Page 12 of Relentless

“Did you?”

“No. I couldn’t trust him after that. If he slept with another woman while we were dating, what would stop him from continuing that behavior? I told him to take a hike. I deserved better treatment from a man who was supposed to be on his best behavior while trying to win my heart.”

“How did he take the news?”

“Not well. He yelled at me and said that if I gave him what he wanted, he wouldn’t have to find another woman to take care of his needs.”

Matt stared. “Let me get this straight. Gavin was angry because you wouldn’t sleep with him?”

She nodded. “You know what’s worse? He was enjoying a late, intimate dinner with yet another woman in a secluded corner of a restaurant I’d been wanting to go to for months. She had no idea Gavin was dating me and my best friend.”

Nick’s eyebrows rose. “How do you know?”

“Anita came to see me at work the next day. She convinced me to go to lunch and we talked. Anita thought she was the only woman in Gavin’s life. Anyway, Gavin tried for months to get me to take him back. He finally must have gotten the message because I didn’t hear from him again until tonight.”

“After what he did to you, you were going to meet him anyway?” Matt asked.

“He was terrified. Gavin wouldn’t tell me much, but I know his voice when he’s afraid. I heard that exact tone a handful of times when he encountered a spider. Eight-legged creatures are his kryptonite. I need to get out of here. Please, Matt. Help me.”

The medic scowled. “First, Liam would have my hide if I convinced Dr. Anderson to spring you before he thought you were ready. Second, I have no intention of being in my friend’s crosshairs for letting you waltz into a meeting with the man who may be responsible for your kidnapping.”

“It’s not Gavin. He wouldn’t do that to me.”

“Yeah? Bet you said the same thing before you found out old Gavin was cheating on you.”

Hurt and anger spiraled through Piper. He was right. Didn’t mean she liked having the truth thrown in her face.

“Stay in the hospital until Dr. Anderson says you’re ready to leave,” Nick said. “Where and when were you supposed to meet your ex-boyfriend?”

“At Wilmington Resort off Highway 18 outside of town. He rented a small cabin.” She gave the detective the necessary information. “Did someone find my purse?”

“Delilah has it.” Matt patted her forearm. “She’ll bring it to you tomorrow along with a change of clothes.”

“Thanks.” She looked at Nick. “What are you going to do?”

“Have a chat with your friend.”

“Hurry, Nick. Gavin said it wasn’t safe for him to stay in one place for long. He might have been spooked when I didn’t show up.”

Nick stood. “I’ll let you know if I find him. I’ll be in touch soon. In the meantime, when you leave the hospital, drop by the station and sign your statement.”

He handed his business card to Piper. “If you need me, call.” His lips curved. “I think you’ll have plenty of people looking out for your safety. Just the same, I want to know when something else happens.”

Piper’s breath caught. When something else happened, not if. Liam wasn’t the only one who thought the danger wasn’t over.

---