Page 18 of Relentless

“It’s a gift.” He smiled at her soft laughter. “Knowing what he did and his connection to Gino and Matteo, why would you rush to Gavin’s aid? You can’t have parted on good terms.”

“Not even close. I confronted him in a restaurant full of people. I know it doesn’t make sense, but he was a friend before he became more. He doesn’t scare easily. Something is wrong.”

“Does it have anything to do with your uncle or Matteo?” Liam could see all kinds of trouble coming if Gavin’s fear was connected to either of those two men.

“I don’t know. He talked fast, begging me to come to his Wilmington Resort cabin. He said he’d tell me more when I arrived. The kidnappers derailed my plans. I have to go see him. If he’s in trouble with my uncle, I may be able to help.” She sighed. “Probably not, though. Uncle Gino was furious when I refused to go along with his plan and moved away from our hometown to get away from him, Matteo, and Gavin.”

“Is it possible Gavin pretended to be afraid to have a chance to win you back?”

Piper was silent a moment, then shook her head. “The fear was genuine. Looking back, Gavin loved himself more than he did me. I can’t see him crawling back three years later to beg forgiveness. He has to have moved on with his life by now.”

Maybe not. Some women haunted you, grabbing a piece of your heart and never letting go. Liam had a feeling Piper was one of those women. “All right. We’ll go together.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Yeah, it is. I’m not convinced you’re safe. I won’t take chances with your life. We also don’t know if Gavin was involved in your kidnapping attempt.”

“He wasn’t.”

“Hear me out. If Gavin knows you at all, he understands convincing you to take him back will require more than a pretty apology. Maybe he wanted to be the hero and rescue you.”

She eased back to look Liam in the eyes. “That’s what the Cherry Hill detective said about you.”

He’d been afraid of that. “Do you believe him?”

“Why would I?”

Despite the dim lighting in the room, Liam saw the hint of color staining her cheeks. “It’s no secret that I’m crazy about you and have been for a while. Maybe Gavin had a friend who scouted around town, heard the scuttlebutt, and decided to capitalize on it by painting himself in a good light.”

“It’s possible although I’m not convinced. He wouldn’t go to that much trouble to get me back. He would simply find another woman. He never had problems lining them up. Liam, I know you didn’t set up the kidnapping to ride to my rescue. You already impress me by being who you are.”

He stared. “How can you say that? I killed two men last night.”

“To protect me. You keep forgetting that part. How can I not be impressed with a man who does the right thing even though taking those actions might cost him his own life? I’m sorry you were forced into that position, but I’m grateful you didn’t hesitate. You’re an amazing man, Liam McCoy. Thank you for what you did.”

He laid a finger gently across her lips. “Enough. I don’t need your thanks. I just want you safe.”

A light knock on the door brought Liam to his feet, weapon in his hand.

His team leader slipped into the room and smiled when he saw Piper was awake. “You look good. How do you feel?”

“Like I ran into Rocky’s fist. I want out of here.”

“Grace told me Dr. Anderson usually starts his rounds at seven o’clock. You have another hour to wait. Nick Santana is here. You up to talking to him again?”

Piper sighed. “Send him in.”

The Otter Creek detective strode inside the hospital room a moment later, fatigue evident. Looked like he’d been awake all night. He shook Liam’s hand. “Glad you’re back safely from your mission.”

“Thanks.”

“Got a copy of the initial report on the shooting from the Cherry Hill PD. Looks like justifiable homicide.”

Liam shrugged. “We’ll see if the DA agrees.”

“Ethan knows the DA. He’ll do what he can to turn the tide in your favor.” Nick turned toward Piper. “How are you?”

“Ready to break out of this joint.”

He smiled. “I’m not surprised.”

“Did you talk to Gavin?”

Nick’s smile faded. “By the time I arrived at the cabin, Gavin was gone.”

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