Page 71 of Merciless King

Gabriel scoffs. "You really think you can just walk away from me? From our marriage? There will be consequences. I can make your life a living hell if you don't come back to me."

I can’t imagine how, except, of course, his threat to report his injuries from Elio to the authorities. But would it stick? Elysse, Matteo, and I would confirm it was in defense of me. But would they be believed? Would they be seen as biased?

I take a deep breath, trying to quell the rising panic. "I'm not coming back. But I don't want this to get ugly. Can't we find a way to resolve this peacefully?” Maybe I should just let him have everything in the divorce. Walk away with nothing but Elysse.

"You know, it's funny you should mention resolving this peacefully," he says, his tone dripping with false sincerity. "Because I've already taken steps to ensure that things go my way."

I feel a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach. "What are you talking about?"

"Don’t think I don’t know who your new boyfriend is. To be honest, I’m surprised I’m not dead yet. Perhaps he’s a Mafia pussy.”

I glance at Elio. His eyes narrow to slits. God, Gabriel, don’t be so stupid.

“I’ve provided my lawyer with some rather incriminating evidence against your new boyfriend. Evidence that could land him in a world of trouble if anything were to happen to me."

His threat terrifies me. I don’t want to lose Elio, not even to prison. Elio’s brows furrow, as if he’s considering what Gabriel is saying.

"What kind of evidence?" I demand, my voice shaking.

"Oh, you know, the usual. Proof of his involvement in certain unsavory activities. Enough to make the authorities very interested in him if I were to suddenly disappear."

He’s bluffing, Elio mouths.

"You're bluffing.”

Gabriel laughs. "Are you willing to take that chance? Are you willing to risk your precious Elio's freedom, his very life, on the off chance that I'm lying?"

My world feels like it’s crumbling around me. I know Elio would do anything to protect me and Elysse, even if it meant sacrificing himself. But I can't let it come to that.

"What do you want, Gabriel?" I ask, knowing I don’t want to hear the answer.

"I want you and Elysse back where you belong.” His tone is cold and unyielding. "And if you don't come willingly, I'll take you by force. And there's nothing you or your precious Elio can do to stop me."

With those chilling words, the line goes dead.

I look at Elio. He seems unfazed as his arms wrap around me.

“You can’t kill him. He’ll send you to prison,” I say, feeling hopeless, helpless.

“Maybe. But unlike him, I’m willing to risk anything to keep you and Elysse safe. You have to let me?—”

I shake my head. “I can’t… I need to think.”

“Don’t take too long, Piper. My patience with this is nearing the end.”

I look up at him. “I can’t have his death on my hands.”

“It won’t be. And if it makes you feel better, it won’t be my hands, although I’d sure like it to be.”

“What about the threat?”

Elio’s smile is like a Cheshire cat. “I’m not worried. No, the only one who should be worried now is Gabriel.”

A chill runs down my spine at Elio's deadly tone. There is so much at stake here. Not just lives, but my very soul. How can I be a part of Gabriel’s demise? Yes, he’s a terrible man. But does he deserve to die? And can I be the one who sets it in motion?

26

ELIO

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