Page 48 of The Soul of Archer
“Will do and we’ll see you Monday.” Lance sighed and ended the call. He turned and found his dad standing in the doorway. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Alex smiled softly and moved to sit next to Lance, "You didn't. I got thirsty and came down for a drink and I heard you talking. I'm guessing that was Ethan?"
Lance nodded, "Yeah. He says to tell you and mom hi." Lance shoved out of the chair and started pacing, "Ethan says that both Malconi's got away. He wants me and Alora at Blackout on Monday after we get back."
Alex studied his son, "Lance, I know you're pissed and worried, but you need to stay calm. If you let your fear and anger take over, you'll make mistakes and those mistakes are when people get hurt."
Lance took a deep breath in, held it for a three count, then slowly released it, "You're right. God, what am I going to do? How can I protect my woman?"
"You do what you and the other guys of Blackout do best. You men will do your jobs and come up with a contingency plan for this. You said Ethan wants you AND Alora there right?" Alex asked. Lance nodded. "Good, that's good that she's not being kept out of this. She needs to be included."
"I’ve made sure she’s been kept in the loop since the first day." Lance replied with a slight smile. “Hell, the first day I met her I just knew she wouldn’t let us keep her out and I didn’t feel right about not telling her. Especially after we found all those cameras and listening devices at her house. From then on, I’ve told her what she needed to know. I haven’t told her what Blackout was doing if it didn’t concern her directly.”
“Good, that’s good. She’s a strong woman, a lot like your mom.” Alex smiled slightly.
"Yes, she is.” Lance agreed with a smile of his own.
“Well, let's both get back to bed. Are you going to tell her in the morning?" Alex inquired, rising to his feet.
"Yeah. After breakfast I think I'll take her for a walk on the beach or something and tell her then." Lance replied.
***
Lance finished his coffee as he watched Alora talking with his mother. After he returned to bed last night it had been nearly an hour before he had fallen back asleep, even when Alora wound herself around him as she slept. She was so happy right now and he didn't want to put fear or worry back into her eyes, but he was smart enough to know if he put this off any longer, she would be pissed.
"You ready Alora?" Lance asked.
"Yep." Alora nodded, polishing off her own coffee.
They said bye to his parents then headed outside to the SUV. Lance was going to take her to his favorite spot and tell her. After helping her into the vehicle, he rounded the hood, climbed in, and they took off. They remained silent on the ten-minute drive and Lance sensed that Alora knew something was up. In fact, Alora didn't wait for him after he parked and killed the engine. She had quickly hopped out and met him on the driver's side.
"Lance, what's wrong?"
"Let's take a walk. I'll tell you, I promise."
He extended his hand to her and she immediately took it. Hand-in-hand, they headed for the beach. It was a beautiful morning and normally Lance would be thrilled to be walking with his woman, but not at this moment. Letting out a long breath, he stopped them and faced her. "Baby, last night Ethan called me..."
"Those bastards got away didn't they?" She interrupted.
"Yeah. Well, only the Malconi's did. Their men and the Lobos were caught and rounded up. Ethan wants you and me at Blackout once we get back Monday." He explained.
"Was anyone hurt?" Alora inquired.
"Danny. It's not serious though. Got a few stitches but he's good." Lance answered quickly reassuring her.
Alora moved into him, her arms slipping around him. Lance wrapped his arms around her tiny frame and just held her. "What happens now Lance? When we get home, I mean?"
Lance rested his head atop hers, "I don't know Alora, but we'll handle it. You and me."
She pulled back and looked up at him. "Yes. You and me. I love you."
He cupped her face and smiled, "And I love you too."
Alora rose on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. Lance's hands slid from her face, down her neck, her shoulders, her back before enclosing around her waist holding her to him. Alora tightened her hold on him and sighed. Alora broke the kiss and laid her head against his chest as he softly stroked her back. Despite knowing there was still a threat looming over them when they returned, Alora couldn’t help but enjoying this moment. This very moment. Lance holding her as the ocean ebbed and crashed to their right. Seagulls calling in the sky and the salty sea air engulfing them, caressing them. A thought struck her, and she giggled.
“What?”
“Well, you said that you’d take me on your boat.” She said.
