Page 54 of Merciless King

I slam my fist into his stomach, doubling him over. "Wrong answer. You crossed a line, you piece of shit." I grab him by the hair and wrench his head back. "You put your hands on the woman I love, the mother of my child. There's no coming back from that." I lean in close so all he can see is my face. “You’re going to pay with your life.”

Gabriel's eyes widen, his mouth falling open in shock. His eyes slide to the right toward Matteo as if he might help him.

“Now you know what it feels like, don’t you? The fear? The pain?” I let loose, raining blows on him, channeling all of my rage and fear into each punch.

If he’s saying anything now, I don’t hear it. The roaring in my ears is rage and retribution.

21

PIPER

Istep out of the house, my arm wrapped protectively around Elysse who’s gripping my leg. Elio walks on my other side, his arm banded around me. I feel safe in his presence and yet, unsettled as well. I’d always known Elio to be affable, easygoing. Tonight, I saw murder in his eyes.

As we approach Elio's sleek black SUV, Elysse trembles against me. Her small fingers dig into my leg, and I can sense her fear. I worry about what's going through her young mind. Is it the adrenaline from the terrifying situation we just escaped? Or is she scared of Elio and the imposing man standing next to his car? He clearly works for Elio as he’d done Elio’s bidding while in the house.

The stranger crouches down to Elysse’s level and offers a gentle smile, but Elysse buries her face in my side, refusing to look at him.

"This is my cousin, Matteo," Elio explains, his voice soft and reassuring.

Matteo rises, stepping aside, giving us space. Elio moves forward, opening the back door of the SUV. He extends his hand to help me in, and I hesitate for a moment before accepting it. His touch sends a jolt through me, a mix of familiarity and uncertainty.

"Come on, sweetheart," I murmur to Elysse, guiding her into the vehicle. She clambers in, still clinging to me as if her life depends on it. I slide in after her, pulling her close as Elio shuts the door behind us.

The car ride is a blur, my mind still reeling from the events that just unfolded. Elio's voice cuts through the haze as he instructs Matteo to call the doctor. I glance over at Elysse, who has curled up against me, her eyes closed but her body still tense. I stroke her hair, trying to offer what little comfort I can.

As we pull up to Elio's home, a sense of unease settles in my stomach. I've never met his family before, only his parents when they caused my family to leave town all those years ago. The memory stings, but I push it aside, focusing on the present.

We step out of the car, and Elio guides us toward the entrance. The door swings open, revealing a striking woman with dark hair and piercing eyes.

Elio tenses for a moment, as if he’s anticipating negativity from the woman. “This is my sister, Lana. Lana, Piper and Elysse.”

She regards me with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, her gaze lingering on Elysse. “Welcome.”

“Thank you for having?—”

“This is your home now.” Elio’s voice leaves no room for discussion. What I don’t know is whether he’s convincing me or his sister. I don’t want to be bossed around anymore, but right now, I don’t have the energy to confront him.

Elio leads us upstairs, his hand resting gently on the small of my back. He shows Elysse to a room.

“This is your room. Anything you want or need, you tell me, okay? We’ll redecorate it however you want. It can be a princess castle. A jungle. Whatever you wish,” Elio tells her.

Elysse hesitates, looking back at me with uncertainty.

I give her a reassuring nod. “It’s big, isn’t it?”

“Is it too big?” Elio almost sounds like he’s desperate to make sure Elysse likes the room. Likes him.

“It’s fine,” I say.

Elio then turns to me. “There is a room next door or… mine is across the hall there.” He points down the hall.

I’m not quite ready to face the intimacy of sharing his space, nor am I ready to leave Elysse alone.

“I’m just going to stay with her for now.”

He nods. “What can I get you?” His eyes are filled with concern.

“I just want to rest.”