Page 77 of Merciless King
I scan my brain for ideas that don’t include murder. “I don’t want to do the same petty shit he’s doing.”
Matteo laughs. “It’s petty because he’s too afraid to do more.”
I nod, although I’m thinking his fear is of Caruso, not me. “What do we know about ships on the lake?” I ask of Vincenzo’s smuggling operation.
“Rumor he’s got a drug haul going out.”
“Sink it.”
Matteo's eyes widen in shock and admiration. "Damn. That's a bold move."
"I’ve done my best to make things right with him, and he continues this bullshit. He called Piper a whore. No one does that without severe consequences. He's lucky I didn't put a bullet in his head right then and there."
Matteo nods slowly, a grin spreading across his face. “Lana will be thrilled.”
I laugh, knowing no doubt, she will.
Matteo's expression turns serious. "What about Caruso? Should you check?—"
I wave off his concern, my confidence unwavering. "I'll handle Caruso.” With that decided, my next problem is Piper. I shouldn’t have been so terse with her. When we talk later, I’ll need to do better at managing my frustration. Still, I need her to understand that as long as Gabriel is walking this earth, he’ll be a threat to her and Elysse. But I need to do it in a way that absolves her from guilt.
Perhaps I should take her for dinner and we can talk there. I haven’t taken her on a real date since our reunion.
My phone rings, interrupting my problem solving. I see it’s Piper and my heart fills with emotion. God, I have to make this work.
“Piper?” I’m glad to have the opportunity to start making amends. “Listen, how about you and Elysse?—”
"Gabriel has Elysse. He picked her up from school and he says I have to come home alone or he'll hurt her."
My world stops. “Tell me you’re not going home.”
“I have to?—”
“Piper, listen to me. You can't go there alone. It's too dangerous. I’m on my way." I turn to Matteo. “Get to Gabriel’s. Fast.”
"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…" She trails off. I know what’s she saying, and it feels like my fucking life is ending.
"Piper, no. Is Danny with you?” I’m sure he’s supposed to be driving her.
“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.” I want to reach through the phone and make her obey me.
"I'm sorry, Elio. I have to do this. I have to keep her safe, no matter what it costs me.”
Fucking hell. I slam the side of my fist into my door. “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.”
“Elio, I love you.”
Fuck. Now she says the words I’ve been desperate to hear? Now? “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, no matter what it takes."
She hangs up.
“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”