Page 178 of Menace in Vegas

I turn to head back inside, every nerve on high alert, every instinct roaring the same truth.

We’re not safe anymore.

80

ALLISON

Ilinger in the hallway, my fingers grazing the edge of the doorframe. Connor's voice drifts in from the patio, low and urgent.

"Stryker, it's me. We need to talk.”

Stryker? Who’s that?

I inch closer, peeking through the window.

He’s pacing. Muscles tight, energy coiled like a storm about to break. He drags a hand through his hair.

"Yes, right now." His back is to me, tension radiating off him in waves.

"No, not over the phone. But I need you to do something. Track any recent burner numbers from a Florida area code. One of them just called me with a threat."

My pulse stutters.

A threat?

"Sounded like the guy was using a voice distorter,” Connor mutters, voice sharpening. “He said, ‘If you want your wife to stay safe… tell your friend to stop intervening.’”

A chill rips through me.

"I know what that means. He’s threatening Allie. Trying to force me to get Daltyn to back off Peyton."

I press a hand to my mouth, the weight of his words settling like lead in my chest.

"Yeah, I’m nearly certain it’s Landon. But I need proof. And I need to keep Allie safe."

Another pause.

"Thanks, man. Let me know what you find."

The call ends.

I step back from the window, heart pounding. Adrenaline pulses through me as I quietly retreat down the hall.

Moments later, Connor steps inside. His eyes find mine.Surprise, guilt, and panic flash across his face.

"Allie, I?—"

"I heard." My voice is soft, but steady.

He exhales, stepping toward me. His muscles ripple with tension, every inch of him vibrating with the weight of it.

"Why didn’t you tell me?"

"It just happened," he says. His eyes lock with mine. Rawness flashes in their gray depths. “I wanted to protect you.”

I press my palm to his chest, right over his heart. "We’re in this together. No more secrets."

His nod is slow but certain, before he pulls me into a tight embrace.

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