Page 34 of Merciless King

"Mom says my real dad is somewhere else.”

“Like where?”

She shrugs. “Maybe in heaven." Elysse's voice is matter-of-fact, but I can hear the wistful note behind it.

My heart clenches. She thinks her father is dead? Why doesn’t Piper tell her? Is Elysse too young to know the truth? And who is this guy? I do some mental calculations, deciding she must have gotten pregnant soon after she moved away. Unless… no. Piper would have said something if I were the father. Wouldn’t she?

I swallow hard, my mind spinning with unanswered questions.

Elysse looks up at me, her eyes wide and innocent. "I wish my real dad could have been someone nice like you."

Her simple, heartfelt statement rocks me to my core. Emotion rolls through in a large, powerful wave, humbled and awed by this little girl's trust in me. It's combined with a yearning to be the man, the father, she deserves.

"That's very sweet of you to say," I manage. "I'm sure your real dad, wherever he is, loves you very much."

“Do you have kids?”

I shake my head. “I don’t.”

“Do you want some?”

“I do.”

She beams up at me, her smile brighter than the neon-colored lights overhead. And for a fleeting moment, everything feels right in the world. But then I catch sight of Piper emerging from the restroom, her face pale and drawn. Reality comes crashing back, reminding me of the obstacles that still stand in our way. Obstacles that I’m determined to overcome.

15

PIPER

Ican't believe how well the night has gone, despite my initial trepidation over Elio spending time with Elysse. Watching them together, laughing and joking as they skate around the rink, fills me with a bittersweet mixture of joy and anxiety. Joy because it's been so long since I've seen Elysse this happy, her eyes sparkling with delight as Elio helps her perfect her skating technique. And anxiety because with every passing moment, I worry that Elio might start to notice the little things about Elysse that remind me so much of him.

But even with that underlying fear, I can't deny that this has been one of the best nights I've had in a long time. Elio is a natural with Elysse, patient and kind, making her feel at ease in a way that Gabriel never has. It's clear that he genuinely enjoys spending time with her, and the feeling seems to be mutual.

As I watch them together, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me, a feeling I haven't experienced in years. For just a moment, I allow myself to imagine what life could be like if things had been different. If Elio kept his promises. But I quickly push those thoughts aside, knowing that dwelling on what-ifs is a waste of time.

For now, I'll cherish this moment, this brief respite from the harsh realities of my life. Tonight, I'll let myself enjoy the company of the man I once loved and the daughter we created together.

As the evening draws to a close, Elio insists on driving Elysse and me home, not wanting us to order a car this late at night. My heart races at the prospect of spending more time with him, even as my mind screams that it's a terrible idea. But with Elysse's eager agreement and Elio's charming insistence, I find myself agreeing.

The drive home is filled with laughter and easy conversation, Elysse regaling Elio with stories of her favorite books and movies while he listens attentively, asking questions and sharing his own experiences. I try to focus on the passing streetlights, but my gaze keeps drifting to Elio's profile, his strong jawline and the way his lips curve into a smile as he chats with my daughter.

Too soon, we arrive at our house, and Elio walks us to the door like a true gentleman. As I fumble with my keys, Elysse pipes up, her voice filled with hope. "Elio, do you want to come inside for a bit? Maybe we could play a game."

I freeze, my heart leaping into my throat. "Oh, sweetie, I'm sure Elio has other plans. It's getting late, and we shouldn't keep him."

But Elio just smiles, his eyes locking with mine. "I'd love to."

I hesitate, torn between the desire to spend more time with him and the knowledge that it's a dangerous path to tread.

“Please, Mommy.”

Elysse's pleading eyes and Elio's earnest expression are difficult to refuse. "Okay, sure. Come on in."

As Elio steps inside, I can't shake the feeling that I'm inviting more than just a man into my home. I’m inviting danger. Danger if Gabriel finds out. Danger from Elio’s profession.

As I go get some wine, Elio and Elysse play a game of Chutes and Ladders. When she wins, I send her up to get ready for bed.

“Will you tuck me in?” she asks Elio.