

Gryphen knew how profound that truly was considering what Ian had recently been through in his life. That he enjoyed physical contact with him was special, and Gryphen knew it.

“I’m glad. I want you to enjoy your vacation, and to feel safe.”

Oh, he wanted that too.

Resting on the man, Ian was honest.

“I need a nap,” Ian said. “I think we stayed up too late watching Christmas movies.”

“And making out,” Gryphen added.

Ian corrected him.

“It’s never too late at night to make out with you, Gryphen. If I say I don’t want to do that, I need help. Get me a psychiatrist. I’ll give up sleep any day to have those moments with you.”

And he would.

Gryphen recalled the incredibly erotic moments of the man being against his body, his hands in his hair, and the heat they created.

Yeah, it had been so damn good.

“I’ll keep that in mind, Baby,” he said, leaning down to kiss him on the forehead.

Together, they rode in silence for a little while, and then, as the scenery changed, they found themselves heading into a rockier terrain.

There were snowcapped mountains in front of them, and the lights of civilization behind them.

Where the hell were they going?

The limo and Graham took them up into the Northern Scottish Mountains, and the views continued to change.

And that worried him.

Gryphen had no idea where they were going.

For a Marine, that was an issue. This was a long ride, and they’d passed a few hotels near the landing strip, but didn’t stop at them.

Because he was about to freak out, Gryphen pushed the button, and Graham opened the window that had been closed for privacy.

“Yes, Sir?” he asked.

“Where are we staying? There can’t be any hotels up here.”

The man said one word.

“Ravensmire.”

Yeah, the only issue was that while Gryphen had traveled a lot as a Marine, he’d never heard of it. That wasn’t something he could relate to.

“Is it a hotel?” he asked.

The man told him what he could.

“It’s a place where Mr. James wanted me to take you. I think you’ll understand when you see it. As for the distance, don’t worry sir. It’s two kilometers down the road. You’re almost there.”

The window closed, and Gryphen had to wait because it was clear that Graham wasn’t giving him any more information about this location.

Then, he didn’t need to.

As they rounded a bend in the gravel road, that’s when he saw it.

“Oh, shit,” he muttered, his eyes going huge as he took it in.

Ian immediately opened his eyes and sat up to look around. He’d been falling asleep and had heard Gryphen.

“What?” he asked.

The Marine was confused and didn’t answer him. He just stared out the window and knew that this place...

That couldn’t be where they were staying.

Up ahead and in front of them, there was a castle in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by flat land and protection.

“Are you shitting me?” Gryphen muttered.

Ian looked and when he saw it, his eyes went huge too. This was crazy.

“A castle? What the hell?” he asked. “Is that where we’re staying?”

Ian’s guess was as good as his.

“I’m going to say, yes?” he asked, not really sure.

To find out, Ian moved toward the window and knocked on it. When it opened, again, they were just coming to a stop in front of a large gate.

“Where are we?” he asked.

Graham laughed.

Yeah, he understood the surprise.

“Again, this is Ravensmire,” he said. “This is where Jackson James instructed me to bring you,” he offered, punching in a code so the big gate slid open for them.

Ian turned in his seat and stared at Gryphen. It was like nothing they’d ever seen before.

“Is this a bed and breakfast?” Ian asked.

What else could it be? They absolutely weren’t staying in a castle. That was insanity.

The man was amused, and he knew why. They had no clue this was where they would be hiding out.

Jackson James had told him when he called earlier to keep it quiet, and Graham was.

“No, Sir, it’s a castle right now. At some point, it will be converted, but right now, you get it in its glory. It was owned by a knight who had it built for his queen. It’s been restored a few times, but it still has some lore if you want to read. It’s in the library.”

Ian began laughing.

What else was he supposed to do?

This was ridiculous so, of course, this was his place to stay for his vacation. The Blackhawks had lost their damn minds.

Clearly.

Who gifted this kind of a thing?

As they drove up the long winding drive, there were statues and carvings made out of beautiful stone. They were all depictions of ravens and majestic black birds in flight.

That was likely why this place was called Ravensmire.

Why else could it be referred to as that?

At the gorgeous fountain, carved from white stone, they came to a stop, and that’s when the door to the limo was opened.

“You’re here. Welcome to Castle Ravensmire,” Graham offered.

When they got out, the sun was cresting over the mountain, and the castle looked…magical. It looked like a place in one of those holiday movies.

Neither man had anything to say.

How did you top this view with any comment?

Graham did have something to give them.

“Here is your packet,” he said. “There’s a key inside, and also a set of keys to some cars in the carriage house.”

Gryphen took it.

“I hope you enjoy your stay, Gentlemen. The limo is kept at the local hanger in case Mr. James needs it when he flies in. My number is in there, so call if you need me.”

Neither said a word.

How could they?

They were still speechless. Were they going to be the only people here at this monstrosity of a castle?

When Graham got back into the limo, he did a U-turn and headed back down the drive toward the gate. Once through it, it closed, and they were ‘locked’ in.

The only other person they’d seen was now gone.

Finally, the Marine broke the silence.

“Well, someone gives one hell of a Christmas present,” Gryphen said. “When Elizabeth goes over the edge, she really goes over the edge with gift giving. She gifted you a stay in a freaking castle, and I think we’re alone.”

Ian laughed.

“I don’t know if I’m dreaming. This definitely feels like a Christmas movie,” he said, as they checked out the snow on the ground, and the castle shrubs.

“Who does shit like this?” Gryphen asked.

Ian knew.

“A Blackhawk.”

Yeah, well, call him shocked as shit. He’d never seen a gift quite like this, and he’d been given a tricked-out truck for Christmas.

This was insane.

They took a moment to look around, and the whole castle was adorned with Christmas wreaths, boughs of festive holly, and candles in the windows. It looked like…well, they were going to be living one of those cheesy holiday movies in real life.

Because it was chilly outside, they needed to get into the monstrous castle.

So, Gryphen opened the packet.

When he pulled out a sheet of paper, he read over it and recognized the handwriting.

It was Callen’s.

‘Gryph,

Welcome to Ravensmire. We purchased it as a business acquisition for our family. It’s also a lowkey gift to Elizabeth but let’s not discuss that. She’ll kill me and Chris later.

Anyway, you’re safe here, and we want you to enjoy it. It’ll be a big bed and breakfast in the next few years, but right now, it’s a humble castle.

Enjoy your stay, have fun, and if you need anything, call us. We love you both, and Merry Christmas vacation in Scotland. Stay safe, and if we hear that Will is on the move, we’ll give you the heads-up.

Callen James.’

Gryphen was ridiculously touched that the Blackhawks were taking care of them and trying to keep them safe. Because Ian needed to see it, he showed him the note.

He laughed at the one part.

“If they haven’t told her about this, when she finds out, they’re dead,” Ian admitted. “She’ll skin them all and wear them.”

Oh, Gryphen wouldn’t take that bet. They were going to need their own protection duty when Elizabeth was made aware of this monstrosity.

“I can’t believe we’re staying in a castle,” he said. “Do you want to check it out?”

Ian snorted.

Did he want to check it out?

What didn’t he want to check out—including Gryphen in a castle while wearing a kilt? This was the best vacation Ian had ever experienced in his life.

“Are you kidding me? I’m in Scotland with you and a castle. This is definitely a big moment.”

To get out of the chill, they headed up the walk and when they got closer, there was a stream nearby running under a little footbridge that had to be crossed.

The whole place was lovely.

It was something otherworldly to both men, who were not accustomed to things like this. Ian had been with Gabe on many trips, but this…

Holy.

Shit.

It was beyond anything he’d ever seen in his whole life, and he’d never forget it.

At the door, Gryphen pulled a big key out of the envelope, and it was old.

“That has to be original to the place,” he said, holding it in his hand. “Callen likes to keep things old and with a lore behind them.”

Yeah, he could see that.

“Do you want to do the deed?” Gryphen asked, handing the key to Ian. It was only fair. This was his vacation, and he deserved to have fun with it.

Ian put the massive key in the lock and turned it to unlock the door.

Immediately, it opened the door with a loud click, and they were able to go in through the double-wooden doors to access the inside of ‘their’ castle.

Once through the doors, they were inside of a gorgeous foyer. There was a roaring fire, and stained-glass windows were catching the morning light.

It was ethereal.

“Jesus. So, this is what it’s like to be rich,” Gryphen said. “You stay in castles and get to experience this.”

Apparently.

“Uh, I’ve traveled with the President of the United States, and even he didn’t stay in a place like this. I’m going to say this is beyond rich. This is something else.”

On that, Gryphen could agree.

Together, they moved through the place, and found a big kitchen that was pretty modern.

There were fresh scones on the counter and coffee in a warming pot. It was clear that someone had made them as they awaited their arrival.

Gryphen picked one up and took a bite.

“I’m going to get fat here,” he admitted. “I can see it now. There had better be a gym, or a dungeon with heavy chains I can lift. I’m screwed.”

Ian laughed.

“I’m sure we can find something to burn some calories. Eat the scone. I’ll figure it out for us.”

Gryphen laughed.

“Deal.”

They headed up the stone stairs that were at the back of the kitchen, exploring like kids.

It was spectacular as they climbed them, and more stained-glass windows lined the circular staircase.

When they reached the top, there was a long hallway. There were rooms that were not renovated yet, and they knew they couldn’t stay there.

“I hope there’s a bed in one of these, or I’m calling Callen,” he joked.

Oh, Ian would absolutely sleep on a stone floor with this man.

If he was lucky, there would only be one bed, and that would mean they were sleeping together here too.

His fingers were crossed.

They kept walking past the twenty rooms that weren’t remodeled, and finally found the one that was. It was around a corner, and off by itself.

There was a door plate.

“Master’s Suite,” Gryphen read. He was acutely aware it didn’t say ‘master suite’, but instead, had a completely different meaning.

Oh, Callen was likely behind that play on words, and for a good reason. This was going to be his nest when the Blackhawks were there.

This castle was being remodeled for his queen.

Elizabeth.

Ravensmire was going to be the jewel in her crown. He’d bet on it. B and B his ass. He was betting that they came here often, and it wouldn’t be rented out to anyone ever. He knew Callen, and he was likely building a safety net for their family.

When they pushed the door open, it was, indeed, a finished space. The bed was huge, and the fireplace was also pumping out heat as the sun came in through the stained-glass windows.

The bed was definitely a new acquisition since it looked to sleep about six normal sized people, or four Blackhawks.

Oh, the kinkery that would be going on in here.

And they got to break the bed in.

Sign.

Him.

Up.

“God. This is gorgeous,” Ian said. “I thought vacation, but I didn’t think this kind of vacation.”

“I don’t see any other beds in the place. Are you good with me sleeping with you?” Gryphen asked, not wanting to be forward.

Yes, they were beginning something, but he wasn’t going to assume.

That was bad manners.

Ian stared at him.

“What?” Gryphen asked.

“I was just trying to figure out who to call because you’ve clearly lost your mind. I absolutely want to share a bed with you. That’s a constant, Gryphen.”

He grinned, and the light caught behind him, making him look majestic, and Ian’s body reacted.

God.

He was so madly in love with this man.

“Oh, I was being polite. I planned on sleeping beside you,” Gryphen admitted, lifting his chin, and placing a kiss on his lips.

Immediately, Gryphen reacted. His body called for Ian’s, and he fought that lust to give the man more time to explore the castle.

Later though…

It would be a whole different story.

Setting him free, Gryphen began checking the room out, and on the nightstand, there was a remote.

He pushed a button and the curtains slid closed.

Oh, that was perfect.

Privacy and no sun.

Thank God for that because they were going to be sleeping for a while.

Jet lag was a bitch.

It was already Wednesday morning, and they both needed some rest before they looked around even more.

“Well, that’s handy,” Ian admitted.

Yes, yes, it was.

Gryphen pushed another button, and a TV popped up out of a buffet-like table across the room.

“Well, we won’t need that,” Gryphen admitted, seeing the blush run up Ian’s neck, proving he was thinking the same thing he was.

Bedrooms weren’t for TV watching.

They were for memory making.

Because he was turned on, and needed to focus, Ian put down the packet, and went into the bathroom to look around.

It was beautiful in there too.

The shower was stone and matched the castle walls.

When Gryphen joined him, he whistled.

“It’s like showering in a grotto. This is a big space too,” he said, reading between the lines.

Big bed.

Big shower.

Yeah, Callen had definitely had this suite constructed for a couple of reasons, and only one of them was to sleep.

Ian began laying out his toiletries from the small bag he’d been carrying, as Gryphen leaned on the wall watching him. When he looked up, he saw the man behind him.

“Do you feel safe here?” Gryphen asked.

Ian paused.

He thought about it, and honestly, he absolutely did feel safe.

“Yes.”

“I guess being in a castle is the best place to be when you need to be protected.”

Ian shrugged.

“I’d feel safe in a cardboard box if I was with you, Gryph. The castle is nice ambiance, but you’re the reason I feel protected.”

A slow grin formed, and Ian felt dizzy from that look. The man had the ability to make him crazy.

Thank.

God.

Because they’d been up all night, Gryphen took that moment to worry about Ian’s well-being, and not his own libido.

That could wait.

“How about we rest a bit?” he asked when he saw Ian looked exhausted. “After a nap, we can keep exploring, or do whatever you want.”

He let that hang there.

Oh, Ian knew what he wanted to do.

Gryphen.

Or maybe that was he wanted Gryphen doing him.

“Yes, please,” he said, digging for his toothbrush and finding Gryphen’s too.

Together, they stood side-by-side as they brushed their teeth. It felt very couple-y, and Gryphen would be lying if he said he didn’t like it.

This was their morning and nightly ritual, and he enjoyed it. For some reason, something so simple as having someone to brush his teeth with…

It tickled his fancy.

When they were done, they both headed into the sleeping area where the jumbo bed waited for them.

“Do you want me to go get your bags?” Gryphen asked, willing to do that.

Ian shook his head.

“I’m too tired. Let’s just strip down and go to sleep,” he offered.

Oh, well, if that’s what the man wanted, Gryphen wasn’t saying no to sleeping skin-to-skin with Ian.

He loved that.

He watched, and Ian stripped down to his boxers, leaving them on.

Gryphen took that as his cue, and he did the same, leaving his boxer briefs intact.

He was hard, thick, and clearly visible through the snug fitting underwear.

Ian stared at him.

“Had to consider it, huh?” Gryphen asked, joking around.

“God. Yes. I’m weighing the options right now,” he admitted. “That’s a compelling argument.”

Oh, Gryphen was glad.

He liked that the man was attracted to him and was coming out of his shell. He was seeing what Ian was really like—post assault.

And he liked it.

A lot.

“Let me make the decision for you,” Gryphen offered. “We’ll nap, and then, you can think about whatever it is you’re contemplating.”

Ian’s erection appeared, pressing against his boxers.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking about too,” Gryphen admitted, grinning at him.

Yeah, Ian loved his life.

Period.

Gryphen climbed onto the bed and held out his hand to Ian. The man didn’t hesitate.

Together, they climbed under the thick goose down comforter to cuddle.

“Give me a second, Baby,” he said, as he took off his leg and rested it against the nightstand.

Then, he rolled over and opened his arms. Without hesitation, Ian moved into them, and they cuddled up. He was pressed to Gryphen’s body, and there was nothing left to the imagination.

NOTHING.

“I can’t believe we’re staying in a castle,” Ian said, trying not to be too obvious, but he was absolutely thinking about Gryphen’s erection, and how much he was enjoying that moment.

Neither could he.

Only, he was thinking about protection too.

“If you’re up before me, stay inside the castle,” he warned. “I have to check out the grounds before I can say if we’re safe.”

Ian could do that.

When he yawned, Gryphen took care of him.

“Sweet dreams, Baby,” Gryphen said, kissing him on the forehead because if he went for his mouth, they weren’t taking a nap.

Ian’s hip was against his erection, and his legs were tangled with his.

“Mmmmhmmm,” he muttered.

It wasn’t long before Gryphen knew that Ian was fast asleep, and he wanted to join him.

Closing his eyes, he breathed in the scent of the man’s body wash and enjoyed how he felt against him. It didn’t take long for lust to dissipate, and exhaustion to win.

Gryphen fell asleep.

And now, they were safe.

Will couldn’t hurt them, and no one would sneak up on them.

But if someone did try, Gryphen would do what he had to do.

He’d fight to the death.

* * * The Ravensmire Chronicles * * *

Scotland

Ravensmire

Four P.M.

The dream that was plaguing Gryphen was something that he would never forget. The whole time that he was trapped in it, he was searching for Ian. Somehow, he’d managed to lose the man, and for the few hours that he was asleep, he was on the hunt.

A few times, he woke up, opened his eyes, and looked over just to make sure that he was still there.

Thankfully, he was.

Had he not been then someone would have been in trouble. After all, he had warned him to make sure he stayed close until Gryphen had the chance to do some recon.

This time, when he rolled to his back and stretched, his hand touched absolute nothingness.

And his body shot upright in bed.

Scanning the room, it was his worst-case scenario.

Ian was gone.

His side of the bed was empty, and instead of listening to him, the man had left his side.

Immediately, Gryphen’s heart began pounding in his chest as a million fears rocked through him.

It was when he heard the door creaking open that he saw that his dreams hadn’t come true.

He wasn’t gone.

Gryphen almost wanted to weep in gratitude.

“God. This place is huge,” Ian said, walking into the room with two cups of coffee on a tray. “The kitchen has so much food in it. I hope you’re hungry. Someone’s going to be cooking for us.”

Gryphen tracked him across the room, and when he put the tray down right next to Gryphen’s side of the bed, the man reached out and took what was his.

He grabbed Ian, pulling him back into the bed, making the man gasp.

Because of his speed and strength, Ian found himself pinned beneath the Marine in bed.

Then, Gryphen warned him.

“I don’t like waking up and not knowing where you are,” Gryphen muttered, his body trapping Ian so he couldn’t get lost.

So he couldn’t lose what he’d just been given.

LOVE.

At that moment, Ian’s heart began pounding in his chest.

“I only went for coffee,” he said, trying to soothe the savage beast. “You told me not to go outside. I found us caffeine.”

It wasn’t lost on Ian that this man was a beast that got him wild. There was something about his possessiveness and protectiveness that Ian hoped never went away.

God.

It was sexy.

Gryphen relaxed his hold on the man, and he was able to think again.

“I’m sorry,” he said, as he went to move off of him.

Ian stopped him.

Clearly, he was freaked out. Now that he was aware it happened, they could deal with it together.

“It’s okay, Gryphen. I’ll be honest. I was thinking about going out for a walk without you since you were still sleeping, but coffee sounded better.”

Once more, that possessiveness rose up and he wanted to lock the man to his side so he couldn’t escape and get hurt.

Gryphen knew he wouldn’t survive that.

“Did you not understand what I said? You’re not to leave my side.”

The gruffness of his voice, and that desperation sent chills across Ian’s body.

Oh, boy.

Someone was riled up, and Ian really wanted to see if he could push him further.

So he’d do something.

Mainly, him.

Because he craved that kiss of five o’clock shadow on his face, Ian reached up and pulled Gryphen’s mouth down to his.

The touch of lips on lips set off a fire that no one had ever been able to put in him.

Ian knew that this man would be the only way he could ever be happy.

Ever.

As they kissed, both men’s bodies came awake, and there was that need.

As he slowly broke the kiss, Gryphen opened his eyes and stared into Ian’s.

“Don’t make me worry that I’ll lose you,” he said. “You won’t like what it makes me into.”

Oh, he doubted that.

With just that kiss, there was something there that drove Ian wild like never before.

There was fire.

There was heat.

There was possessiveness.

All he could do was stare up at him and smile like an idiot.

“What?” Gryphen asked.

Ian was honest.

“I think I like this side of you.”

Gryphen wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but he was curious.

“Which side is that, Mr. Patterson?” he asked.

He told him.

“It’s the bossy, possessive side. It’s kind of sexy,” he admitted, stroking his erection through Gryphen’s boxer briefs.

There was a low growl from deep within his belly, and it sent chills across Ian’s body.

“Don’t tease.”

Oh, well, he had bad news for him. That was exactly what he planned on doing.

“Or?” Ian asked.

Gryphen didn’t answer, but instead, he found his mouth again, and the kiss…

Shit.

It was wild and wicked.

As they kept making out, hands wandering, and underwear getting tossed aside, there was one thing Gryphen knew for sure.

He was happy.

For the first time in his life, he was actually content with his miserable existence. Yes, Ian was in danger, but he’d keep him safe or die trying.

He knew that finally, he’d found someone who might just give him that happiness that he craved and needed.

This was his sweet spot.

As he kissed the man, Ian enjoyed the way Gryphen felt above him. He was the kind of weight you liked pressing you down into the mattress.

Beneath him, he felt safe and protected, and that was all he wanted in life. Even before Will Jackson, all he craved was to find a person who completed him, and that person was Gryphen.

Yeah, he was lucky.

As the kiss intensified, Ian wanted nothing more than a sexual adventure in a Scottish castle.

Screw the kilt.

He wanted the man naked.

Pushing on his chest to get out from beneath him, Gryphen rolled, and Ian was on top. When he broke the kiss, he smiled down at him.

“You’re sexy,” Ian admitted.

Gryphen’s heart skipped.

“I’m mostly a mess.”

Oh, Ian didn’t think so. This man took a bullet to save him. This man nursed him back to health and put his own needs second over his.

This man was a treasure.

“That’s your perspective, but you need to know that I think you’re perfect.”

No one in his whole life had ever said that to him.

Ever.

Not a foster family.

Not a lover.

No one.

Because he needed him, Gryphen pulled him down, and their mouths met again. The kiss was slower, filled with more heat, and deliciously wicked.

A castle made everything hotter.

Apparently.

Wanting to show Gryphen how much he loved and needed him, Ian broke the kiss, and began kissing down his body, leaving a trail of heat in his wake.

Gryphen moaned.

“God. Yes, lower,” he whispered, as he watched Ian teasing his flesh. Apparently, they were going to christen a castle.

Sign.

Him.

Up.

At that moment, his dick was upright, and desperately craved his attention.

Ian kept going, working his way down, and when Gryphen opened his legs for him, making room, he knew what he wanted.

Head.

Yeah, Ian understood the assignment. This was going to be the wettest, sloppiest blowjob known to man because he wanted his dick in his ass.

Soon.

Stroking him, Ian teased him a little bit, and when Gryphen was moaning even louder, he went further, testing out the playground that was his and only his.

His body shook.

“Can I ask you something?”

Gryphen struggled to think. His upper brain was off duty, and his lower one was driving the bus.

“Now?” Gryphen managed to get out as Ian was stroking his dick. “You want to have a conversation at this very moment? Ian, you have a dick. You know how difficult that is for a man.”

He laughed and was well aware.

“Yes, now.”

If that’s what he wanted, they could talk. He wasn’t so sure how well that was going to go since thinking wasn’t what he had been focused on.

“Okay,” he said, as Ian still kept stroking him, running his hand up and down his erection, spreading the bead of wetness onto his flesh.

“Are we a couple?”

Gryphen began laughing, and Ian wasn’t sure what was funny.

“What are you laughing about?”

Gryphen sat up, scaring Ian to the point that he jumped. When the man held his face still, staring into his eyes, Ian was trapped.

“I took bullets to my back for you. I left the US and came here to keep you safe, and I’m sleeping with you. We’re a couple, Ian, and I’d love to say I’d willingly let you go, but that would be a lie. I told you what happened when this part of me woke up.”

Ian’s heart skipped.

“You were right. I’m possessive and I have never had this before. If you think that I’ll let you just leave me…you’re wrong. Call it what you want, but we’re not going our separate ways. I fight for what I want, and I’m ready to go to war for you.”

That did one thing.

It made Ian fall in love even more.

“I love you,” he admitted. “I love you so much, Gryphen, that if you walk away, or leave me, I’m not going to survive.”

And that was also something no one had ever said to him. Whenever he dated, as soon as this part of him surfaced, everyone ran.

That he wanted him…

Like this?

Yeah, his iciness defrosted at his words, and he was honest.

“I won’t leave you, Baby. I won’t ever leave you. We’re definitely a couple, and we’ll either fight or fuck our way through any issues. I promise.”

And that was a promise he needed to hear.

“I need you, my love.”

That was all he had to hear. Gryphen kissed him, and there was that tangle of tongues as they made out.

When Ian suddenly stopped, it made the bigger man moan in frustration.

“Killing me.”

Ian grinned.

“I will be,” he said, as he went back to tormenting Gryphen.

Laying back, the Marine stared at the ceiling, and enjoyed the blowjob.

The wet warmth of Ian’s mouth and the way his hand was working his dick…

Jesus.

This was nice.

And it was one more reason why Ian wasn’t going anywhere. Gryphen had begun to enjoy this connection with the man, and he wasn’t ending it.

As Ian’s head bobbed up and down Gryphen’s dick, he struggled to get him all the way down his throat. Gryphen was a big man, and his dick…

Well, it wasn’t small.

That was for damn sure.

As he choked on it, he felt Gryphen’s hand in the back of his hair, gently shoving him down his erection.

God.

He loved this.

Ian had never been with someone like Gryphen, and he knew he’d found his other half.

“Come on, Ian,” Gryphen whispered. “Swallow my cock,” he said, as the man did just that.

There was a moan, and Gryphen’s body shook as he felt Ian’s lips touch the base of his dick.

For him, there was only one better feeling.

Love.

“Fuck,” he muttered, his body bowing as he watched Ian deep throat him to the base.

Ian held him there, and the throbbing was erotic.

As he began blowing him again, getting him really wet, he knew where he wanted his dick.

In his ass.

As Gryphen was on the edge, Ian slid his mouth from his dick, and there was that long line of saliva.

“Oh, Jesus,” Gryphen whispered, so turned on by the visual. “The things I want to do with you,” he admitted.

Ian licked his lips.

“Well, that’s intriguing,” he admitted, right before he went back to blowing him.

“Fuck!” Gryphen hissed, as Ian worked his dick hard, trying to make him cum.

All Ian wanted in that moment was to push the man over the edge. So, he blew him like he’d never blown anyone before. With his hands on his thighs, he got him so wet that there was only the sound of the blowjob and Gryphen whimpering.

“Baby,” he whispered as electricity shot through his body, emanating from his rock-hard dick.

Ian didn’t stop.

If anything, the bigger man’s whimpers and begging just got him wilder. What Ian wanted was to swallow all this man had to offer.

When he tugged on his balls, Gryphen couldn’t hold on any longer. That was the end of the ride for him.

He exploded, his whole being rocked by the lightning quick lust that shot through him, radiating from his dick.

Holy.

Shit.

Sex with someone you loved and were in a relationship with was a completely different game.

The whole world ceased to exist, and in that moment, it was just the freefall through the extensive pleasure.

As he tumbled, Ian swallowed all of him, milking him. When he glanced up Gryphen’s body, he was riding out the pleasure.

Yeah, he loved him.

The man’s whole body vibrated from that orgasm, and now, Ian wanted to give him even more.

He had a good man, and he was going to show him.

Slowly, Ian began moving up his body, leaving a trail of kisses along his torso. When he got into place, straddling his hips, he waited for Gryphen to open his eyes.

When he did, that brilliant blue sent shockwaves through his body.

And he wasn’t alone.

Gryphen couldn’t help but stare. Ian’s sleek and hairless form was so goddamn hot that it took all Gryphen had to not act a fool.

They were opposites.

And he was glad.

“Mr. Patterson, you have one hell of a mouth on you. Thank you for that.”

He grinned.

“Well, now, we have a problem,” Ian admitted, as he rubbed against Gryphen’s still hard dick.

“And that is?”

Ian was blunt.

“I need to be fucked by you,” Ian admitted. “Please,” he whispered, so turned on by the man beneath him. He always wanted to feel this way.

Forever.

Those words sent chills across both of their bodies, and Gryphen definitely wanted that. In fact, he wanted everything with this man.

What began as protection duty had evolved into something deeper and needier.

Now, Gryphen’s dick was back in the upright position, just waiting for Ian to use him.

“Well, Ian, do your worst,” he said. “Use me.”

That sent chills down Ian’s body.

Gryphen was far from done.

“Come on, Baby. Show me how you ride dick,” he said, his body taut with need all over again. The orgasm didn’t lessen the desire.

It intensified it.

“I want you, Ian.”

God.

To hear that…

He wasn’t in pain anymore, and he wasn’t afraid. On top of that, Gryphen wanted him. The man was genuinely attracted to him, and he could see it in his eyes.

There was no faking this.

As Ian positioned the man’s erection at his ass and began sinking down his dick, Gryphen struggled to hold on.

“I love you,” he admitted, saying it when his heart knew he needed to make that claim. “You’re mine,” Gryphen added.

Ian loved how filled he felt, and when he finally got all of Gryphen in his ass, he dropped his head back to enjoy the crisscrossing of goosebumps running all over his body.

He belonged.

He was loved.

This was the best day in his life, and he knew it.

As he began moving, he braced his hands on Gryphen’s big chest, and rode him hard.

There was the cacophony of gasps, moans, and an occasional ‘fuck’, that filled the room.

Oh, and he loved it.

It was raw, it was real, and Gryphen didn’t pretend to be anything he wasn’t.

That allowed Ian to do the same.

He was a man who needed love, and he’d found it. In fact, they’d both found it.

As he worked Gryphen’s erection, the big man’s hands went to his hips, and held him there. He sped him up and slowed him down.

Ian’s dick was rock hard, and he was in his glory. He never wanted this to end.

This was his happy place.

RidingGryphen.

“Fuck, Baby, I’m going to die if you keep this up,” he muttered.

Ian did something with his hips, and it made Gryphen moan.

“You feel so good,” Ian whispered, as he worked on getting Gryphen wild and in the process did the same for himself.

“You’re making me insane,” he muttered. “Keep it up, and this teasing won’t end the way you think,” he warned.

Ian bounced, and he worked Gryphen into a frenzy.

“I’m not afraid of you or your dick,” he said, grinning a little too much.

Tempting a horny man rarely ended well. It generally came to one conclusion.

Fuckery.

At Ian’s smug grin, Gryphen put a stop to that.

He rolled, pulled out of Ian, and jerked his body up so he was pressed to the headboard.

Then, he fucked him.

Gryphen took his ass again, and this time, he wasn’t going to be played with. He went hardcore, and Ian was surprised.

Then, aroused.

“Oh. God! Yes!” he shouted, as the Marine fucked him like he wanted.

HARD.

Gryphen held his hips in place, and pounded him, taking what he wanted. He proved who owned Ian, and what he wanted in their sex lives.

Wildness.

He’d warned him how Marines did sex, and this was just the beginning.

When Ian felt like he couldn’t possibly take more of Gryphen’s dick, the man slowed it down, reached around, and began jerking him off.

“Oh, God!” he shouted, as his body was assaulted with so much pleasure. He was stuffed full, and on the brink of falling apart.

Someone was hitting that one perfect spot, over and over again.

Gryphen pressed his body into his and worked him over with just his hips.

“Shit, Baby, your ass,” he muttered, feeling his balls tighten up and begin to protest. “I’m going to cum in you,” he whispered. “I need you to cum for me, or I have to keep going.”

Ian felt himself being jerked back, his body pressed to Gryphen as his one big hand was over his chest, and the other one was pumping his dick furiously.

He was trapped.

“God! Gryphen! Take me!”

Oh, and he did.

His hips drove into him, fucking him senseless, as he pumped his dick like a Marine on a mission.

“Gryphen! I’m going to cum!” he warned, loving how he had no control, and the man was using his body.

And giving him pleasure.

“Come on, Baby,” he whispered. “Cum for me. Show me how you like it. This is only the beginning. I’m going to fuck you every day like this.”

At his words, and that deep sultry voice, Ian broke.

His whole body betrayed him as he was being jerked off with Gryphen’s big hand, and impaled by his thick, rock-hard dick.

He started to cum, shooting his load all over a pillow as Gryphen fucked him even harder.

He took him in sweaty abandon, christening that castle like it deserved.

Hell.

Yeah.

Oohrah.

The wild Marine came, again, his body exploding deep in Ian’s ass. He came so hard, and loved every second as he felt that heat fill Ian.

Yeah, he never wanted it to end.

Now, this was an addiction he could get accustomed to every day.

Yeah, he loved him.

Completely.

Gryphen couldn’t stay upright, and he moaned as they fell backward onto the bed, his dick still buried in him. His erection throbbed as his heart was still racing.

Yeah, that had been a fast romp that he’d never forget. It was that damn good.

Later, he’d romance him, but for now, they needed the best wake up of them all.

Screw the cooling coffee.

He wanted ass to get the day going.

“That’s what I like,” Gryphen admitted. “That’s who I am,” he added, in case there was any room for questioning what kind of man he was.

Ian was with him on that. He was perfectly good with waking up like this for the rest of his life.

“Oh, Gryph.”

At his name, he rolled to his side and kept his dick in place. He liked being ball’s deep in Ian’s ass. Then, he was honest.

“I could fuck you all day,” he admitted. “That will never get old.”

Ian was giddy with how loved he was, and how much this Marine craved him.

The feeling was mutual.

“Yes, please.”

Gryphen laughed.

When Ian cuddled back into his body, Gryphen’s big arms held him, and he never felt safer in all of his life. This was a good place to be.

They rode out the pleasure, and enjoyed the afterglow just as they were. Only, Gryphen couldn’t help himself. He began teasing the man’s earlobe with his teeth.

Ian moaned.

“If you keep that up, I’m going to be asking for more,” Ian warned.

There was that purely masculine chuckle.

“Oh, no. Don’t make me fuck you more,” he said, monotone. “That would be a horrible way to spend the day in bed in a castle.”

It made Ian laugh.

“Someone likes a cock tease,” Ian joked. “Thank God,” he said.

Oh, Gryphen did.

What he liked even more was that Ian was coming out of his shell, and he was seeing the real him. For the last two months, he held a piece of himself back, but now…

There was no reason to.

It was clear that Gryphen broke through that last wall and was seeing the real man.

Oh, and he liked him.

A lot.

“Proud of yourself for proving I have no ability to control myself?” Gryphen asked.

Yes, yes, he was.

“Mmmmhmmm.”

Slowly, he felt Gryphen’s truly spectacular cock pulling from his ass, and he was bereft. He loved being boned by the big man.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Gryphen asked going into concerned mode. “I wanted to be gentle, but…”

Ian stopped him.

“I don’t want you gentle. I want you to be you. I can handle it, Gryph. Just be the man you are. I know you won’t intentionally hurt me. That wasn’t painful. It was good. Damn good.”

Gryphen cuddled him into his body when Ian rolled over. He tucked his face into Gryphen’s neck to breathe in the scent of him.

It was cathartic.

Nothing smelled better than Marine.

Nothing.

“I’m not going to lie,” Gryphen said. “I could do that again and again, Baby.”

“Oohrah, Marine. Do it,” he said, not missing a beat.

It made Gryphen grin.

Oh, he would.

“Oh, Baby, bet on it,” he whispered, and then slapped Ian on the ass lovingly.

God.

Ian loved how he called him that. It was always awkward when a man used a pet name—before Gryphen. Now, Ian wanted to be his baby.

Forever.

That slap got him hard all over again. Ian was learning a lot about himself now that he was shacked up with this sexy man.

He liked being pillaged by a handsome Marine.

When his belly grumbled, Gryphen heard it, and the sexiness was over. It was time to take care of his man.

“Hungry?”

He didn’t lie.

“Yeah, I am. Want some cold coffee and we can see what’s in the kitchen for you to make because I don’t cook, but my man does?”

Gryphen would cook for him any time. He liked it when they were in the kitchen, and he got to feed Ian.

So, that was the plan.

Rolling out of bed to sit on the edge, Gryphen pulled his boxers on as Ian handed him his jeans.

It was chilly in the house, and their bags were still downstairs.

“I’ll get a fire going,” he offered, doing just that with the supplies in the room.

The whole time, Ian got dressed and watched.

Oh, this was a sexy fantasy he was never forgetting.

EVER.

If any person told him that a sexy Marine in a castle wasn’t a legit trope, he was slapping the shit out of them. Watching Gryphen on his knees as he got a fire going…

Jesus.

Before him, Ian thought of himself as a pretty self-sufficient person. Now, he liked letting Gryphen take the lead to take care of them.

He was the opposite of every man he’d ever dated in his life. Most of them were pretty boys who had to hire someone to fix a sink.

When Gryphen cleared his throat, Ian had to shake his head.

“You’re off in a different place,” Gryphen said, grinning. “And I think you were staring at my ass, Mr. Patterson. I feel cheap.”

Ian was curious.

“For the record, if our sink broke, what would you do?” he asked.

Gryphen blinked at him.

“Uh, fix it. Are you having a stroke? What else would I do with a broken sink?”

Immediately, Ian grinned.

“God. I love my life,” Ian said, as happy as a clam.

Yep.

He found himself the man of his dreams.

“Do I want to know?” Gryphen asked, not sure what the man was smiling about, but he was so handsome when he did it.

“Probably not. I’m objectifying you. If you tell me that you can change the oil in my car, we’re having sex after breakfast.”

Gryphen laughed.

“Well, then, get ready. I absolutely can change the oil in your car. I can rebuild the engine with time too.”

Ian fanned himself.

It was definitely getting hot in there.

When Gryphen approached him, he turned around, and Ian fell in love with him as he offered up a piggyback ride down the stairs.

They left their cold coffee, and headed toward the kitchen where there would be more. It was an awkward trip, due to his prosthetic, but it was just part of Gryphen and Ian’s world.

And they wouldn’t change it for anything.

“What do you want for breakfast?” Gryphen asked.

Was it too easy of an answer if he said him?

Yeah, he’d put that comment away for later.

“Whatever you’re in the mood to make because I’m still trying to get all my sexy Gryphen objectification fantasies in. There’s Gryphen chopping wood shirtless, and Gryphen under a sink doing plumbing, and then there’s Gryphen naked in the kitchen cooking with just an apron on.”

He laughed.

“I will chop wood for you later. I’m going to assume it has to be done, but I don’t have tools to plumb anything. If you think I’m standing naked in a chilly kitchen…”

Ian bit him on the neck.

“Okay, naked Gryphen it is,” he offered as his dick went right back to the upright position. “Find me an apron. I’m freaking easy, apparently.”

That made Ian laugh.

In the kitchen, he put Ian down, and then went to the refrigerator.

It was dinner time, but they were off their schedule. Breakfast would be the easiest, simply because he wanted to take a walk around the castle before it got too dark and check out the surroundings.

Pulling out eggs, American bacon, and bread, he got to work as Ian made them more coffee.

“Bless the Blackhawks,” Ian said, taking a sip of the imported coffee that had to have cost a small fortune to get there.

Gryphen started a fire and got to work.

As he began making them breakfast, he took the cup of coffee Ian handed him and took a sip.

When Ian gave the man’s ass a squeeze, he laughed.

“What?” Ian asked.

“Had someone told me two months ago that I’d be in a castle, in Scotland, having breakfast after really good sex with a man I’m stupid in love with, I’d think they were crazy.”

Oh, Ian thought the same thing.

“What are we going to do about us?” Ian asked, as he hopped up to sit on the counter to watch Gryphen do his thing.

Gryphen glanced over.

“What do you want to do?”

Ian paused.

“This is where you might get uncomfortable.”

Gryphen lifted a brow.

“Will I?”

Ian was worried about it. He recalled what happened in the apartment, and he was afraid that they’d have another fight.

“Why are you hesitating?” Gryphen asked.

“Because I’m afraid you’re going to break my heart,” Ian admitted. “I’m afraid you’re going to wake up one morning and decide that I’m not the one when I already know you’re the one for me.”

He found two plates and popped the toast into the toaster.

“Then, I’m never going to be the same again,” Ian admitted.

Gryphen stopped and stared at him.

“You realize, you could do the same to me too, right? That you could wake up when Will Jackson is over and decide that you’re not interested in some bodyguard who protects a Blackhawk. You could walk away and destroy me.”

Ian stared at him.

He was right and wrong. Ian was vested, as in he wanted to take this all the way to the end.

As in when they were both on their death beds in fifty years.

So, he put his faith in Gryphen.

“I want to find my other half, get married, and have a life. I told you I could meet you halfway, but I lied, Gryphen. I don’t want halfway. I want all the way.”

Gryphen wanted that too.

Before Ian, he didn’t give a shit.

Now, he wanted it all.

“Are you proposing to me, Mr. Patterson?” he asked, turning the bacon.

“If I asked, would you marry me?”

Gryphen had never thought about it before. Only, he was so happy in that moment, that he really wanted to hold onto it forever.

“Well?” Ian asked.

Gryphen cracked the eggs, washed his hands, and then moved to stand between Ian’s legs as he sat on the counter. They were mouth-to-mouth.

“I guess you’ll have to ask and find out,” he admitted. “Isn’t that what a relationship is about? Growing together, and moving forward?”

Ian’s heart was racing.

“I don’t have a lot to offer you,” Gryphen began, and Ian covered his mouth.

“You have everything to offer me,” he admitted. “You have your heart, and your laughter. You have a smile that makes me stop breathing. I don’t care about your past, Gryphen. I don’t care about your trailer, your beat-up truck, or your prosthetic leg. I want you. I want your present and your future.”

He dropped his hand.

Ian stared into his eyes.

“I just want you,” he whispered. “To love and protect me. I just want you to be my other half. That’s what I want,” he said. “If you don’t want the same, Gryphen, you need to go. Because I can’t fall more in love with you and lose this. I’m betting it all on you. If you aren’t betting it all on me, then you should walk away.”

He understood.

“When you’re ready, I’ll be here. Trust me, I’m not going far,” Gryphen admitted. “I’ll wait until you decide you’re ready.”

Ian understood.

When they got back, he was going to buy a ring, and propose to the man.

Because he was the happiest that he’d ever been, Ian leaned in, and their mouths met.

Gryphen kissed him, and this time, the tone of the kiss was completely different.

It was gentle.

It was filled with tenderness.

It was everything Ian had dreamed about his whole life when he thought about finding his other half.

When he broke the kiss, Gryphen stared deep into his eyes.

“When you’re ready, Mr. Patterson,” he said. “Do the deed and trust in me.”

Ian nodded.

When the whole Will Jackson mess was handled, that was the first thing he was going to do.

He was going to buy a couple of rings and marry a Marine.

Gryphen went back to cooking, and it didn’t take long. Eggs were always easy. After he served up the food, he helped Ian down.

Then, he handed him a plate.

Together, they sat at the kitchen island not far from the fireplace. The warmth was wonderful as they filled their bellies.

“After this, want to take a walk around the grounds?” Gryphen asked.

Ian swallowed his eggs.

“Yes. Sign me up,” he offered.

As they ate, Ian put his hand on Gryphen’s thigh, connecting them.

It was cozy and really couple-y.

“Are you going to cook for me all of the time?” Ian inquired. “Asking because…well, it’s sexy. I’m going to gain more weight.”

Gryphen glanced over, and the grin was wicked.

“The bigger the cushion, the better the pushin’.”

It made Ian snort.

“I see your plan. Fatten me up, and then fuck me. I’m down with it. I’m tired of being on a diet.”

Gryphen was confused.

“Why would you even be on a diet?” he asked. “You’re always going to be perfect. I’m going to be attracted to you at any weight.”

His heart skipped.

“Because being a gay man in a professional role is brutal,” he admitted. “It’s no different than being a woman.”

Gryphen gave him his bacon since he knew how much Ian loved it. He never realized the man picked at his food because he was worried about getting fat.

That was not a worry in his book. Together, they sat there and finished up their breakfast.

When they were done, Gryphen was honest.

“For the record, if you were to get heavier, I’m still going to chase you around and try to put my dick in you, Ian. I work out because of my job. I told you. No one likes doing that. I just don’t want to die.”

Ian leaned over and kissed him.

“Don’t ever die. I can’t live without you.”

He smiled.

“Baby, I’m a Marine. I’m damn hard to kill,” he said, honestly. “Well, there is a way.”

Ian lifted a brow.

He was curious.

“How?”

He grabbed him, tossing him over his shoulder and began carrying him back up the stairs.

“Sex. You can kill me with really incredible, heart-stopping sex.”

Ian hung upside down and was astonished at the sheer strength of this man. He took him up all of the stairs without breaking a sweat or losing his breath.

Holy shit.

Ian loved his life.

A.

Lot.

“Well, then, let’s go kill you, and me in the process,” Ian said, laughing.

And that sounded like a plan.

A good one.