Chapter 6:A FRAGILE BOND

Ivy's POV

There was an overwhelming hush in the penthouse. It wasn't the kind of calm that embraced you like a cozy blanket. No, this was the type that made every breath feel almost intolerable and every floorboard creak felt magnified. Once more, Griffin was in his study. Since the gala, I hadn't seen him very much, and when I did, it was just briefly, with his remarks succinct and direct.

With a sigh, I curled up with a book that I wasn't really reading on the couch. As my mind wandered to the man who had somehow come to be the center of my existence, the sentences became jumbled. Blackwell, Griffin. chilly. calculated. Nevertheless, there were times when minute fissures in his armor suggested something more serious.

I heard footsteps and turned to listen. I looked up as Griffin came out of his study, his normally neat hair a little unkempt and his tie unbuttoned. His features were marked by the weight of the world, and he appeared worn out.

"Long day?" Before I could stop myself, I asked.

He paused, obviously taken aback by my inquiry. His voice was lower than normal when he responded, "Something like that."

"Want to discuss it?" I put the book down and closed it. I couldn't help but notice the weight in his gaze, even if it was a dangerous action.

He paused, his eyes darting to the couch as though he was unsure whether or not to come. At last he took a seat, keeping a reasonable distance between us.

He leaned back and rubbed his face, saying, "There's nothing to talk about." "It is merely business."

I added softly, "People who are in business don't usually look like they haven't slept in days."

He chuckled softly, a sound so sudden it took me by surprise. "You're perceptive. I will grant you that.

"It's difficult to ignore it," I acknowledged. "You never stop working, never stop on."

He gave me a serious look at that moment, as though he was attempting to determine whether or not I was someone he should confide in.

Finally, he remarked, "There is no off switch when you're in my position." "Everyone is looking to you for something. It is not an option to trust individuals.

My heart bled for him in a way I hadn't anticipated, and I could feel the bitterness in his voice.

I muttered, "That sounds lonely."

Despite his shrug, he was misled by the stiffness in his shoulders. "It is simply the current situation."

"But it doesn't have to be," I shot back, speaking hardly louder than a whisper.

His gaze searched mine as he turned to face me. And Ivy, how about you? Who are you trusting?

It was a surprise question. Uncertain of how to respond, I paused.

At last, I said, "My brother." My best pal, too. That is all.

As though he understood, he nodded. "Astute. Putting your trust in others usually backfires.

His voice had a weight that suggested a story he wasn't yet ready to tell. I wanted to question him about what had made him so defensive, but I refrained. Rather, I remarked, "You know, not everyone is trying to harm you."

"Aren't they?" With a cynical tone, he inquired.

I gave a headshake. Most people, in my opinion, just want to be noticed. to believe that they are important.

His expression was unreadable as he gazed at me for a considerable amount of time. Then he grinned, which surprised me. It was brief and insignificant, yet it existed.

Almost accusingly, he remarked, "You're an optimist."

"I feel guilty," I said, grinning in return.

The air between me felt lighter for a minute, the walls he had so meticulously built crumbling slightly.

I was in the kitchen the following morning, attempting to make coffee with the opulent espresso machine that seemed like it could have been a spaceship. Gryphon entered, looking like his normal professional self, dressed for work.

As I struggled with the buttons, he raised an eyebrow and said, "Need help?"

"No. I lied and randomly pressed another button, saying, "I got it." Something that was obviously not coffee spewed out of the machine as it whirred noisily.

As he changed the settings, he moved closer and touched me with his hands. "This is it. Permit me.

He skillfully made two cups and handed one to me while I watched.

I said, "Thanks," experiencing an odd warmth unrelated to the coffee.

He took a sip and muttered, "Don't mention it."

I became aware that this was the first time we had ever experienced a moment that felt... natural as we stood there, a relaxed calm falling between us. As if we weren't acting out parts in a charade or subject to a contract.

"So, what are your plans for today?" I broke the stillness by asking.

He sighed and replied, "Meetings." "And other gatherings. You?

I quipped that they were probably attempting to figure out how to use the other appliances without breaking them.

My heart skipped a beat as he laughed, a sincere sound.

With a sneer on his lips, he replied, "Good luck with that."

"Thank you. I smiled back and said, "I'll need it."

Griffin arrived home earlier than normal that night. When he entered, I was once more cuddled up on the couch, this time reading.

I was shocked to hear that you had returned early.

He untied his tie and remarked, "The meetings ended earlier than anticipated."

I closed my book and murmured, "Lucky you."

He took a seat across from me, and I had never seen him sit so comfortably. "Have the appliances been figured out yet?"

I chuckled. Seldom. But, I'm getting better.

"Good," he remarked, his tone somewhat amused.

After that, the conversation flowed naturally, discussing anything from our favorite novels to our jobs. For the first time, it seemed as though we were two people just beginning to know one another rather than two strangers stuck in a contract.

The walls between us kept collapsing as the night went on. Griffin's carefully chosen but ultimately revealing comments revealed tidbits of his past.

In a reflective tone, he remarked, "People don't always show their true colors right away." "It has taken me years to discover that."

I acknowledged, "I've discovered that as well." "But occasionally, you have to take the chance anyhow."

Then his eyes searched mine as he peered at me. "I am not as brave as you are."

Startled by his revelation, I blinked. "I don't believe that to be true."

"It is," he muttered.

I felt like the world had frozen for a second as the weight of his stare sent a chill down my spine. His eyes had an unadulterated, sensitive quality that left me speechless.

But, the moment vanished as soon as it appeared. Griffin got to his feet, his face twitching again.

His voice was distant as he responded, "Goodnight, Ivy."

With my heart still pounding, I answered, "Goodnight."

I couldn't get rid of the thought that we had passed an invisible boundary as he left. Our shaky relationship was becoming closer, but it also carried a risk that I wasn't sure I was prepared for.