Page 76 of Merciless King

"Gabriel has Elysse. He picked her up from school, and he says I have to come home alone or he'll hurt her."

There's a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. “Tell me you’re not going home.”

Danny turns onto Gabriel’s street.

“I have to?—”

“Piper, listen to me. You can't go there alone. It's too dangerous. I’m on my way."

I close my eyes, tears streaming down my cheeks as I clutch the phone like a lifeline. "I don't have a choice, Elio. He has our daughter. I have to go. I have to make sure she's safe. Even if it means…" I trail off, unable to finish the thought.

"Piper, no.” He swears and sucks in a breath. “Is Danny with you?”

“He’s driving, but Gabriel says I can’t bring anyone?—”

“Stay with Danny. I’m coming. Fucking hell, Piper… just this once… please… don’t walk in there alone.”

The desperation in his voice breaks my heart. I wish I could comply. I wish I could ease the terror he’s feeling. But my mind is made up. I have to go to Gabriel. I have to do whatever it takes to protect Elysse. She's the one pure and good thing in my life, and I won't let anyone hurt her. Not even if it means sacrificing everything else.

"I'm sorry, Elio," I whisper, my heart breaking with each word. "I have to do this. I have to keep her safe, no matter what it costs me.”

“Dammit, Piper.”

“It’s what you’d do. You told me so. You’re right. I’d give anything… everything for her.”

“Baby… please… just wait.”

Danny pulls the car into the drive.

“Elio, I love you.” I realize I haven’t said the words to him since I was eighteen years old.

Elio curses. “I'm on my way, okay? I'm coming to help you. We'll get Elysse back, I promise. I won't let that bastard hurt either of you."

I close my eyes, my heart clenching at the desperation in his voice. “We’re here. I love you.” I end the call. There’s no time to waste.

Danny goes to get out of the car.

“Wait here. Don’t let him see you?—”

“The boss wouldn’t like that,” Danny says.

“You’ll only make it worse. He’ll hurt Elysse if he sees you.”

Danny doesn’t like it, but he nods in understanding.

I steel myself for what lies ahead. The punches. The kicking. Maybe he’ll kill me. I hope I can get Elysse out before any of that happens. As I step up to the door, I pull together my resolve and I take solace in knowing Elio will save Elysse and raise her in a loving home.

28

ELIO

Isit in the SUV as Matteo drives through the city. I'm pissed at Vincenzo and loaded with guilt about my behavior toward Piper today.

“Problem?” Matteo asks.

“It’s time to put Vincenzo in his place. I’ve been patient and trying to work this out for long enough.”

“No fucking doubt about that. What do you have in mind?”