Page 65 of Relentless

“Enjoy your date.” Cade veered toward the staircase as Liam led Piper to the elevator. He nudged Piper into the corner of the car and caged her in with his body, blocking her from the camera’s view. “Even though we’re on a date and I want you to relax, remember that we’re on stage. Assume someone besides Cade is watching, waiting for us to make a mistake.”

“This is what it’s like on a mission?”

He trailed a finger down her cheek. “Yes.” How could anyone’s skin feel like crushed velvet? Delicate and beautiful. Piper was exquisite.

“How do you handle this long term?”

“Hide your true self behind the role. You become that person.” He saw the exact moment when she realized why he insisted on going into witness protection with her. Slipping and letting the real Piper show through instead of the persona Fortress created for her would be easy. “We’ll handle whatever comes together, Sunshine.”

When the elevator stopped on the first floor, he gripped her hand as the silver doors opened and walked into the lobby with her by his side.

Cade lingered by the gift shop window, supposedly staring at the display. Based on the angle of his body and head, he watched the activity behind him using the reflection in the glass.

Liam requested a table for two with the hostess who seated them at the corner table at his request. When she returned to her station, Liam kissed the back of Piper’s hand. “Order what you want. Act as normal as possible.”

They finished the meal without mishaps or mistakes until the waitress brought the check. As she handed Liam the bill and turned to leave, her elbow knocked over Piper’s glass. Tea spilled onto Piper’s lap.

“Oh, no!” The waitress grabbed napkins to blot the liquid from Piper’s legs. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. Where’s the restroom? I need to dry my jeans.”

The woman gestured to the left side of the restaurant. “At the end of the hallway. Again, I apologize for my clumsiness. I’ll clear your plates and glasses while you’re gone.”

When Piper rose, Liam stood to escort her.

“Stay. I’ll just be a minute.” She hurried toward the hallway.

He frowned, about to follow her when a man in black pants and a long-sleeved polo shirt with the resort logo stitched on the front approached their table.

“I’m Gene Derby, the Copper Kettle’s manager. Is everything all right here?”

“It’s my fault, Gene,” the waitress said, cheeks flushing a bright red. “I knocked a glass of tea into a customer’s lap. She’s gone to the restroom to dry her jeans.”

Derby turned to Liam. “I’m sorry, sir. We’ll comp your meals and I’ll speak to your companion.”

From the direction of the hall, a woman screamed.

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