Page 67 of Merciless King

He smiles. “I know I’m reclaiming mine.” He means me. It makes me wonder how he’ll take my desire to have something more.

“I… ah… being free of Gabriel means I can pursue other things.”

His brow furrows. “Like what?”

I shrug because I have no clue. “A job? Or at least something to occupy my time, to give me a sense of purpose beyond just being a mother and a girlfriend."

His jaw tightens for a moment. “You’re more than a girlfriend.”

“The point is, for four years I’ve been nothing except what Gabriel wanted. I’ve lost… me.”

His expression softens. “Well, then, we need to find you. I support you in finding a purpose or whatever you need. Just know that you don't have to rush into anything. You've been through so much, and you deserve time to heal."

Gratitude surges through me at his words, for the way he always seems to know exactly what I need to hear.

“Thank you.”

He kisses my forehead, his touch gentle and reassuring. "I just want you to be happy, Piper.”

I sink into his embrace knowing he means it. He means all of it. The protection. The love. The support. Perhaps it’s time to let go of the gnawing fear that something will go wrong and accept that for the first time, everything will go right.

24

ELIO

Ilie in bed with Piper nestled against my body. Like all the other nights over the last week, we’ve had some pretty spectacular sex. It’s the icing on the cake that has become my life since Piper and Elysse moved in with me and life has been fucking perfect. Waking up every morning to Piper in my arms and seeing Elysse's bright smile at breakfast fills my heart with a joy I never knew was possible.

I take Elysse to school each day, relishing our talks and her infectious laughter. In the evenings, Piper, Elysse, and I have dinner together, sometimes with Lana and Matteo joining. Afterward, Elysse and I play games or watch movies while snuggled up on the couch with Piper. Then Piper and I tuck Elysse into bed together. Perhaps over time, the novelty of all this will wear off, but what won’t change is how grateful I am that despite my parents’ attempts to thwart my happiness, I have found true bliss.

The only shitty parts of my life are the usual. Vincenzo's pathetic attempt at revenge by having my men arrested on bogus charges was an annoyance. And while he’s acting like a middle school child with his pranks, so far, they’re more irritating than a problem.

Then there’s Lana who hasn’t given up criticizing my leadership. But none of that puts a damper on my incredible mood. I feel on top of the world and invincible with Piper by my side. I know with absolute certainty that she is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. The three of us are meant to be together.

I’ve hinted at such with Piper, and I think she feels the same. But the words have not been spoken. Each time she says she needs to find herself, I have a mini-panic attack, worried that she’ll find herself in a place that doesn’t include me.

But as she lies next to me tonight, as she has every night since coming home with me, I savor this life we’re building. She nestles her head on my chest, her breathing slowing as sleep starts to claim her. I trail my fingers gently through her silky blonde hair, marveling at how perfectly she fits against me, like she was always meant to be here. I’ve felt this way about her since the moment I saw her.

"I love you, Piper," I murmur softly, my lips brushing her forehead. "You and Elysse… you're my whole world now."

She hums contentedly, a small smile on her lips even as her eyes remain closed.

I tighten my arms around her. "I'm going to give you and Elysse the life you deserve. And one day soon, I'm going to make you my wife, if you'll have me."

Piper mumbles something unintelligible, snuggling even closer. I know she's barely awake now, likely not registering my words. But that’s okay. For now.

With a deep sigh of contentment, I let my own eyes drift shut, joining Piper in slumber.

The next morning, I wake up excited for the day, as always. After the pancake incident the first morning Piper and Elysse were here, my cook has insisted that she make us breakfast. Something about my making too much of a mess and not properly using her pans. I like having a happy cook, so I concede and let her fix us breakfast that we share as a family. Then I take Elysse to school while Piper does whatever she does to find herself.

For most of the week, I’ve worked at home, but this week, I need to make appearances at the office. Yes, even the Mafia have official offices. Mine are to manage my legit operations. My more unsavory businesses are operated from home or alternative locations, such as the basement of my restaurant. Thinking of which, it’s time I take Piper out for a real date at her favorite place.

I have a meeting this afternoon with Vincenzo, that fucker. The guy is like a dog with a bone. He won’t give up on the idea that I marry Ava. I wish I had a brother I could offer. Then again, Lazaro was always a bit wild. I’m not sure I’d want to make her endure his brand of crazy.

Midmorning, I’m about ready to take a break from spreadsheets when Tony shows up.

I greet him with a grin. “Tell me something good, Tony.” I rub my hands together in anticipation. Perhaps I’ll take Piper out tonight to celebrate her divorce. I should buy a ring.

Tony's expression is grim as he slides the folder across my desk to me. Frowning, I flip it open and scan the pages. My blood runs cold. Scrawled on the signature page is a note from Gabriel to Piper.