Page 55 of Relentless

“Find out what he wants. Should I use my new cell phone?”

He nodded. “He won’t be able to trace the call and pinpoint your location. Put the call on speaker.”

Piper retrieved her phone, called her uncle, and tapped the speaker button.

After five rings, a male voice answered.

“It’s Piper.”

After a few seconds of silence, he said, “I’m glad to finally hear from you. Three years is too long to sulk like a child.”

Liam scowled. Three years was too long for Gino Romano to hold a grudge against his niece for not falling into line and marrying a man who would have treated her with disrespect.

“How are you, Uncle Gino?”

“Missing my only niece. When are you coming home?”

Piper glanced at Liam, an unspoken question in her eyes.

He gave her a short nod. He didn’t know what game Romano was playing, but they’d be better off if Barone received word Piper was in town at the request of her uncle. Thin cover but Liam would take it anyway.

“I didn’t think you wanted to see me.”

“Come home. We’ll talk. Sofia will make your favorite dinner to celebrate your return. It’s time to put aside our differences. You have a destiny to fulfill.”

Liam didn’t like the sound of that and, from the expression on her face, neither did Piper.

“All right, Uncle Gino. I’ll come for a short visit but I’m not staying in Hartman. I have a new life that I enjoy.”

A snort. “In that little podunk town of Otter Creek? Ridiculous. You’re wasting your life there, wasting your business degree in a small business.”

Piper froze. “How do you know where I live and work?”

“Did you think I wouldn’t trace your whereabouts with a private investigator? You’re my only living relative. I was concerned about your welfare. When shall we expect you?”

“I’m not sure.”

Liam held up one finger.

“Maybe tomorrow or the day after,” she added.

“You can’t be more specific?” Romano sounded irritated.

“I have a few things to wrap up before I can travel.”

“I’ll see if I can find Gavin. I’m sure he would love to renew your friendship.”

Liam covered her knee with his hand and shook his head. Romano was throwing out a lure.

“I don’t want anything to do with Gavin,” Piper said. “He destroyed our dating relationship when he cheated on me. I will never trust him again. Besides, I’m bringing a friend with me to Hartman.”

“A friend?”

“His name is Liam.” She glanced at him, smiled. “He’s amazing.”

“Who is he?”

“The man I’m dating.”

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