Page 48 of Merciless King

She hesitates, looking between me and Gabriel. "Okay.” I watch until she disappears down the hall.

“Finally.” He pushes me onto the couch, his body looming over mine. “It’s been a long time, Piper.”

“You seem to prefer other women.” I wince at the wisdom of provoking him.

“I do. But I’ve decided it’s time I have a son. You’re going to give me one.”

Oh, God. Where is Elio?

Gabriel tugs at my clothes, and I close my eyes, knowing I’ll have to endure this. But then he stops. “What the fuck is this?”

I freeze as Gabriel holds up a cufflink, his eyes blazing with fury. My heart pounds in my chest, my mouth going dry.

He moves off me but stands over me. “Who was here, Piper?”

I swallow hard, my mind racing for an explanation. "It's… it's nothing. Just an old piece of jewelry."

He leans over, his face in mine. “You think I’m stupid? You think I don’t know this is a man’s cufflink? A cheap one at that. Who are you spreading your legs for?”

I try to stand up to move away, but he pushes me back. “Gabriel, please. It's not what you think."

He grabs my arm, his fingers digging into my flesh. "Then what is it, huh? Door to door salesman?" He sneers. “I’m not an idiot. Who are you seeing behind my back?”

Tears sting my eyes as I shake my head frantically. "No one. Just an old friend from high school stopped by to say hi. That’s it."

His grip tightens, his face inches from mine. "I don’t believe you.”

"Gabriel, stop," I plead. "You're hurting me."

But he's beyond reason, consumed by jealous rage. He shoves me back, his hand wrapping around my throat. "Who is he, Piper? Who have you been fucking behind my back?"

I gasp for air, clawing at his hand. "No one. I swear, there's no one else."

Out of the corner of my eye, Elysse appears standing in the hallway, her eyes wide with terror. Oh, God, not in front of her. Please, not in front of my baby.

I try to catch her eye, to silently plead with her to run, to hide. But she's frozen in fear.

Gabriel follows my gaze, his grip loosening slightly as he sees Elysse. "Get out of here," he barks at her. "Go to your room."

I take the moment to catch my breath.

"Mommy," Elysse whimpers.

Gabriel takes a step toward her. “You'd better listen to me if you know what’s good for you.”

I fly up from the couch. “No. Don’t touch her.” I lunge at Gabriel, grabbing him, knowing this could be the last thing I ever do.

He grabs and pushes me hard. I stumble back, falling over the coffee table. “You fucking bitch. You think you can tell me what to do?”

“Go to your room, Elysse,” I call out as Gabriel lifts me from the floor like I’m a rag doll.

Elysse’s eyes dart around, and I know she’s looking for a way to help. No, baby. Just hide. Her gaze settles on my phone next to my purse. Her little fingers snatch it up, clutching it close as she backs away.

My baby is so brave. Braver than I've ever been.

Gabriel's hand cracks across my face, sending me sprawling to the floor. I taste blood, my vision blurring.

"This is all your fault." He spits, grabbing my hair and yanking me to my feet.