23. Piper

23

PIPER

L ife is as it should be. As it should have always been. I want to savor it, Elio's devotion to me and Elysse, Elysse finally having the family she deserves. Even so, I have this fear that it's all going to go away. Something will happen, and I'll lose the peace and love and security I've longed for.

But right now, I push those fears aside and focus on Elio. He's been sweet, patient with me even though I can see that it's hard for him sometimes. I owe him so much, and right now, I want to show my appreciation.

My fingers slide along the hardening dick behind the zipper of his slacks.

"I don't want to hurt you," he says, his voice rough with growing desire.

"So don't. Didn't I say I was going to do all the work?" I undo his belt.

His smile is a quick flash of delight. "I've missed this part of you."

I look up at him, wondering what he means even as I think I know. "What part?"

"Your irreverence. Your snark."

I arch a brow. "Snark? It's snarky to tell you I'm going to suck your dick?"

"I feel like I'm about to fuck this up," he says with amusement in his eyes. "That's the part I miss. You keep me on my toes, keep me wanting that sassy mouth."

"Well, then." I drop to my knees, and as I lower down, I tug his pants and boxer briefs down, freeing his impressive dick. "Let this sassy mouth take care of this."

I swirl my tongue around the tip, licking off the pearl of precum from the tip. He sighs my name, and it does things to my heart. Is it possible to be loved so powerfully? Even back in high school, there were times I wondered what it was he saw in me. He's so handsome and charming, any girl would want him. Yet he wanted me. Only me. Apparently, even after all this time, it's still me. It fills me with awe.

I suck the tip, my lips gripping around the edge.

"Yes… I love your mouth." His fingers thread through my hair. "More. Take more." His hips gently move forward, sliding him deeper into my mouth.

I press my lips as tight as I can around him as he rocks. My fingers massage his balls and the soft, sensitive skin just behind his dick.

"Fuck, baby…" His dick thickens, the ridges more pronounced.

I use my hand to stroke him as I suck on one ball, then the other, and then take him in my mouth again. I move faster, deeper, every now and then stopping and perversely enjoying the groan of frustration from him when I do.

"You're teasing me," he says the third time I do it.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No fucking chance." He grips my chin, his eyes intense as he looks down on me. "Make me come in your mouth, Piper."

I'm already feeling pretty aroused, but at his words, the way his dark eyes penetrate through me, there's a strong chance that I'll come too.

I focus, using my hand and mouth to stroke and suck him, harder, faster, tighter.

"Yes… fuck, right there. Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop…"

I keep moving, squeezing him as tightly as I can until his hips buck forward and warm liquid fills my mouth. I swallow and continue sucking, working him, doing my best to drink him in.

"Fucking hell…" He lets out a last gasp before he steps back. He grips my arms and hauls me up, kissing me hard. "I may never get hard again after that."

I laugh. "That will be a shame."

"Don't worry, baby." He pushes me back until I fall on the bed. "I can make you happy even without my cock."

"Promises, promises." I grin up at him.

"Now you've asked for it." He crawls on the bed like a wild animal about to pounce on its prey. My body shudders in anticipation. He pushes my legs open, sliding his hands underneath me, lifting me up to his mouth. "Hold on, Piper."

My fingers grip the sheets as his mouth lowers to my pussy and does the most delicious, amazing things. I go from zero to sixty and then soar in a matter of moments. He gives me a moment to catch my breath before he does it again. And again. And again until I'm a whimpering puddle.

"Elio…" I don't think I can take any more.

He slides up my body. "Yes, Piper?" His expression is smug. He knows he rocked my world… more than once.

Deciding I might be able to handle a bit more after all, I respond. "Fuck me."

He thrusts hard, forcing the breath from me. I grip his shoulders, arching my back as my entire body responds to his invasion.

He lets out a feral growl as he moves, fast, hard, like he's not quite in control. But that's okay because I don't feel like I'm in command of my body, either. We move together like we are made for each other. A perfect, wild dance. Loud. Wet. Hot.

The end comes too soon. My entire body goes taut, that sweet moment of exquisite torture right before unbridled pleasure. He's with me.

"Yes, baby… now… fuck, so good… so good." He rocks, driving in and out as our orgasms crash through us. Ultimately, exhaustion takes over. He collapses on me. I'm boneless under him.

A moment later, he lets out a small chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Should I be offended?

"I feel like I did the first time we did this in high school, remember? I had no clue what I was doing, but my body knew exactly what it wanted and how to get it."

I laugh. "It was a bit out of control."

He rolls off me and pulls me close. "When do you think we made Elysse?"

I wasn't expecting the question, but considering how much he missed, I can understand his wanting to know. "About a month before we moved away. I hadn't known." I look into his eyes, needing him to understand the truth I am about to tell him. "I didn't have an inkling. It was my parents who suspected. After that, they called your parents. God, Elio…"

He holds me tighter.

"It happened so fast. One minute, I'm staring at a positive pregnancy test, and the next minute, your parents are in the living room and they're telling my parents to take the money and go away."

"I'm so sorry about that, Piper."

I press my hand to his cheek. "It hurt you too. I'm sorry I didn't realize that sooner."

He gives me a gentle kiss. "Let's just focus on the future, shall we?"

I nod and settle in next to him. I'm still waiting for the shoe to drop, but right now, in Elio's arms, I'm loved and protected. I can't ask for more than that.

I open my eyes, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. Sunlight filters through heavy curtains, casting a warm glow across the luxurious bedroom. Relief floods through me. Yesterday wasn't a dream. I'm safe with Elio.

The memories of yesterday come flooding back. Gabriel's rage-filled eyes. His hands around my throat. The terror coursing through my veins as I struggled to breathe. Elio bursting through the door, his face a mask of fury as he pulled Gabriel off me. The drive to this house, Elysse clinging to my side.

Sitting up slowly, I take in my surroundings. The decor is masculine, with dark wood furniture and muted colors. A familiar scent lingers in the air—Elio's cologne.

Being here brings a mix of emotions—relief, gratitude, and a twinge of uncertainty about what the future holds. But for now, I'm thankful to be away from the constant fear that defined my life with Gabriel.

Elio isn't here. Instead, I find a note on his pillow.

Good morning, Beautiful,

I hope you slept well. I know I did.

I smile as I remember his touch, the pleasure he brought me.

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.

Elysse nods like a bobble head. I scan the area, looking for Gabriel. He doesn't care for Elysse, but he knows she's the key to controlling me. I'm terrified that Gabriel might somehow find her, that he might try to hurt her to get back at me.

We pull to the spot to let her out.

"Ready, kiddo?" Elio asks, turning around to smile at Elysse in the backseat.

"Ready, Daddy!"

The word "Daddy" coming from her lips makes my heart skip a beat. I exit the car and open the door on her side as Ms. Kramer steps up to us.

Elysse jumps out, and I kneel down to give her a hug. "Have a great day, sweetie. Today, I'll pick you up, okay?"

She nods, then turns to Elio. "Bye, Daddy."

Ms. Kramer's brows pull together because clearly, Elio isn't Gabriel.

"Bye, Elysse. Have a good day," he says back to her.

I get back into the car, and Elio and I watch as she disappears into the school. My heart aches with a bittersweet mix of love and fear. When she's out of sight, I feel Elio's hand on mine.

"She's going to be okay. I won't let anything happen to either of you."

I lean into him, drawing strength from his solid presence. For the first time in years, I allow myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, everything will be alright.

We return to Elio's spacious mansion, for lack of a better description. He guides me inside with a gentle hand on the small of my back, his touch both comforting and electric. As we step into the foyer, a distinguished-looking man in a well-tailored suit rises from the couch to greet us.

"Tony, thanks for coming," Elio says to him. He turns to me. "Piper, this is Tony Ferrara, my attorney. He's here to help you draft the divorce papers."

I shake Tony's outstretched hand. "Thank you for coming." I'm really doing this. I'm really going to be free from Gabriel.

We settle in Elio's office. Tony pulls out a notepad and asks me a variety of questions. At first, I insist that I don't want anything from Gabriel. No money, no property, nothing. I just want to be free of him, to never have to see his face again.

But as Tony gently prods me to consider my future, I realize that I have no financial means of my own. For the past four years, I've been entirely dependent on Gabriel, with no access to my own bank account or credit cards. I haven't worked. The work history I have is a few short years as a single mom in England.

The thought of starting over from scratch, with no resources to support myself and Elysse, is daunting. I glance at Elio, knowing in my heart that he would never let us struggle. But at the same time, I don't want to have to rely on, to be at the mercy of, a man. Not even one as kind and generous as Elio.

After much discussion and soul-searching, I finally agree to a fair settlement—enough to cover Elysse's needs and give us a cushion to start our new life, but not so much that I feel like I'm taking advantage.

"What about the child?—"

"The child isn't his," Elio says with a growl.

Tony keeps his attention on me. "Even if he isn't the biological father, if he adopted?—"

Elio tenses next to me.

I quickly shake my head. "He didn't adopt her. He has no legal claim to her."

Elio lets out a breath of relief.

"I'll get this drawn up and to you ASAP. You'll sign, and I'll arrange for their delivery," Tony says.

By ASAP, he meant it. Within a few hours, he is back with the documents. As I sign my name on the dotted line, a surge of emotions courses through me. I'm finally breaking free from the chains that have held me captive for so long. I feel a sense of empowerment at taking a significant step toward reclaiming my independence and forging a better future for myself and my daughter.

When Tony leaves, my need to be able to care for myself, along with a growing sense of confidence, has me wanting to find my own purpose, my own identity outside of my relationship with Elio.

"You okay?" Elio asks as he takes me in his arms.

I nod. "I'm just thinking about reclaiming my life."

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.