Page 15 of Relentless

“You didn’t ruin my life, Piper. In fact, you’re the best thing to happen to me in a very long time.”

Her trademark sunny smile appeared. “Flatterer.”

“Nope. Honest. I hear Dr. Anderson is springing you this morning.”

“I hope so. I need to get out of here.”

Liam tilted his head. “Don’t like hospitals?”

“Who does? No, I need to check on a…” She stopped.

“Check on what?” he prompted when she remained silent.

“A former boyfriend.”

His eyebrows soared. “Why?”

“He’s the reason I closed the shop early. Gavin called and begged me for help yesterday.”

“What kind of help?” And why did Liam want to find Gavin and punch him in the face?

“He’s in trouble and doesn’t trust anyone but me to help him.” Piper recounted her phone conversation with her former boyfriend, ending with, “Gavin sounded terrified.”

“You think this is a legitimate crisis on his part?”

“We dated for a little more than a year, Liam. I know every nuance of his voice. He was scared.”

What kind of man called a woman he used to date for help? Liam figured he wouldn’t elevate his own standing with Piper if he pointed that out to her. “Did he say what he wanted?”

She shook her head.

“While we wait for the doc to arrive, tell me about Gavin. Start at the beginning. Where did you meet?”

“We met at a friend’s birthday party. Gavin works for a gaming company. He’s creates video games.” Her gaze skated away from his.

What was she hiding from him? “He any good?”

She named a couple war games and three strategy games that Liam enjoyed playing. “He created those, huh?” Might have to find himself new video games from a different company.

Liam kissed the back of her hand. “Piper, look at me.” He waited in silence for Piper to turn her face toward him. “I’ll find out why you were kidnapped and who is desperate enough to take the risk. I won’t stop until I know everything. It’s the only way I can protect you. You’ll make my job easier if you’re honest with me.”

“You think I’m lying?”

“I think you’re hiding a secret. I need you to trust me.”

“How can you say that? I trusted you with my life on the highway last night. I just don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

“Why not?”

“It’s not something I’m proud of, okay? Can we just drop it?”

“Your life is at stake. Tell me. Please.”

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