Page 23 of Anger

“He owns it?” Ranson asked.

“Yes. He’s intensely private but has agreed to a meeting. Rhett’s also a close friend,” Lanie added.

“And the reason you could not tell me this?” Ranson demanded.

“Because Rhett deals with high-value clients. And discretion is paramount. He provides security for Jase Monroe, for example,” Lanie explained.

“Seems strange you couldn’t tell me he worked for you. I’d have thought it would be the other way around,” Ranson replied.

Lanie nearly growled at him. Typical Ranson. Too clever for his own good. She thought quickly. “Because he doesn’t want every Tom, Dick, and Harry pestering him for security. Rhett’s particular who he works for. He could have A-list actors hassling him, for example. Rhett wouldn’t work for them. Or those idiot social media influencers,” Lanie stated.

“Can understand that. I’ve turned several of those down,” Ranson replied.

Her car passed through the gates to her home, and they closed behind her.

“We need security in there with you until we understand what is happening. I know you value your privacy but please, today, obey orders,” Ranson asked.

“Not a problem,” Lanie agreed, throwing him a bone.

“Fisher came here directly and has swept the mansion. The house is secure, and security is patrolling the grounds. Miss Cross, I’m going to return to the office and see what they have discovered. McIntyre will stay here with you,” Ranson said, and Lanie nodded.

She got out of the car with McIntyre on her heels and headed inside. Lanie winced at her bare feet, and McIntyre nodded.

“Can I see?” he asked, and Lanie lifted her feet. McIntyre cringed.

“They’ve been cut, and there’s some bruising. I’ll doctor them, and then you can let me cook you a meal,” he stated.

“Oh yeah?” Lanie challenged.

“Don’t argue, woman!” McIntyre replied, and Lanie was gobsmacked. Only her siblings dared talk to her like that. McIntyre grinned as if he knew what she was thinking before he swept her off her feet and carried her into the kitchen.

Chapter Five.

Lanie/lamia

“Don’t I get a say in things?” she demanded.

“Nope.”

“You’re bossy!” Lanie exclaimed, and McIntyre laughed.

“You like it. Now be a good girl and shush,” he said, placing her on a stool and lifting her feet onto another one.

“I’ll have you fired!”

“No, you won’t.”

“Why not?” Lanie retorted.

“Because you like me, Lanie.”

“That’s Miss Cross or Ma’am to you!” Lanie spluttered, and McIntyre laughed again. And damn him, he grew even more handsome when he did.

“In public, sure. In private, it’s Lanie. Unless you’re in my bed, then I’ll happily call you Ma’am,” McIntyre said.

Lanie’s mouth dropped open as McIntyre pulled out the first aid box and opened it.

“You can’t talk to me like that!” she finally spat out. Lanie hated to admit it, but she liked it when he did. Somehow, she knew McIntyre would do all sorts of dirty things to her body if she allowed him.

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