No, i don’t think he did it to protect her but was perhaps overwhelmed Poppy
Well he sold her into slavery after she got hurt and they kissed. I can understand worrying about feelings getting in the way of the goal he's trying to accomplish and her getting hurt again or possibly killed but what he resorted to would be unforgivable if I were her.
So the man that loves you decides selling you into slavery is a good way to "protect" you.. If Bella ends up with him I'm going to be sICK