Page 125 of Relentless

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Liam opened his eyes to utilitarian cream-colored walls and a television mounted in the corner. He frowned. Where was he? Slowly, noises began to register. Foot traffic, an elevator, muffled conversations, a public announcement system, laughter, carts passing in the corridor. The acrid tang of disinfectant clued him in to his location. He was in a hospital.

He frowned. Was he injured on an op? By degrees, the fog cleared from his brain enough for him to remember being in the garden with Piper, then waking up in a warehouse with Moe and Billy.

Pain from his injuries registered as Liam scanned the room. Simon slumped in a seat by his bedside. No Piper. Worry gnawed at his gut. Where was she? Was she all right? Had Moe or Brandy hurt Piper after Liam passed out?

He shifted on the hospital bed, intent on getting up to find Piper. Sharp pain spiked and a soft groan escaped. Man, Brandy and her buddies had worked him over good.

“Don’t move.” Simon climbed to his feet and leaned over him. “The doctor spent a lot of time patching you up. He won’t be happy if you undo his work.”

He blinked. “Sorensen?” His voice came out raspy.

A head shake. “You wouldn’t have made it to Bayside. You’re still in Hartman. Don’t worry. We have you covered.”

“Piper?”

“Matt took her to the cafeteria for a snack. Piper hasn’t left your side in hours. She’ll be back soon.”

Liam gave a slight nod and felt the darkness begin to overtake him again. “Protect,” he murmured.

“We’ll protect her with our lives, Liam. Let go and rest.”

The next time he surfaced, Liam turned his head and saw Piper. She’d fallen asleep with her hand wrapped around his, her head beside his arm.

The sight of her by his side eased his fear for her safety. Not that he could do much to protect Piper in his condition. He’d face plant if he stood at that moment.

Movement on the other side of the bed brought Matt into his field of vision.

“Hey. How do you feel?” the medic whispered.

“Like I’ve been hit by an eighteen-wheeler.”

His friend grinned. “Not surprising considering what you’ve been through.”

“Recovery time?”

“According to Sorensen, six to eight weeks.”

“Are we in Texas?”

“Nope. Maddox flew the doc here to check on you and Piper.”

His gaze settled on the woman he adored. “How is she?”

“A little bruised. Mostly she’s worried about you. She saved your life, Liam.”

That brought his attention back to the medic. “What do you mean?”

“Piper was prepared to fight off Barone’s thugs with your boot knife when we arrived. Since that wasn’t necessary, she donated blood to keep you alive. She gave more than she should have but Piper insisted the rest of us were necessary to protect you from further harm.” Matt leaned closer. “Don’t let this woman get away, buddy. She’ll be the kind of wife you need to protect your family if we’re deployed. Piper is a keeper.”

He didn’t have to be told that truth. He’d seen it for himself when Billy and Moe were working him over. “I don’t intend to let her go.”

At that moment, Piper stirred.

He squeezed her hand.

Her head popped up, eyes wide. “Liam, you’re awake.”

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