Page 80 of Relentless

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Of all the things Liam expected Romano to say, this wasn’t in the list. The old man was dying. A ploy or the truth? No matter what Romano claimed, Liam would ask Zane to confirm. “The doctors are sure?”

“No question. They’ve given me three months. After losing your parents when you were young, Piper, I thought it best to tell you in person.”

Piper’s pallor made her bruised and puffy lip more noticeable. “Is experimental treatment an option?”

He shook his head. “The cancer is too advanced. My body is riddled with it. I’ve come to accept the inevitable. You should, too.” Romano inclined his head toward Liam. “I’m glad you have a friend who will be here for you when I’m gone. You’ll need him.”

Liam didn’t like the sound of that. “Why do you say that?”

“It’s why I asked Piper to come home.”

Uneasiness roiled in Liam’s gut. Romano’s words and tone hinted at Piper’s permanent presence in Hartman. Her living in the middle of Barone’s turf wasn’t happening.

“Tell me, Uncle Gino.” Piper’s voice sounded thick.

Liam threaded his fingers through hers. Small comfort, but better than nothing. He’d give anything to take the pain from her. Since he couldn’t, he’d comfort her however possible.

“You’re my only living relative. When I’m gone, the estate will be yours. I’ve named you as executor of my will. You will also be given the presidency of my company.”

Piper was shaking her head before he finished speaking. “I’ll settle your estate but I’m not moving back to Hartman. I have a life I love in Otter Creek. Besides, I know nothing about the video game industry and don’t have any interest in learning.”

He waved her protests aside. “We’ll talk tomorrow. I’ll take you to the company and let you see what we’ve been doing while you were away. Dinner will be ready in two hours.”

Gino opened the door to the hall and signaled one of the security guards. “Todd, show Piper’s friend where he’ll sleep, then help with their luggage.” He glanced over his shoulder at Piper and Liam. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

“This way,” Todd said, his voice holding a hint of a growl. He strode down the hall and up the curving staircase to the second floor. He turned right, pausing in front of a room at the end of the hallway. He threw open the door and glanced at Liam. “This is your room. The lady is across the hall. Mr. Romano thought you’d prefer to stay close together. Give me your remote and I’ll bring your luggage.”

“You have more important things to do. I’ll bring our gear inside. Thanks for the offer.”

A shrug of the massive shoulders. “Suit yourself.” He turned and left.

“Liam, I…”

He turned and kissed her with gentle thoroughness, cutting off the flow of words. “Wait,” he whispered against her lips.

Liam nudged her inside the room, closed the door to the hall, and searched. Fifteen minutes later, he’d disabled two bugs and one camera. “Now your room,” he murmured.

“Knowing someone is listening and watching us is creepy.”

And puzzling. If Romano was honest about his health, why would he spy on his niece and her guest? Was he involved in the abduction attempts and Gavin’s murder?

Liam was sure he’d find devices in Piper’s room to keep tabs on her and her conversations. The search yielded two bugs and two cameras, one of them in her bathroom. Burning with fury, he disabled the devices. Liam held her close. “You okay, Sunshine?”

She shuddered. “I might never be okay again. My uncle is spying on me. I can understand spying on you even though it’s insulting. You’re a stranger to him. But his own flesh and blood? What’s he involved in that he’s making sure I haven’t turned on him?”

His arms tightened. “We don’t know Romano is responsible for the electronics. Could be anyone with access to his estate.”

“That would include the security guards, the maids, the housekeeper, my uncle’s personal assistant, and the chef that comes in for special events. Even the lawn care people come inside the house on occasion.”

Liam blew out a breath, frustrated at the revolving door of Romano’s home. How was he supposed to narrow down the list of suspects when so many people trekked in and out? “That can’t happen at our home. The security risk is too great.”

“No problem. I want to take care of our home and children myself. I don’t want our home to be like this one. Don’t misunderstand me. I love my uncle and I’m grateful he took me in instead of letting me grow up in the foster care system. But as close as I thought we were, Uncle Gino left most of my care to Sophia. He lavished praise on me when I did what he wanted. The minute I deviated from his plan, he pressured me to give in. I couldn’t marry Gavin, Liam, even to make my uncle happy.”

“I’m glad you stood up for yourself. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have met you.”

“What do we do now?”

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