Page 82 of Relentless

“You know why I couldn’t return.”

She waved aside Piper’s comment. “Stubborn pride on both your parts. At least you returned before Mr. Romano passed. It’s so sad. He’s a good man and too young to die.”

Seeing Piper’s jaw tighten, Liam decided a subject change would be wise. More of Piper’s tears would gut him. “Something smells good. What’s for dinner?”

“Lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and an apple cobbler with ice cream for dessert.”

He gave a low whistle. “Wow. I’ll have to run an extra mile tomorrow morning to work off the extra calories.”

The housekeeper’s gaze swept over him. “You don’t have an extra ounce of fat anywhere. Why are you worried about gaining weight?”

“I’m an instructor at a bodyguard training facility. Can’t let my students outrun me. It’s hard enough to keep up with trainees several years younger than I am. Extra weight makes it more difficult to do my job.”

Wide eyes stared at him. “A bodyguard trainer. Are you a bodyguard?”

“Sometimes. I’m in private security. We do various jobs.”

“Do you need help, Sophia?” Piper asked.

“The food is ready and the table is set. If you’ll tell me your drink preference, I’ll carry them to the table in a minute.”

“Iced tea is perfect for both of us. We can take our own glasses, though.” Piper hugged the housekeeper again. “I’m not used to someone waiting on me unless I’m in a restaurant.”

Sophia tilted her head. “Do you eat out a lot?”

She glanced at Liam, lips curving “More since I started dating Liam.”

“We’ll have to send your young man on an errand so you can tell me all about him.”

Liam grinned. “What about having coffee with us after dinner here in the kitchen? You can tell me stories about Piper when she was younger after she spills my secrets.” Maybe Sophia would become an ally. Domestic staff knew what was going on inside a household because the family treated them as if they weren’t there. If something odd was happening in this house, Sophia would know.

Pleasure brightened the housekeeper’s face. “I’d love to catch up with Piper and hear about your romance.”

“It’s a date, then.” He picked up two glasses, filled them with ice, and poured tea for himself and Piper. While the housekeeper rang the dinner bell, Liam escorted Piper into the dining room.

He stopped short at the entrance. “That is quite a display,” he murmured. A large flower arrangement graced the center of the table. Candles were already lit and music played softly in the background. A snowy white tablecloth draped over the table. Glass and silver glittered in the light of the ornate crystal chandelier hanging over the table, and a fire crackled in the fireplace.

“Isn’t it?” Piper looked uncomfortable. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think to warn you this would probably happen.”

Liam chuckled. “I can handle a formal dinner. I would have included dress clothes if I’d known.”

Piper brushed his lips with hers. “I think you look exceptionally good in jeans or cargo pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt.”

“I’m glad since that’s my standard uniform.” He leaned in to press his lips to her temple. “Remember, eyes and ears are everywhere,” he whispered.

She nodded slightly. “Uncle Gino sits near the fireplace.” She frowned as she studied the table. “Four places are set. I wonder who else is expected for dinner?”

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

“We’ll find out in a minute.” Liam seated Piper. He remained standing, preferring to be on his feet to meet the newcomer.

Voices murmured and footsteps heralded the approach of the visitor. Romano walked into the dining room with a dark-haired woman about Piper’s age on his arm.

Piper drew in a sharp breath, her gaze locked on the woman.

Liam frowned. Her face had lost all trace of color. He laid his hand on her shoulder and waited for someone to confirm the woman’s identity.

Romano escorted her to the seat across from Piper. “Sit here, my dear,” he murmured. Once she was seated, he sat at the head of the table. “This is Piper’s friend, Liam.”

He extended his hand across the table. “Ma’am.”

She gave a flirtatious laugh. “Call me Brandy.”

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