Page 93 of Relentless

Piper gripped his hand and urged Gino to sit beside her. “He cheated on me while we dated, Uncle Gino. Not once, but over and over. I couldn’t trust him after that. Besides, I love Liam.”

Gino’s eyes widened. “I see.”

“I plan to marry Piper, sir. I’d like your permission and blessing.”

A small smile curved the old man’s mouth. “And if I won’t give it?”

Piper’s breath caught at the mischief dancing in her uncle’s eyes. This was the uncle she adored. But was it the real Gino? The possibility that he was behind her troubles remained. He had means, motive, and opportunity.

Liam’s own lips tipped up at the corners. “I’ll be sorry to cause you distress but that won’t change my plans. I love your niece.”

A soft sigh. “I’m disappointed in Gavin. He turned out to be like his father.”

Piper frowned. “You knew Gavin was like that but you still encouraged me to be with him?”

“The match would have been a good one.”

For who? Not for her.

“Some women wouldn’t mind a wandering husband if they had access to a life of luxury.”

“I’m not one of them,” she said flatly.

“I see that. Liam, you and Piper have my blessing. I hope your marriage is blessed with children and many years of love and laughter.” With a pat of Piper’s hand, Gino rose. “I’ll return to bed for a few more hours of sleep.” He pierced Liam with a pointed look. “I expect to hear if anything else happens in my home.”

“Including if we find more listening devices and cameras planted in our rooms?” he asked.

Gino’s jaw hardened. “Including that. Looks like I’ll be talking to my security people later today. Do you have recommendations for security improvements?”

“Several, if you’re interested.”

“We’ll talk later.” With a wave of his hand, he walked to the hallway and spoke with one of the security guards who hurried off to carry out his orders.

Piper leaned her head against Liam’s shoulder. “What are we going to do?”

“For now, nothing. We’re staying on this couch where I can watch over you for the rest of the night. No one will get through me to hurt you.”

“You need to sleep.”

“So do you. I’m used to staying awake for days at a time on missions. Staying awake for one night won’t hurt me.”

“You have to sleep sometime.”

“We’ll figure something out.” He squeezed her shoulder, his gaze intent.

They hadn’t checked this room for bugs or cameras. Piper swallowed hard, flinching at the soreness in her throat. The thought of sleeping with possible bugs or cameras keeping track of every breath or movement made her skin crawl.

She shook her head. “I can’t,” she whispered.

“Then sit with me and let me hold you.” Liam palmed the remote and channel-surfed until he found a station running episodes of a cozy mystery series she enjoyed. “Just relax,” he murmured. “I think we should count this as another date and another step in my attempt to romance you.”

Piper tilted her head back. “Watching old episodes of a television series?”

“I prefer shows with more action in them. This is a real sacrifice, Sunshine.”

She burst into laughter, a surprise considering a moment ago she felt no humor at their situation. Piper snuggled close to Liam’s side. “That’s quite a sacrifice. I’ll give you credit for a date.”

“Awesome. I promise to come up with something better for the next date.”

“My turn to choose the date and I have a perfect place.”

“Hmm. Sounds intriguing. What’s my reward for going along with your plan?”

“Your choice.”

He chuckled. “That’s easy. Another kiss.”

“Deal.” Her plan would work if Liam was as good as she thought he was. If not, they’d be leading the enemy to Gavin’s next clue.

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