Page 42 of Merciless King

When I don’t have a response, Elio's frustration mounts. He gets out of bed, pacing the room like a caged animal. "What's your plan, Piper? What decisions have you made to leave your husband, eh?” His tone more than his words cut me deeply, striking at the heart of my helplessness and fear.

I've been trapped in this nightmare for so long, I've almost forgotten what it feels like to have control over my own life. But I refuse to let him see how much his question unsettles me.

"You think I haven't tried?” I think about the threats Gabriel made against Elysse when I told him I was leaving. The sheer terror I felt as his dark, deadly eyes bore down on me while he outlined what would happen. The memory makes me wonder why I’m arguing with Elio about this. Elio solves all my problems. A place to stay. Protection. But would I be going from one domineering man to another? By letting Elio save me, am I once again giving up my personal power?

“I can protect you, Piper.”

I nod. “From Gabriel, yes, but your own world isn’t so safe. You have enemies. The constant threat of incarceration. The Mafia, the violence, the constant risk… Is that really any better for Elysse?"

His eyes flash with indignation, and I can see his temper rising. "I would never let anything happen to either of you," he growls, his fists clenching at his sides. "I'd protect you both with my life."

I believe him. It’s another part of him that is different from Gabriel. Gabriel will protect what’s his, but not out of love or devotion, and surely, not with his life.

“Why did he give you that bruise?” Elio demands.

I press my hand to my cheek. “What? Why?”

“Why?” he barks out.

“It was an accident. I burned dinner.”

“Jesus fuck, Piper. That’s not an accident. That’s abuse. You really want to stay here?”

“No. But I need to find myself again. I need to make my own decisions.”

“Back to that. Fine. What choices do you have? Call the cops and get a restraining order? How long will that take? And will a piece of paper really protect you?”

He’s being patronizing, even if he’s speaking the truth. A court order wouldn’t deter Gabriel. Not forever.

“Do you have money? A job? I know you don’t have a car. Who pays your phone bill? Your husband, I bet, will use it to find you or cut it off.”

Helplessness overwhelms me. I sink to the edge of the bed.

“There are shelters, I suppose. So, Piper, what choice are you going to make?” He stands in front of me, his eyes blazing with frustration and maybe hurt. "I'm not going to stand by and watch you and Elysse suffer. If you won't leave him, then I'll do whatever it takes to get you both out of there. I won't let my daughter live in a home where she's in danger."

His threat rips through me. The thought of losing Elysse, of having her taken away from me, is more terrifying than any abuse Gabriel could inflict. But I know Elio is right. I can't keep putting my daughter at risk, no matter how scared I am of the alternative. Even if it means handing over control to Elio.

Tears fall. "I feel so powerless, like I'm just a pawn in everyone else's game."

Elio's expression softens, and he takes a step closer, reaching out to cup my face in his hands. "You're not powerless. You have choices. You can go to a shelter or call the cops. But you could also choose to come with me. Why aren’t I a choice you can make?"

His words send a shiver down my spine, and I feel a flicker of hope ignite within me.

"I’m more invested than anyone in keeping you and Elysse safe and happy. I can protect you. I can give you the life you deserve, the life we were meant to have together. There was a time when you wanted that."

I search his eyes, looking for any hint of deception or ulterior motive. But all I see is sincerity, a fierce determination to make things right. And in that moment, I realize that this is what I've been waiting for all along. A chance to take control of my own life, to choose the path that leads to happiness and love.

I nod. “Okay.”

“Okay what?”

“I choose you.”

He sits on the bed next to me. “Are you giving in? Giving up?”

I shake my head, even though a part of me feels like I am. Yes, I’m choosing Elio, but it’s the choice that offers the best outcome for Elysse.

He puts an arm around me. “I don’t want to take away your power. Quite the opposite, actually. It guts me to see the strong, assertive woman I love beaten down, literally and figuratively. I’d like to return the favor to your husband.”