Page 24 of Relentless

“Good experience?”

“Aside from the sand, heat, and terrorists, joining the Marines was the best decision I ever made. Those men and women became my family.”

“Did you do the same job in the military that you do now?”

His grip tightened around the steering wheel. “Yes.”

“Tough job. Thank you for your service, Liam.”

“Serving was an honor,” he said, throat tight. Thank God Piper hadn’t turned away from him after learning of his specialty. “My job doesn’t bother you?”

“You protect your teammates.”

“More than one person called me a murderer for hire.”

Her jaw dropped. “That’s ridiculous. You’re do a job most people can’t or won’t do. You’re one of the bravest men I’ve ever met. You don’t shrink from gut-wrenching work and find a way to get the job done.”

Liam didn’t say anything until he parked in the lot beside the Otter Creek police department. He turned off the engine and came around to open Piper’s door. Instead of giving her room to exit the vehicle, he cupped her cheek. “Are you sure you want to be with me, Sunshine?”

“Positive.” She twined her arms around his neck. “I haven’t been interested in dating anyone in a long time. I count myself lucky you noticed me among the scores of women who flock around you in town.”

The ice flowing through his veins from the moment he’d discovered her missing melted away. “What other women? The only one I’ve noticed in years is you. I’m the one who is lucky. Thank you for giving me a chance.”

She smiled, her eyes twinkling. “Will you kiss me now?”

Liam’s lips curved. “Do you want me to?”

“Very much. I almost initiated a real kiss last month, but Fortress sent you to unknown parts of the world for weeks.”

His gaze dipped to her mouth. “You don’t know how hard it’s been to hold off and let you learn to trust me. I’d love to kiss you.”

“But?”

“I don’t want to be concerned about your safety when I kiss you. You’re too exposed out here and I guarantee I’ll be distracted. Much as it pains me to say this, we have to wait a little longer.”

“Today, though?”

“Oh, yeah. Today.” He’d been wanting to kiss Piper from the first moment he saw her. Years of discipline drilled into him by the Corp and Fortress kept his lips from hers at this moment.

Liam found the grit somewhere to step back. Watching for anything suspicious, he escorted her into the police station, hand pressed to her lower back.

The desk sergeant nodded at Liam. “McCoy. Glad you’re back. How can I help you?”

“Detective Santana left statements for us to sign.”

“You’ll need to see Detective Armstrong. Santana is off shift. He went to breakfast with his wife.” He picked up the handset. “I’ll tell Armstrong you’re here.”

Two minutes later, Stella Armstrong opened the double doors and motioned for Liam and Piper to follow her. They walked through the bullpen and into an office where Stella closed the door and shut out the noise of ringing phones and raised voices.

“Sorry. It’s crazy out there today.” The dark-haired detective motioned to the seats in front of the desk. “I heard what happened last night. How are you, Piper?”

“I’m fine. Liam rescued me before the kidnappers did too much damage.” She covered the bruised cheek with her palm. “This is the worst of the injuries.”

Liam frowned. “You have more?” Why hadn’t he heard about them?

“A scraped knee. It’s nothing.”

“I read the police report.” Stella crossed her arms over her chest. “Nice work, Liam. No repercussions from Fortress?”

“Haven’t had time to call Maddox yet. Trent talked to him. I have to report in soon.” He tilted his head, studying the detective’s solemn expression. He’d spent time with Stella and her husband, Nate, a fellow Fortress operative, enough to know she was worried. “What’s wrong?”

“We got an ID on the two men you shot. They’re connected to organized crime, Liam.”

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