Page 20 of Relentless

“Leaving took courage.” Nick slid the notebook and pen into his pocket. “Call me if you hear from Gavin. If he’s on the run from Matteo, law enforcement may be his only hope to survive. Matteo’s people don’t mess around. If they believe he’s a weak link, Gavin won’t survive on his own.”

Ice water poured through Piper’s veins. Gavin wanting to get back together was a better alternative than him running from his crime-boss father. “I promise to keep you updated.”

He rose. “Call if you need me. Watch your back, Liam. Barone’s crew is ruthless. They don’t quit until they achieve their objective and their talent roster is several layers deep. Might be wise to bring Fortress into the loop. They aren’t restricted by the same rules I have to follow.”

Wordless communication passed between the two men before Liam said, “I’ll talk to Zane and Brent Maddox.”

“If I were in you, I’d be ready to leave town at a moment’s notice with a series of prepared safe houses.”

Piper shuddered. “Nick, you’re scaring me.”

“I’m trying to keep you both alive,” he countered. “Liam will put himself in front of any bullet headed your direction. Keep that in mind when you consider your options. His life is at stake, too. Stop by the station when you’re released. Stella will have your statements.” With those words, he left.

“You have to stay away from me, Liam.” Just saying the words pierced her heart with pain. Separating from him was the last thing she wanted, but Piper feared for his safety. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Not happening, Piper. I’ll take care of myself and you.” He cupped her cheek, a fierce light in his eyes. “I won’t leave you to deal with this mess alone. I’m in this with you and that’s where I plan to stay.”

“Why put yourself at risk?”

“You matter to me.”

Another knock sounded on the door. Trent peered inside the room. “Dr. Anderson is here. So are Matt and Delilah.”

Thank God. Maybe she would be out of here soon. “Send Dr. Anderson in.”

A moment later, Otter Creek’s favorite doctor walked in. He smiled at Liam. “Glad you’re back, Liam.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Have you been keeping an eye on my patient?”

Liam chuckled. “I have.”

“What’s your opinion on how she’s doing?”

“I think she’s perfect.”

Piper stared, surprised. Liam’s gaze met hers and he winked.

“Let me examine her and see if my assessment matches yours. Wait in the hall and I’ll let you know when I’m finished.”

Liam leaned down and brushed a feather-light kiss over Piper’s lips. “I’ll be outside the door if you need me.” He left.

Piper touched her lips. To this point, Liam had been careful to buss her cheek, the corner of her mouth, or her forehead after their dates. His platonic kisses coupled with the proprietary touches frustrated her enough that she had planned to initiate a real kiss herself. When she finally worked up the courage to act, Liam had been deployed with his teammates for almost a month.

Her shock at Liam’s kiss must have been apparent because the doctor’s blue eyes twinkled at her. “Well, that’s news for the town gossip mill.”

“If you spread the word, I might have to drop hints all over Otter Creek that the town’s favorite single doctor is looking for companionship.”

Anderson chuckled. “Not that, please. I have no interest in delivering extra casseroles to the women’s shelter. My freezer is still filled to the brim with more food than I can eat if I want to stay a healthy weight. I give the shelter two or three casseroles a week. The single women in Otter Creek don’t need more incentive to cook and bake for me.”

“If you’re interested in one of the ladies, ask her out. It would stop the others from bombarding you with food bribes.”

His smile grew wistful. “I loved and lost the woman of my dreams. I’m not interested in anyone else.” He squared his shoulders. “Now, enough about me. Let’s have a look at you.” Ten minutes later, Anderson declared her fit to leave. “The bruising should fade soon. Wouldn’t hurt to apply ice packs every few hours.”

She grinned. “You’re back at the top of my list of favorite doctors. Thank you.”

He patted her hand. “Glad you weren’t hurt worse. You’re very lucky Liam was home to come to your aid. I’ll send the nurse in with your discharge papers and you’ll be free to go home.”

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