Chumming with a Great White - Charlie Richards Page 0,3

to an end, and he still knew nothing about him.

“How do you know Cuzco?” Eban asked. At least he would have someone to ask about his mate after he left.

“He’s my brother’s partner. They’re letting me crash in their spare bedroom for a while.”

Upon hearing that, it was Eban’s turn to pause.

That drew Graham’s attention, and the man peered up at him. Something in Eban’s expression must have concerned Graham, for he narrowed his eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re bigoted.”

“What?” Get it together, idiot! “No. No, not at all.” Eban winked at Graham. “You did hear me call you handsome earlier, right?”

“Uhhh...”

Eban chuckled as he grinned down at him. Who he held in his arms finally clicked into place. His struggle with walking made sense now.

“You’re Graham Canton, Grisham’s brother.” Upon seeing the wary nod, Eban squeezed Graham’s hip and started them moving again. “Thank you for your service,” Eban stated, holding his mate close as he referred to his time in the military.

And now he’s home, here, and I’m gonna find a way to take care of him.

Except, even as Graham continued to move, his entire frame tensed in Eban’s arms. “How do you know about that?”

“I’m head of security,” Eban revealed, trying to soothe him. At the same time, he smiled at Graham and gave a half-shrug. “I know just about everything that goes on around here.”

Chapter Two

Graham nodded slowly, forcing the tension to leave his body. Leaning against the larger man felt a little too good. At least the pain throbbing up the stump of his right leg kept him from getting a boner.

“Makes sense,” Graham murmured as Eban guided them outside. “There’s my cart.” He used his chin to point to the left and the cart waiting there.

Eban headed them that way.

To Graham’s surprise, Eban urged him into the passenger seat. “Wait.” Gripping one of the bars that supported the cart’s roof, he stood on his left foot. “What are you doing?”

“Get in, Graham,” Eban told him. “I’m taking you home.”

Graham frowned as Eban rounded the front of the vehicle. “I can drive myself.”

“I’m sure you can,” Eban responded even as he slipped into the driver’s seat. He held out his hand and wiggled his fingers. “Keys.”

“Then—”

“Why am I doing this?” Eban cut in, finishing Graham’s question for him. After giving him a lascivious once-over, he stated, “To spend more time with you, handsome, and perhaps convince you to have dinner with me.”

Graham knew there was no way to misinterpret Eban’s look, but he still didn’t understand it. As he dug the cart’s key out of his pocket, he muttered, “Dinner?”

“Yep.” Eban took the key. “Hop in, Graham.”

With a sigh of relief, Graham settled on the seat and placed his cane between his legs.

“Besides,” Eban continued as he started the cart and began driving. “Driving with your left foot is awkward as hell.”

Tensing, Graham frowned at Eban. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Eban winced, glancing his way before refocusing on his driving. “I know what your injuries are, Graham.”

Graham growled softly. “Why were you told?”

Why would my brother do that?

“Does everyone here know?”

“No,” Eban stated with a sharp shake of his head. “Only a select few. Those in the inner circle. Everyone else just knows you’re living here.” Clicking his tongue, he muttered, “Probably too soon to talk about that.” Eban rubbed his palm over his chin. “At least your brother and Cuzco can help when explanation time comes.”

Graham cocked his head. “What are you talking about?”

Eban reached over and settled his palm on Graham’s left thigh. Massaging lightly, he stated, “In private, handsome. Not in the park. Too many ears here.”

Glancing from where Eban brazenly squeezed his thigh to the people they passed, Graham cleared his throat. Even as unease slithered through him upon hearing the bigger man’s confusing words, he felt arousal burn through his veins. Eban’s touch caused butterflies to bounce around in his belly, confusing the hell out of him.

Sure, Graham could admit Eban was a good looking man, but he was in no position to pursue anything... with anyone. His body ached most days, and his healing scars were a roadmap telling of his battles. He didn’t even like looking at himself in the mirror.

“I sure ain’t handsome,” Graham muttered.

And that probably isn’t what I should be focusing on.

Eban hummed. “I disagree.”

Graham wondered at what kind of discussion couldn’t be done around the crowds. Had his brother been roped into an operation doing something illegal because he was in