Page 32 of Merciless King
She must take after her father. She doesn’t have the blonde hair and blue eyes of her mother. And yet, I can still see Piper in the shape of her face.
I glance at Piper. God, she's still so beautiful it nearly takes my breath away. But there's a wariness in her eyes now, a hardness that wasn't there before. She's built walls around herself that I long to break through. I want to be there for her, to support her, no matter what she's going through.
As we eat and chat, I feel the warmth and closeness between Piper and Elysse. They have their little jokes, their knowing looks. Despite whatever hardships they've faced, their love for each other shines through. Motherhood is a new side of Piper I haven’t seen, nurturing, patient, playful. It gnaws at the deep longing inside me.
I have to fight the overwhelming urge to pull them both into my arms, to protect them from whatever demons they're battling. I want to be a part of this little family, as crazy and impossible as that seems. I know I have no right. They belong to someone else. Someone else who mistreats them. I could be what they need. I want to be what they need, but it’s clear that Piper doesn’t want me around. What I can’t figure out is why? She seems bitter and resentful toward me, like I did something wrong. Is it guilt from cheating on her husband with me? No, because she was like that from the moment I saw her at the bank. I want to ask her what’s going on but know I can’t in front of Elysse.
I focus on keeping things light, on making Elysse giggle with silly stories, on coaxing reluctant smiles from Piper. For now, I'll take what I can get. But one way or another, I’ll tear down the fortress Piper has erected. I'll prove to her that she can trust me, that I'll move heaven and earth to keep her and Elysse safe. Or I’ll die trying.
As dinner comes to an end, I’m desperate to find an excuse to stay by their sides. “Can I walk you to your car?” I ask.
“We don’t have a car,” Elysse says. “Mommy isn’t allowed.”
Piper’s expression is stricken. “It’s not that, sweetie.”
“They drive on the wrong side here,” Elysse says.
I try to keep things light as I say, “That depends on who you ask.” But I glance at Piper, wondering why she’s not allowed to have a car. A flare of anger flickers at the thought of her husband exerting that kind of petty control over Piper and Elysse. The Piper I used to know was vibrant and independent. She never would have tolerated this.
“We just haven’t made arrangements for another car. Besides, we can get an Uber whenever we need, right?”
“Please let me drive you home,” I say.
“We’re going skating now, aren’t we, Mommy?”
“Yes, we are.”
“You can come with us.” Elysse’s little hands rest on my forearm, her eyes pleading. I’ve fallen in love for the second time in my life. I have to make them mine.
Piper looks adorably flustered as she glances at my tailored suit. "Sweetie, I don't think Elio is dressed for roller skating?—”
“I just need skates,” I say.
She gives me an exasperated look. “I’m sure you have more important?—”
“I don’t.” There’s nothing more important than you two.
Piper hesitates, biting her lip in that way she does when she's uncertain.
But Elysse is already bouncing on her toes in excitement. “Please, Mommy.”
“I’m going with or without you,” I state. “Since I’m going, I could give you a ride.” I wait a moment, then shrug and make like I’m leaving. I nod toward one of my men, extra security for tonight. “Can you get my car? I’m going roller skating.”
His brow furrows at the unusual request, but he does as I ask.
“So, are you riding with me or no?”
Elysse presses the palms of her hands together in front of her heart. “Pleeease, Mommy.”
“Oh, alright. I suppose it would be faster than waiting for a ride.”
"Yay!" Elysse cheers. She takes my hand, and my heart nearly beats out of my chest. I glance up at Piper, wanting her to see that her daughter thinks I’m one of the good guys. What I see is worry in Piper’s eyes. Why?
I’m glad I drove the SUV instead of the Porsche. It will be safer for Elysse. I wonder if she needs a car seat? But then I realize that if it were the case, Piper would have one.
I help them into the vehicle. As I move to the driver side, I text my men to let them know where I’m going. I have extra security, as do most of my businesses with Vincenzo on his retaliation tour. I’m not worried he’d kill me or anyone in my family, but better safe than sorry.
“Do you know how to roller skate?” Elysse asks from the back seat.