Page 83 of Relentless

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Piper stared in disbelief. Why did Gino ask Brandy to dinner? He had to know Piper would be uncomfortable with Brandy’s presence at the table. Maybe her uncle thought enough time had passed that she wouldn’t mind.

Thinking of Brandy and Gavin’s betrayal no longer brought sharp pain. From the time Liam walked into Wicks, he’d captured her interest.

Being in the same room with Brandy made Piper conscious of her rough appearance. She cast a glance at Liam. Would he think Brandy was attractive? Of course he would. The woman was beautiful. She hadn’t met a man yet who wasn’t captivated by her.

She sighed, aggravated with herself. Liam loved her. He never said anything he didn’t mean, and he was loyal. Piper wouldn’t have to worry about him straying. Liam believed he was the luckiest man on the planet because she loved him.

Liam’s handshake was just long enough to be socially acceptable as he introduced himself. He sat and wrapped his hand around Piper’s.

Brandy looked disconcerted a moment before turning to Piper. “It’s been a long time.”

“You look beautiful.” The other woman always took time to look her best before venturing into the world.

“Wish I could say the same. What happened to your face?”

Wow. She still had claws and didn’t mind sharpening them on Piper. “An accident. I’ll be fine in a few days.”

“Have you been in town long?”

“A few hours.”

“I suppose you haven’t seen Gavin.”

Liam’s hand tightened around hers in silent warning.

Everyone in town would know the truth about Gavin’s absence soon. The Copper Ridge police would notify Barone before much longer.

Grateful Liam didn’t allow her to see Gavin in the cave, Piper shook her head without having to hide a lie. “I don’t want to see him.”

An eyebrow rose. “You’re still hung up on him.” She smiled, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

“No, Brandy. I have no interest in him. I haven’t talked to him since I left Hartman.” Another truth.

Sophia brought a pitcher of iced tea and filled Brandy’s and Gino’s glasses.

Brandy frowned. “Don’t you have anything besides tea? Something stronger, perhaps?”

“After dinner, my dear.” Gino patted her hand. “Sophia is catering to Piper’s preferences tonight.”

With a shrug, the other woman sipped the drink, grimaced, and set it aside. “I’ll stick to water,” she muttered.

And so began a long string of complaints from Brandy about everything from the food to the decorations and candles. Dinner progressed with conversation between Gino and Brandy. Piper and Liam contributed little although the other pair didn’t seem to notice their lack of participation.

Throughout the meal, Liam found opportunities to touch her. A brush of fingertips over her cheek, a gentle squeeze of her hand, a wink when she glanced his way, an intimate smile. Although he remained alert and aware of Gino and Brandy, Liam’s focus centered around Piper. With every passing minute, she fell deeper in love with the handsome operative.

When the meal ended, Gino said, “Liam, escort Brandy into the library for a stronger drink. Get to know her better.”

Piper’s hand tightened around her fork. Uncle Gino was determined to separate her and Liam. Did he think Liam would succumb to Brandy’s charms, leaving the path clear for Gavin to move into her life? If so, he’d be disappointed.

Liam smiled. “I have a coffee date with two beautiful women as soon as the table’s cleared and the kitchen cleaned. I’ll have to pass.”

Brandy’s forehead furrowed. “A coffee date?”

“Sophia promised to share stories about Piper’s childhood with me.”

She scowled. “You prefer spending time with a servant than me?”

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