“Well, hello there,” Walter said, his voice dropping an octave. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Walter Parkins.” He extended his hand toward Tynan, his smile widening.
“Tynan,” his mate replied, shaking Walter’s hand briefly. “Nice to meet you.”
“Tynan,” Walter repeated, lingering over the name. “Unusual name for an unusual beauty. You’re not from around here, are you?”
A slight flush colored Tynan’s cheeks. “No, I’m not.”
Malik felt a prickle of irritation at the back of his neck. His inner rhino shifted restlessly.
“Tynan’s my partner,” Malik said, moving to stand beside his mate. “He’s helping me with some paperwork today.”
Walter’s eyebrows shot up. “Partner, eh? Well, aren’t you the lucky one?” His gaze raked over Tynan again, clearly taking in the silver hair, the lean build, the striking green eyes. “Quite the catch. Those cheekbones could cut glass.”
The prickle of irritation grew stronger. Malik placed a hand on the small of Tynan’s back, a gesture both protective and possessive.
“Tynan’s also a private investigator,” Malik said, his voice taking on a slight edge. “Quite skilled at reading people.”
Walter chuckled, apparently oblivious to Malik’s growing tension. “A PI? With those looks? I’d confess to anything if you were interrogating me.” He winked at Tynan.
Malik felt his patience slipping. His hand pressed harder on Tynan’s back.
“Mr. Parkins,” Ian piped up, clearly sensing the tension, “would you like to see the new leather samples we’ve ordered for your seats? They just arrived this morning.”
Walter barely glanced at Ian. “In a minute, lad. I’m still getting acquainted with this vision in front of me.” He leaned closer to Tynan. “Tell me, what’s a gorgeous creature like you doing in a mechanic’s garage? You look like you belong on a runway in Milan.”
Before Tynan could answer, Malik stepped forward, placing himself partially between Walter and his mate. “Walter,” he said, his voice deceptively calm. “I’d appreciate it if you’d show my partner the same respect you show me.”
Walter blinked, finally noticing Malik’s rigid posture and the coolness in his eyes. “No disrespect intended, Malik. Just paying a compliment to your…partner.” He said the word with a slight smirk that made Malik’s inner rhino snort in anger.
“Tynan isn’t here for your entertainment,” Malik said evenly. “He’s here because he belongs here. With me.”
A tense silence fell over the workshop. Ian shifted uncomfortably, while Sparky fluffed his feathers in agitation. Tynan placed a gentle hand on Malik’s arm, a silent gesture of appreciation.
Walter looked between them, then raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. Message received.” He took a stepback. “No harm meant, truly. Just an old man appreciating beauty when he sees it.”
Malik’s jaw remained tight, but he nodded once, accepting the semi-apology.
“Now,” Walter said, turning to Ian with forced brightness, “you mentioned something about leather samples?”
Ian jumped at the chance to diffuse the tension. “Yes, sir. Right this way. We’ve got three different grains to choose from.” He led Walter toward the office, chatting about leather qualities and period-appropriate stitching.
Once they were out of earshot, Tynan turned to Malik. “That was…interesting.”
Malik exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Sorry about that. Walter’s harmless, really, but he crossed a line.”
Tynan’s lips curved into a small smile. “I don’t think anyone has ever been so territorial over me before.”
“I didn’t like how he was looking at you,” Malik admitted. “Like you were a fancy car he wanted to test drive.”
“I can handle admirers, you know,” Tynan said, though there was no reproach in his tone. “I’ve had a few since moving here.”
Malik nodded, feeling slightly sheepish. “I know you can. It’s just...” He struggled to find the right words. “You’re mine now. My mate. And I didn’t like him treating you like an object.”
Tynan’s expression softened. He glanced toward the office to ensure Walter and Ian were still occupied, then quickly pressed a kiss to Malik’s cheek. “I rather liked seeing you get all protective,” he whispered. “It was quite…stimulating.”
A different kind of heat flared through Malik. “Don’t start something we can’t finish right now,” he warned, his voice dropping to a growl.
Tynan’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” He stepped back just as Ian and Walter emerged from the office.
