Page 56 of Merciless King
I reach a kitchen that has a large bay window with a breakfast table. Elysse holds a sandwich in one hand and game cards in the other.
Across from her, Elio and Matteo lean in, their faces scrunched in concentration. A deck of cards lies between them.
"Got any threes?" Elysse chirps, her voice lighter than I'd expect.
Matteo groans dramatically, handing over a card. "You're cleaning us out, kid."
Relief washes over me as I watch my daughter giggle, clearly at ease with these two men who, just a few hours ago, made her wary.
Elio glances up, catching my eye. He sets down his cards and approaches me, concern etched on his face. "How are you? There's coffee and food if you're hungry."
I nod, still processing the scene before me. "Elysse… how long has she been up?"
"I went to check on you about an hour ago. I found her awake and coaxed her down here to let you rest. I think before, she was afraid of us, but now we’re afraid of her.”
I smile. “Not many people beat her at cards. Or board games.”
“I should take her to Vegas.”
I arch a brow at him. He laughs. “I’m kidding.”
“Go fish,” Matteo tells Elysse.
She picks up a card from the pile. “Fish, fish, I got my wish!” she exclaims triumphantly.
Matteo dramatically slaps his forehead. "Good thing we're not playing for money.”
“Can I get you something to eat?” Elio asks.
Actually, what I want is to clean up. I feel like I have Gabriel on me. “What I really want is a shower.”
“Let me show you to your bath.” Elio puts his arm around me. “Will you two be okay while I take Piper to clean up?”
“Do you know how to play Crazy 8s?” Elysse asks Matteo.
“I don’t, but you can teach me.” Matteo nods toward Elio in what I determine means he’s happy to hold down the fort.
“I can ask Elysse to come.”
Elio rubs his hands up and down my arms. “She’s fine. Give yourself a moment.”
“I’m going to clean up, okay?” I say to Elysse.
“’K,” she responds absently as she picks up her cards.
I follow Elio upstairs, eager to wash away the trauma of the day. Elio guides me into the room he mentioned earlier was his.
“I have the nicest shower and tub,” he says sheepishly, as if he doesn’t want me to think he’s trying to push me into sharing his room. I do have some unease about all this. Am I moving too fast, jumping from one man's arms to another's?
Elio seems to sense my hesitation. He pauses outside the bathroom door, turning to face me. "If you’re not comfortable, I can show you another bathroom. I won’t deny that I’m ready to have the life we always said we would, but I understand you may need time.”
I meet his gaze, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. He's giving me a chance to set the pace. Knowing that shifts something inside me. He’s not telling me how it is. He's not pushing me. He’s giving me a choice.
Resistance falls away, and I give in to my heart. “This is fine.”
Elio’s hand rests gently on the small of my back as he guides me into the bathroom. It's spacious and luxurious, with a large walk-in shower and fluffy towels hanging on the rack.
"Take as much time as you need." He hands me a fresh towel.