Page 79 of Relentless

They walked up the stairs under the watchful eyes of her uncle’s security detail. As she and Liam drew closer, Piper realized Gino Romano had aged and lost a lot of weight. He didn’t look healthy, his skin sallow. Gino’s wrist bones protruded and his fingers resembled thin sticks.

An invisible band squeezed Piper’s heart. Was her uncle sick? “Uncle Gino.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Piper.” He held out a hand to Liam. “Gino Romano.”

“Liam McCoy. Thanks for opening your home to me.”

A small smile curved Gino’s lips. “Piper didn’t leave me a choice.”

“Still, I appreciate the hospitality, sir.”

After a short nod, he turned his attention to Piper. “Come. We have much to discuss. Your friend can bring luggage to your rooms while we talk.”

Liam stiffened.

Piper shook her head. “I don’t have secrets from Liam. No offense, Uncle Gino, but after the past two days, I don’t trust anyone except Liam.”

Gino’s brows beetled. “You’re perfectly safe in your own home, Piper. I have more security than ever.”

“He comes with me.”

“I suppose the luggage can be dealt with later. Follow me.” He turned on his heel and led the way into the house.

As they passed through the lobby and headed toward Gino’s office, Piper caught glimpses of various rooms and realized nothing had changed since she left.

When Gino entered his office, one of the security guards barred the way before Liam and Piper crossed the threshold. “You armed?” he asked Liam.

“I’m in private security. What do you think?”

The guard snorted and held out his hand, palm up. “No one goes armed into a closed-door meeting with Mr. Romano. Hand them over.”

“No.” Liam cupped Piper’s arm and turned her away from the office.

“Wait.” Gino laid a hand on the guard’s arm although his gaze remained fixed on Liam. “You don’t plan to harm me, do you, young man?”

“As long as you aren’t a threat to Piper.”

“There. You see?” The older man motioned for the security guard to step aside. “I’ll be fine. If it makes you feel better, wait in the hall.”

With an unspoken warning, the guard moved enough for Piper and Liam to pass.

Once he closed the door, Gino waved them to chairs in front of his desk. “Have a seat. Who do you work for, McCoy?”

“Fortress Security.”

Gino’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s an elite group. How long have you worked for them?”

“A few years.”

“I understand why you’re hypervigilant. It’s not necessary here.”

“Piper was kidnapped twice and had shots fired at her. I don’t trust anyone with her safety.”

“Kidnapped? Why would anyone kidnap my niece?”

“That’s what I plan to find out.”

“Uncle Gino, we haven’t spoken in years. Why insist that I come home now?”

After a lingering speculative look at Liam, Gino shifted his focus to Piper. “There’s no easy way to tell you this, child.”

Piper’s nails dug into her palm. “Just say it.”

“I’m dying.”

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