Page 79 of Merciless King

I grab my gun, checking the magazine. I hold it out for any nosy neighbor to see.

Danny's eyes widen. “You’re going to draw unnecessary attention.”

I nod, a grim smile on my face. "That's the point.”

29

PIPER

Ipour Gabriel another whiskey, my hands shaking as I add a few ice cubes to the glass. The sharp scent of alcohol stings my nostrils, but I don't dare show my revulsion. Not when Elysse is sitting next to Gabriel at the kitchen table, her eyes wide and frightened as she watches him.

Gabriel's face is a mess of purple bruises, his nose encased in a protective plastic cast. Elio did a number on him, and I can't help the small thrill of satisfaction that zings through me at the sight. But it's quickly replaced by dread as Gabriel takes a long sip of his drink, his cold eyes finding mine over the rim of the glass.

"Is dinner almost ready?" His words are slightly slurred, a testament to how much he's already had to drink.

I nod, turning back to the stove. "Five more minutes."

The chicken sizzles in the pan, and I stir the sautéed vegetables, trying to ignore the way my stomach churns with nerves.

Elysse shifts, her movement drawing Gabriel's attention. He sets his glass down on the coffee table with a thunk, leaning forward to pin her with a hard stare.

"And what about you, princess? Are you happy to be home with me?"

I tense, my grip tightening on the wooden spoon. Elysse mumbles something I can't quite hear, but it seems to satisfy Gabriel. He leans back, picking up his drink once more.

My heart pounds as I wait for the food to finish. Gabriel watches my every move, his eyes dark and glittering with a dangerous light. The knife I used to chop the vegetables now sits on the table next to him, too close to Elysse.

“Just in case you get any ideas,” he’d said when he took it and sat next to her.

I told Danny not to help me. Gabriel said he’d hurt Elysse if any help arrived. Yet I stand here, hoping that Elio will save us yet again. That he'll find a way to get us out of this nightmare once and for all. Until then, I have to play the dutiful wife. I have to keep Gabriel calm and placated.

“Come sit,” he commands. I’m about to tell him the dinner might burn, but that will likely inflame him. As will a burnt dinner. I can’t win.

I comply, sinking into the chair across from him. Elysse is next to him, her small body rigid with tension.

Gabriel's hand snakes out, gripping Elysse's arm in a bruising hold. She whimpers, and I lurch forward, ready to intervene. But the look he shoots me freezes me in place, a silent warning.

"Not a word from you," he hisses at me, his fingers tightening on Elysse's arm. "Or I'll make sure she regrets it."

I swallow hard, my eyes burning with unshed tears. I've never felt so helpless, so utterly powerless to protect my daughter.

"My real daddy will come for us. He won't let you hurt us anymore." Elysse’s voice is trembling but clear.

Gabriel's face contorts with rage, his grip on her arm turning brutal. "Your real daddy?" His eyes blaze with a terrifying madness I've never seen before. His fingers dig deeper into Elysse's arm, and she cries out in pain.

"You turned her against me," he snarls at me, spittle flying from his lips. "Filled her head with lies about her 'real daddy'. This is all your fault, you fucking whore!"

I flinch at the accusation, my heart racing. "Gabriel, please. Let her go. She didn't do anything wrong."

But he ignores me, his attention fixed solely on Elysse. "I'm your father. Not that Mafioso piece of shit. Me!"

Elysse whimpers, tears streaming down her face. I can't take it anymore. I lunge forward, grabbing Gabriel's wrist, trying to pry his fingers loose.

"Stop it!" Desperation claws at my throat. "You're hurting her!"

Gabriel backhands me with his free hand, sending me reeling backward. Pain explodes across my cheekbone as I hit the floor, stars dancing in my vision.

"You did this," he slurs, staggering to his feet. He sways drunkenly, his eyes unfocused and wild. "I’ve got a fucking broken nose from your murderous lover. You got me fired. Turned my own daughter against me. It's all your fault, you bitch!"