Page 8 of Merciless King

"At least tell me you managed to unpack my den," he barks.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "Y–Yes, It’s finished."

His eyes narrow, lips curling in a sneer. "Bring me dinner there, then clean this mess up.” He turns away, muttering under his breath. "And don't bother me again tonight."

With that, he strides from the room, snatching up a bottle of whiskey on his way out. I flinch as the den door slams behind him, the sound echoing through the silent house.

Elysse looks up at me, her dark eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

My heart clenches as I gather her into my arms, holding her close. "Shh, it's okay, sweetie," I murmur, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Everything's going to be just fine." God. How can she ever believe me?

I thought moving back to Chicago would be a fresh start, a chance to build a better life for Elysse. Gabriel was under so much pressure in England. His transfer here came with a big raise, but also better hours. All things that should make him happy.

With Elio's reappearance and Gabriel's growing volatility, I'm starting to wonder if life is just going to continue to spiral downward. And with it, I’ll be taking Elysse, an innocent child.

Carefully, I disentangle myself from Elysse's embrace. I make a plate for Gabriel.

“Wait here, okay?” I say to Elysse. I know I need to get Gabriel's dinner to him, but the thought of facing him again makes my stomach churn. Still, I force myself to carry his dinner to the den, steeling myself as I knock on the door.

"What?" comes the gruff response.

"I have your dinner," I call out, hating the way my voice trembles.

There's a moment of silence, then the door swings open. Gabriel stands there, glass of whiskey in hand, his expression unreadable. "Leave it on the desk.” He steps aside to let me in.

I do as he says, setting the plate down and backing away quickly.

"Piper."

I pause, my heart pounding. "Yes?"

"Don't bother me again tonight," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "Understand?"

I nod quickly, not trusting myself to speak. As I leave, I’m relieved he plans to spend the evening in his study. He’ll likely be watching porn. Hopefully, he’ll take care of his needs himself and not come looking for my help. Sex with Gabriel had never been great. He never seemed to care much about my experience of it. Not like Elio.

God. I can't think about him in front of Gabriel. I hurry out of the room, closing the door behind me with a shaky sigh. Back in the kitchen, I find that Elysse is trying to clean up the mess.

“I’ll do that, baby. Let me get you dinner. How was art today?” God should strike me dead for acting like everything is normal. I make her plate and set it on the kitchen table.

“We did flowers.”

I study the picture on the table. “Oh, it’s lovely. Can I keep it?”

She nods, her movements slow as she picks up her fork to eat. A part of me says to take her now and leave. But where would I go?

Elio.

As a member of the Mafia, he could protect us, right? But no. I can’t go to him.

"Why is he always so angry?" Elysse’s voice interrupts my thoughts.

My heart breaks at her words. "I guess things were stressful at work. It has nothing to do with you. It’s not your fault."

Elysse looks up at me, her dark eyes shimmering with tears. "But he’s so mean.”

“I’m sorry.” I pull her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

She resumes eating and I finish cleaning up the mess. I glance at Elysse, watching the way her small hands tremble as she tries to eat. This isn't the life I wanted for her, this constant fear and uncertainty.