Page 103 of Relentless

Simon returned with his Go bag in hand.

Liam escorted Piper to his SUV, scanning the area for threats. To this point, their location hadn’t been compromised. After helping her inside, he climbed behind the steering wheel. “Call your uncle and invite him to dinner.”

He listened to one side of the conversation as he headed for the highway. When she ended the call, he glanced her way. “He agreed?”

She nodded. “He was surprised by the invitation but pleased we wanted to spend time with him.”

Liam heard guilt in her voice. “I planned to invite him to dinner before we left town, Sunshine. We moved it up a day or two.”

“You were?”

He wrapped his hand around hers. “Even though you and Romano were at odds, he’s your family. I want to know him and I want you to know mine. They’re going to love you.”

“I hope so. I’d feel terrible if your mother didn’t think I was good enough for you.”

“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Liam circled around Hartman to come into town the same direction they’d gone out. He didn’t want to point observers toward Amaretto.

Minutes later, he parked in front of the Romano residence and traipsed to the front door to assist Piper’s uncle to the SUV. As soon as he stepped on the landing, the front door opened and Romano walked outside.

“Where are we going to dinner?” the older man asked.

“Ricci’s.”

Romano’s eyes lit. “Excellent. It’s my favorite restaurant.”

“Piper told me.”

The other man glanced at Liam as they descended the stairs. “Want to tell me what’s really going on?”

Liam flashed him a grin. “Dinner and a favor. We didn’t want to talk inside your home.”

“Because of the bugs.”

“Yes, sir.” He opened the SUV’s back door and waited for the older man to climb inside before getting into the driver’s seat.

Liam started the vehicle and drove from the estate grounds. As he turned onto the street toward the center of town, he glanced in the rearview mirror. “Let’s talk, Mr. Romano.”

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