Page 43 of Merciless King

My gaze jerks to his. “You can’t kill him, Elio.”

He arches a brow. “I didn’t say I would. I’d rather him live in fear like he’s made you live in fear.”

I can’t deny there’s a petty part of me that would enjoy that. “I just want to be free of him.”

“Then you will be. And if you're not ready for us… my house is large. You and Elysse can have your own suite of rooms.”

I can hear in his voice that it’s not what he wants. But I appreciate the offer. He’s giving me choices.

“Thank you.”

He leans in and kisses me. “So… when would you like to move?”

I smile at how he’s rephrased the statement to include my input. “Tomorrow. Elysse and I can be packed with our bare necessities by lunchtime.”

“Thank fuck.” His smile is wide, like he’d just won the lottery. Then he pushes me back on the bed. “Speaking of fuck…” He rises over me, sinks into me, and I give myself over to him, to my decision to be with him.

18

ELIO

Igaze at Piper's sleeping form beside me, her face still etched with worry even in slumber. Seeing her like this, so helpless and afraid, ignites a fierce protectiveness within me. I vow that I will save her and Elysse from Gabriel's clutches, no matter the cost. Of course, that’s the thinking she’s fighting me against. She wants to have a sense of control in her life.

My mind wanders to the vibrant, strong-willed girl Piper used to be when we first fell in love. The acts by our parents and then years of abuse and fear have dimmed her light. I’m determined to help her reclaim her strength. She deserves to live freely and without fear, to make her own choices and chase her dreams. And our daughter deserves a childhood filled with love and safety, not violence and instability.

As I pull Piper closer, she stirs slightly, nestling into my embrace. In this moment, holding the woman I love and the mother of my child, I feel a sense of completeness I haven't known in years. This is my family. For a time, I’d been sure any family I created would be arranged, an alliance to boost business. Now I have a real family, and I’ll fight for them with every fiber of my being.

Exhaustion finally takes hold and my eyes grow heavy. I press a tender kiss to Piper's forehead before allowing sleep to claim me.

A shrill ring pierces the quiet, jolting me from a deep slumber. I groan, reaching for my phone on the nightstand. It’s not there. Then I remember I’m at Piper’s. I slip from bed and find my phone still in my coat pocket.

The caller ID reads Matteo. This can't be good.

"What is it?" I grumble, my voice thick with sleep.

"We've got a situation, Elio. Several of our guys were arrested last night."

I’m suddenly wide awake. "What happened?" I glance at my watch, noting that it’s nearly six in the morning.

"Not sure yet. But our usual contacts at the precinct aren't playing ball. We're on our own here."

I curse under my breath, glancing over at Piper's sleeping form. She looks so peaceful. I want to keep it that way.

“Call Tony and meet me at home. I’ll be there in twenty.”

There’s a pause, and I’m sure he’s wondering where I am in the middle of the night.

"On it, Boss." The line goes dead.

I quickly dress and then take a moment to take Piper in. My heart clenches at the thought of leaving Piper and Elysse unprotected. But I have no choice. If I don't handle this now, it could come back to bite us all later.

I sit on the edge of the bed, my hand sliding down Piper’s delectable form. "I'm sorry, baby. Something's come up with work and I have to go."

"Is everything okay?" Her voice is heavy with sleep.

“It will be. Just some business I need to take care of." I hesitate, not wanting to leave her alone. "When is your husband expected back?"

Piper's face falls slightly. "Later tonight."