Page 65 of Merciless King
Sleep as long as you like. I’ll take care of Elysse. Rest up, baby. I want a replay later tonight.
Yours, Elio
I trace my fingertip over that last word. Yours. Could the dream finally be coming true? I spent the last eight years trying to forget Elio D'Amato, trying to convince myself that what we had was just a teenage dream, a fantasy.
But now, here in his house, surrounded by his things, surrounded by him, those feelings are rushing back with a vengeance. The way he looked at me yesterday, the tenderness in his touch as he helped me shower, the fierce protectiveness in his eyes when he saw my bruises.
I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for everything he's done, for the way he swooped in like a knight in shining armor to rescue me and Elysse from Gabriel's brutality.
But at the same time, in the early morning light of a new day, I can't help but feel a flicker of unease. I've just escaped one controlling relationship. Am I ready to dive headfirst into another? Even if it is with the man I've never been able to forget?
I need time. Time to heal, to rediscover who I am without a man defining me. Time to be a mother to Elysse, to create a stable life for her. As much as my heart yearns for Elio, I know I can't rush into anything. I need to be careful, to guard my heart and put my daughter first.
With a sigh, I fold Elio's note and set it on the bedside table. I shower and dress, then make my way downstairs, following the sound of laughter and the enticing aroma of pancakes. As I enter the kitchen, I'm greeted by Elio and Elysse standing side by side at the stove, both wearing aprons and wielding spatulas. Elio flips a pancake with exaggerated flair, making Elysse giggle and clap her hands. In the background, I spot Elio's cook, looking mildly exasperated but also amused by their antics.
"Good morning," I say softly, not wanting to interrupt their fun.
They both turn to me with matching grins, and for a moment, I'm struck by how much Elysse resembles her father. The same dark hair, the same mischievous sparkle in their eyes.
"Mommy, look!" Elysse exclaims. "We're making pancakes!"
"I see that." I walk over to see how well they’re managing. "It smells delicious."
Elio hands me a plate stacked high with fluffy pancakes. "Hope you’re hungry. We’ve made enough for an army.”
I go to take the plate, but he pulls it back and puckers his lips. At first, I’m not sure if I should kiss him in front of Elysse. And then I wonder why not? I give him a quick kiss and take the plate.
Elysse scrunches her nose. “Kissing is icky.”
“Is it?” Elio picks Elysse up and smothers kisses on her cheek.
“Daddy!” She squeals with delight.
As we sit down to eat, I have that sense of rightness again, followed by a fear that it will vanish. Watching Elio and Elysse interact, I'm filled with a bittersweet longing. I know I need to be careful, to take things slow and consider Elysse's wellbeing above all else. She's been through so much already, and I don't want to disrupt her life any further.
And yet, I can't deny the joy I feel at seeing her so happy, so at ease with Elio. It's clear that he adores her, that he wants to be a part of her life.
As we finish our pancakes, Elysse looks up at me with a curious expression. "Mommy, am I going to school today?"
My heart clenches with worry. The thought of sending her out into the world, of risking Gabriel finding her, fills me with dread.
Elio must sense my unease because he reaches over and takes my hand. "Don't worry. I have someone keeping an eye on him. He won't come near either of you."
I nod, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. That doesn’t mean I’m not still nervous. But if Elysse is to go back to normalcy, she needs to have her routine, and that means school.
“Yes. You'd better run up and finish getting ready.” I stand. “We brought her backpack…” But I’m not sure what’s in it.
Elio rises and puts his hand on my shoulder. “Whatever she needs, we can get it.”
A few minutes later, Elio is driving us to Elysse’s school. He pulls into the drop off zone behind the other cars.
“There’s my teacher.” Elysse points out the window. “Ms. Kramer.”
“Is she nice?” Elio asks.
“Mmm… yes. Sometimes, she gets mad when kids don’t listen.”
“But you listen, right?” Elio asks.