Page 26 of Protecting Lanie

Archer’s grip on the phone turned lethal.

“They’re scouting,” Reyna continued. “And Lanie? She fits the profile perfectly.”

Fire ignited in Archer’s blood.

He was done playing defense.

“Shut it down,” he ordered. “No one else gets taken.”

“Already done,” Reyna said.

Archer ended the call just as Lanie stepped back into the room, a small overnight bag slung over her shoulder.

She hesitated at the sight of his expression. “What happened?”

Archer took the bag from her, slinging it over his own shoulder before grabbing her hand. “We’re leaving. Now.”

Lanie didn’t fight him, but she dug her heels in enough to slow him down. “Archer. Tell me.”

He exhaled hard, turning to face her. “Someone inside the club is feeding information to the Master’s Market. They’re targeting submissives.” His voice dropped lower. “Targeting you.”

Her face drained of color. “No…”

“Yes.” Archer’s grip tightened on her hand. “That means no more arguments. No more pretending this isn’t happening. You stay with me.”

Lanie shivered, her gaze flickering away. “I don’t want to put you in danger.”

A deep, rough chuckle rumbled from his chest, humorless. “You think I give a damn about that?” He reached up, cupping her face. “You’re mine to protect, little one,” he said, his hand gently cupping her face, his touch both reassuring and possessive.

Her lips parted, but whatever protest she had died before it reached her tongue.

Because she felt it too. There was something between them—the way his dominance pulled at her submission—it was something she’d never felt before.

After a moment, she let out a shaky breath. “Okay.”

Archer brushed his thumb along her cheek, then took her hand again. “Let’s go.”

By the time they arrived at Archer’s place, it was late.

Lanie stepped into his Greystone, eyes flicking around as if she was trying to piece together who he was from the surrounding space.

He watched her closely, waiting for any signs of discomfort, but she exhaled, shoulders relaxing just a little.

That was good.

She needed to feel safe here.

“Come on.” He guided her inside, locking the door behind them and activating the security system.

“Archer…” Lanie hesitated in the foyer, shifting her bag from one hand to the other. “Thank you.”

He exhaled, raking a hand through his hair. “You don’t need to thank me, Lanie.”

She took a step closer, something unreadable in her expression. “I do.”

Archer stilled as she reached out, pressing a small, uncertain hand against his chest. His pulse kicked up, but he ignored it. Leading her upstairs, he stopped outside the guest room before opening the door and setting her bag down inside. “You’ll stay here. Door locks from the inside.”

Lanie hesitated. “Where will you be?”

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