24. Elio

24

ELIO

I lie 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.

You think you can get away that easy, you adulterous whore? Just wait until I file a lawsuit against your lover for attacking me in my own home. We'll see if you still want a divorce when they grant me custody of your daughter.

Blinding rage surges through me as I stare at the note from Gabriel "That mother fucker!" I look up at Tony. "What is this?"

Tony sighs heavily. "Gabriel is threatening to take the girl from her mother. He's claiming Piper is with a dangerous man who assaulted him. He's refusing to sign the divorce papers unless Piper agrees to give him full custody of the girl."

White hot rage surges through my veins. I slam my fist down on the desk, making Tony jump. How dare that abusive piece of shit threaten to take my daughter! My daughter!

"He can't do that. I'm her father." I start pacing, hands fisted at my sides. I've half a mind to drive over to his house and end his pathetic life right now. Yes, Piper wants to handle this the legal way, but fuck that. I should have killed Gabriel when I had the chance. It's clear he's not going to stop coming after what's mine until he's six feet under. No one will miss the abusive dick. Piper and Elysse would be safe. They wouldn't ever have to live in fear again…

I realize Tony hasn't said anything. "What? You think he can take Elysse? He's an abusive slime."

Tony nods. "I'm sure he is, but he's been acting as her father for years now. Plus, unless you have a DNA test proving you're the father, you don't have much of a claim."

"He nearly killed her."

"But there is no proof. No photos. No police reports. I've looked. Not just here, but in England too."

Fucking hell. I need to take pictures of Piper's injuries. They're fading, but not gone. I need to have the doctor write up something attesting to her injuries. Plus, Matteo was there. He saw Gabriel with his hands around Piper's neck.

"I can get photos?—"

"A week after the fact? His lawyer will argue that you put them there."

"Except she'll say differently."

Tony sighs. "She'll say anything to keep her child."

I scoff. "You haven't met Piper. She's the one trying to do this all the nice way." Ugh! "Son of a bitch!"

Tony lets me vent for a moment. Finally, I turn to him. "So you're telling me that piece of shit has a shot at taking my daughter because Piper was too scared to report what he did to her?"

"I'm saying the courts put weight on documented history and established guardianship. With Piper only recently leaving Gabriel and no concrete proof of long-term abuse… Gabriel could argue she's being vindictive and that you're a dangerous influence. A judge might grant him temporary custody or at least visitation until a full trial sorts it out."

A growl rumbles in my chest. Over my dead body will Gabriel get his hands on my family again. I'll put a bullet between his eyes myself before I let that happen. No. I'll choke the life out of him like he tried to do to Piper.

"Find a way to block his custody claim," I order Tony sharply. "I don't care what it takes. Hire a private investigator to look into that fucker. Bribe the judge if you have to. But that bastard is never getting near Piper or Elysse again. Understand?"

Tony nods solemnly. "I'll do everything in my power. I promise you that. But Elio, you need to keep a clear head here. Don't do anything that will make things worse for you."

He's telling me not to kill Gabriel. I won't promise that.

"You've got your family back. You don't want to have to go to jail?—"

"Then you fix this."

He nods and leaves my office.

I grab my gun and put on my coat, heading down to the garage. Gabriel thinks he's won, but he hasn't. I almost feel sorry for him. He doesn't know the heap of hurt he's just brought down on himself.