Page 21 of Merciless King

My nerves shake, but I paste on a warm smile to greet Gabriel and Elysse. I hurry to the foyer.

“Welcome home.” I hope I’m cheerful without looking like I’m overdoing it. Gabriel notices the most subtle changes in everything.

Gabriel smiles, giving me a kiss on the cheek. I let out a small breath of relief. He’s still in a good mood. I know that can change any minute, so I’m still on my guard.

“I got a smiley face on my spelling, Mommy.” Elysse holds up a paper to show me her accomplishment as Gabriel hangs up his coat.

“That’s wonderful, sweetie. How was your practice today?”

She shrugs. “Good. What’s for dinner?”

“Lasagna.”

Gabriel sniffs the air. “Is something burning?”

I freeze, my mind racing. "Oh, no.” I rush to the kitchen as I realize in horror that I forgot the lasagna in the oven. The acrid smell of burnt food fills the air. Immediately, I’m chastising myself for forgetting to turn on the timer, for not checking on the lasagna sooner.

Pulling open the oven, I wince at the sight of the blackened, charred mess. "No, no, no.” Panic is growing as I use potholders to remove the lasagna from the oven.

“I hope that’s not dinner.”

I don’t have to look at him to know his good mood is a thing of the past. It’s evident in his tone.

I don’t want to look at him, but he feels disrespected if I don’t. I turn to him. "I'm so sorry. I got distracted and lost track of the time."

His expression darkens, the anger building like a storm in his eyes. "Distracted, huh?" he sneers. "Is that what you call it?"

Before I can react, his hand lashes out, striking me hard across the face. The force of the blow sends me reeling, and I stumble backward, colliding with the kitchen counter.

"You useless, incompetent woman!" he roars, towering over me. "Can't you do anything right?"

Cowering, I raise my hands to shield myself, but it's no use. His hand lands another blow. Pain explodes in my skull, and I cry out as I fall to the ground.

“Mommy!”

I want to protect Elysse, but Gabriel is standing over me, fury in his eyes. His hands ball into fists. “You don’t do shit all day. Why is it too much to expect a home cooked meal when I get home?”

“I was unpacking.” My voice trembles. “I lost track of time?—”

“You’re worthless, you know that?” His foot kicks out, catching me in my side.

“Stop it!” Elysse's terrified scream pierces the air. My heart leaps into my throat as she launches herself at him, her small fists pounding against his leg. "Leave Mommy alone!"

Gabriel whirls on her, his hand raised mid-strike.

“No!” I reach up and grab his arm to prevent him from hurting her. “It’s my fault.” I glance at Elysse. “Go to your room, sweetie.”

Her expression is torn.

“Gabriel.” I say his name, wanting to pull his attention back to me. "I'll be better, I promise. Just… don't hurt her. Please, don't hurt my baby."

The desperation in my voice seems to give him pause, and he glares at me, his chest heaving with rage.

"You'd better not mess this up again, Piper," he growls, his fingers flexing as if he's still considering lashing out. "I'm going out.” He sucks in a breath and straightens his tie. “Don’t think of leaving or your brat will pay. Do you understand?”

I’m still on the floor as I nod. “Yes. I understand.”

With that, he turns on his heel and stalks out of the kitchen, slamming the front door behind him. I slowly climb up from the floor. Elysse rushes into my arms, her small body shaking with sobs.

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