Page 120 of Relentless

“He’s not the real power in the Barone family. I stayed with Gavin until I could secure my place in his world.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You wouldn’t understand the way the real world works. You’re short-sighted and naive, old friend.”

“You want Barone,” Liam said. His words came out clearer. Excellent. Another thirty minutes and he should be almost back to normal. Too bad he didn’t think Billy and Moe would wait that long. Their mistress would demand answers soon. Impatience brewed in her gaze.

“Ding, ding, ding. Very good, Liam. Matteo is everything I’ve ever wanted. Money, power, fame, distinguished looks, generosity to those he loves.”

“And you think he loves you?” Piper shook her head. “Gavin was the son of Barone’s mistress. Father and son are exactly alike.”

Fury lit Brandy’s gaze. “Shut up, Piper. It’s different with me. Matteo loves me.”

“When did he tell you that?”

“Not long before you returned to Hartman.”

“And you believed him? Come on, Brandy. He says he loves you yet he’s still married to Gavin’s mother. How does that make him different than his cheating son?”

Brandy crossed the few feet between them and slapped Piper. His woman stumbled back and partially fell against Liam.

Helpless rage filled him. He was trussed up like a turkey and he couldn’t protect her. Distracting Barone’s mistress was his only hope to prevent her from hurting Piper and give him a few more precious minutes to throw off the effects of the stun gun.

“What’s your end game?” Liam asked her.

“Take over Galactic Games and use it to further Matteo’s important activities. Soon, I’ll take my place at his side as his wife. I’ll help him run his empire.” She laughed. “Brandy Strickland, the first lady of Hartman. What a kick that will be.”

“You’re already helping Barone, aren’t you?” Piper asked. “That’s why you wanted to be the CEO of Galactic Games. What are you hiding, Brandy?”

A shrug from the other woman. “I suppose it doesn’t matter if you know the truth. Once you give me what I want, I won’t have further use for you.”

Moe’s eyes widened as he stared at Brandy. Guess he hadn’t expected to murder someone when he took on this job for her.

“One of the management team is sure to recommend you have the company’s accounts audited. I can’t allow that to happen.”

Piper’s hands fisted. “Because you’re laundering money for Barone. You’re the reason Uncle Gino is being watched by the feds.”

“It’s called creative financing,” Brandy corrected. “Galactic Games wouldn’t exist if not for Matteo’s generosity. The company is his anyway.” An ugly smile curved her mouth. “Galactic Games will be mine in the end. Matteo promised me the company. I’m not worried about the feds. Gino makes the perfect scapegoat. He’s dying. If they prosecute him for laundering money, he won’t live long enough for his case to go to trial. Besides, I have things lined up so the accountant takes the fall. Nothing will point to me. Now, you’ve stalled enough, Piper. It’s time to give me what I want.”

Piper straightened. “I can’t do that.”

“Wrong answer.” Brandy glanced over her shoulder. “Moe.” She inclined her head toward Piper.

Liam strained against the zip ties. Not recovering fast enough. “Don’t, Moe. Don’t hurt her.”

The big guard gripped Piper’s arms. “Sorry, man,” he murmured and dragged Liam’s woman across the room. She fought him every step of the way, kicking, punching, and scratching.

Billy’s laughter filled the room as he watched the melee. “That one’s a tigress.”

“Billy.” Brandy moved away from Liam and motioned to the remaining guard.

Satisfaction glinted in the other man’s eyes as he approached Liam, flexing his hands.

“Brandy, no. Please, don’t do this.” Piper redoubled her efforts to get away from Moe.

The guard struck her with a backhand and knocked her to the floor. He rolled Piper to her stomach and cinched her wrists behind her back. That done, he flipped her over and hauled her to sit against the closest wall. When she scrambled to her feet, Moe slammed her against the flat surface, scowling. “Stay.”

Billy’s fist flew into Liam’s jaw. A second blow landed in his gut followed by a third to his mouth.

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