Page 59 of Relentless

“This is crazy. I don’t know anything about Barone or his business operations. I left Hartman in my rearview mirror, Liam. I won’t go back and take up my old life. I like where I live and what I’ve become. When I look at myself in the mirror each morning, I’m not embarrassed by the choices of the woman staring back at me.”

“Barone thinks you know information dangerous to him and his empire. That’s enough to send his goons after you. If he believes you have enough evidence to put him in prison, he won’t stop until you’re dead. Our safety may come down to two choices. Run or put a bullet in Barone’s head or heart.”

Feeling sick inside, Piper shook her head again. “This is my problem. You can’t give up your life and go on the run with me. Think of your family. You’d never see them again. I can’t do that to you or them.”

His hands curved around her upper arms. “I refuse to let you go alone. You’re not trained for it. If running is our only option, I’ll keep you alive.”

“But at what cost? No, Liam. The price is too high.”

His hands squeezed. “I made my choice. I choose you.”

“What about your family? You can’t give them up. I don’t have family who will miss me.” Pain shot through her heart at the thought of her uncle’s possible betrayal. If their suspicions proved true, she had no blood kin who would wonder at her absence except the uncle who raised her and might have set criminals on her trail.

Liam smiled. “My mother plans to ask Maddox to send her into hiding with us. She thinks my sister, Marissa, will also go into the Fortress version of witness protection, too.”

“Liam.” Tears trickled down her cheeks.

He brushed the tears away. “I’m falling in love with you, Piper Reece. I won’t give you up. Whatever comes, we’ll handle together. You’re not alone anymore.”

The hotel phone rang. Liam frowned and answered it. After a brief conversation with the front desk, he turned to Piper. “The package I’ve been expecting arrived a few minutes ago. I’ll take a quick shower and go get it. Do everything Trent tells you to do.”

“Go. I’ll make more tea and help Trent keep watch on the balcony.”

He looked through the glass in the French doors. “Sit on the right side. You’ll be less visible.” Liam dropped a quick kiss on her lips and went into the bedroom.

Piper filled her tea mug and joined Trent, sitting where Liam suggested. Since the solid brick wall blocked most of the view, she understood why he’d chosen that location.

Trent glanced at her over his shoulder before facing outward again. “You okay?”

“Did you know he’s considering going into witness protection with me?”

“I’d do the same if Grace’s life were on the line. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my wife.”

“Liam and I aren’t married.”

“Yet,” came the soft reply.

A host of butterflies took flight in her stomach. “Yet,” she agreed with an equally soft voice. “I’m afraid, Trent.”

Another look over his shoulder. “You have reason to be. Liam won’t let anything happen to you.”

“At the risk of his own safety.”

“It’s how we operate, Piper. The safety of those we care about is our first priority.”

“I’m beginning to understand what that means. I don’t want him to give up the life he’s built.”

“Not your choice.”

“How do I stop him?”

“You don’t. All of us will work together to find the evidence necessary to toss Barone in jail. That’s the only way to prevent you from having to disappear.”

They remained silent while Trent remained alert for trouble and Piper sipped her tea. By the time her mug was empty, Liam had returned with a package.

He crouched by Piper’s chair and drew out a watch, a bracelet, a pair of earrings, and a necklace.

Piper smiled. Daisies.

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