I raise a brow. “Signature drinks?”
Caprice nods, smirking as she hands me some sort of orange drink. “This is the Mackenzie Mimosa.”
I take a sip, coughing at its sweetness. Personally, I prefer my drinks to be stiff and bitter. “No one in our family likes mimosas,” I state, trying to ax her new creation.
“Wrong. I do, and I’m a Mackenzie now. Am I not?” she challenges, getting a laugh out of me.
“Alright. Fine,” I say, watching Alessandra go for the other drink she has. It appears to look the same, but with a greenish color at the top and a bit darker than the first one.
“Oh, wow. This is delicious!”
“Yep, can you guess what it is?”
“Nope.”
“It’s homemade sangria with a splash of orange juice and lime at the top.”
My phone buzzes on the bar top and I peer down, seeing its Luca. I click the red button to ignore him, but he calls back again. So, I repeat what I did before and just like the last time, he calls back.
Grunting, I answer, “What do you want?”
“Thought you’d like to know we have some unexpected visitors at the house,” Luca says. I’m expecting to hear Gabriele DiGiovanni is here. Fuck, bastard wasn’t giving us a week at all.
“Who?” I ask, demanding an answer.
“Rafael Ramirez.”
“Why do I feel like there’s another surprise? You said visitors, as in plural.” I make sure to walk away from the girls so they don’t overhear me. They don’t need to be freaking out if there’s nothing they need to worry their pretty little heads about.
“Yes, I did. Did you forget about the gala your father organized? It’s tonight, and your father offered the empty rooms in his home for the other prominent families to stay in.”
“Who else is in my fucking house?” I hiss in a whisper, not happy Luca hasn’t just told me already.
“Giovanni, their eldest brother. Rumor has it he’s just as bad as their father. Giovanni isn’t the only one who’s staying in your home, though.”
“Will you just spit it out already?” I grumble.
“You’re going to lose your head.” At that, I know who is probably in my house right now.
“Gaia is here,” Luca admits, and just as he thought, I’m losing my fucking mind.
Gaia, the woman who ripped my heart straight from my chest and stomped on it like it didn’t mean a damn thing. The woman I thought I’d end up marrying but didn’t. A woman who I thought was a mermaid brought to fucking life, with sun-kissed skin from the seas of Greece, who also happens to be the only daughter of Greek crime lord Kosmos Galanos. Fuck me sideways. I didn’t realize the time had passed so quickly.
“Fuck. Is her father with her too?”
“No, she’s come on behalf of her entire family. Apparently, Kosmos has fallen ill and she’s taking care of the family business.”
I chuckle. “She probably poisoned the old bastard.”
“I wouldn’t put it past her. Your father reached out to Kosmos to verify her story and he had a triple-bypass last week. He also asked why we weren’t warned Gaia was coming. Kosmos told him it was karma for allowing the relationship between you two to falter.”
I scoff. “She was the one who killed it, not anyone on this side.”
“I know. Be careful when you bring the girls home. Everyone here looks hungry for drama.”
“I will,” I say, ending the call. Luca might have given me a warning, but I’m still pissed at him and my father for keeping his identity a secret from me. If you can’t trust family, who can you trust?
26
Don’t judge a situation you’ve never been in.
~ Curiano.com
Caprice
Liam disappeared upstairs into his office after getting off the phone with someone. Alessandra and I shared a concerned look, unsure if we should’ve chased him or not. I know it’s my duty to check on him, considering he’s my husband and all, however, he looked rattled. I’m the type of person who’d rather not be disturbed when they’ve had something dropped on them, so I figured I’d wait until he was ready.
Instead of things going as I’d hoped, three hours later he took us to a dress shop downtown, buying Alessandra and I a couple of extravagant evening gowns. I didn’t understand why he was purchasing them, but anytime I tried to ask him a question he made himself scarce, looking more stressed than before.
The only time he said anything to me during our shopping trip was when I had walked up to a baby blue gown. He vetoed me and took a sparkling gold strapless dress from the racks, handing it to me, making sure I understood Mrs. Mackenzie should be the one capturing all the attention in the room. Even though the dress is strapless, it goes around my arms versus under them. The fabric comes down a couple feet, giving the illusion of having sleeves.
On the other hand, Alessandra chose a form-fitting black halter top gown that comes together around her neck, with a high leg slit. Never before have I seen her in something so provocative. The sexiest she’s ever looked is when she decides to pop red lipstick on those pouty ones she has. I imagine Luca is going to drool over her after seeing her wear this.
We’ve already gone to the shoe store and to grab some makeup and hair accessories, and we’re finally on our way back to the estate when I try to speak to Liam again. “You’re being so quiet and it’s worrying me,” I confess, hoping he’ll open up to me.
Rather than simply replying, Liam pulls the SUV over to the side of the road, causing Bishop to look over from the passenger seat. “Everything alright, boss?”
“Yes, I’m just warning the two ladies about what we’re about to walk into.”
Bishop takes in a heavy breath, and that’s when I understand something has happened. The unmistakable feeling of fear strikes through me as I wait for one of them to speak.
“Why are you saying that like it’s a bad thing?” Alessandra questions and I have to force every part of myself not to roll my eyes. It’ll take a while for her to grow out of the naïve shit. Is it not evident something is up?
“Luca called me. He told me we have visitors at the house. I had forgotten about the gala my father organized with everything going on, and I’m so, so sorry.” Liam turns toward us in the back, staring at me as he apologizes. “Along with my ex, your brother Giovanni is staying at the house, alongside someone else.”
My heart pounds in my chest and suddenly the world feels suffocating. There’s a reason Liam is hiding who it is because he doesn’t want to say it. It’s one of three people— my father, Sergei, or someone who I never want to see ever again. “Please don’t tell me he’s going to be there.” I practically beg him, barely able to speak. My body freezes and it’s as if a pair of hands are wrapping tightly around my throat.
“Who?” my sister questions, but I only look at the man who I believe will protect me. He’s not supposed to allow me to walk into situations like this.
“He is, and I know it’s not ideal— ”
I cut him off. “No, this isn’t ideal. It’s a fucking nightmare brought to life, Liam!” I scream at him, covering my face with my hands.
“I’m sorry, Caprice. If I had any control over the situation, I would change it, but I don’t. The only thing we can both do right now is accept this for what it is. An opportune moment to show everyone you aren’t a DiGiovanni. You’re now a Mackenzie and unlike when you were solely Gabriele’s daughter, you demand respect. You will no longer put up with anyone’s shite nor will I allow anyone to treat you in such a way.”
“I’m not ready for this,” I admit, choking out my words.
Liam places his hand on my own, slowly pulling it away from my face. “Caprice, you’d never be ready for this day. We would’ve tried to avoid it at every cost, but we can’t now. It’s here and you have to face it. I hope you’ll see that you aren’t alone, though. I will be with you every step of the way.”
Alessandra reaches over and puts her hand on my leg,
smiling softly. “The Mackenzies have our backs. We’re their family now and nothing bad will happen to either of us. We just have to trust them, Cap.”
“Should I ask what happened with Rafael?” Bishop asks, shifting his gaze to all of us.
At the same time, we answer, “No!”
“You said your ex was there. I didn’t even know you had an ex or one that was worth mentioning,” I say, wondering what type of answer my husband is going to give me. I imagined he’d had women in his past and while he did mention he had a broken heart once before, I never pried into it.
“She’s been dead to me since I left her two years ago,” he coldly replies.
“What happened?”
He sucks in a breath, clenches his jaw and grumbles his response. “She betrayed not only my trust but the families’. Fucked with us after I told her a business move we were making. Gaia beat me to the punch and in doing it, put the stake through my heart. There’s nothing more I love than my family, but when you show you can’t be trusted, I’m done. There are no second chances.”
From the looks of it, I shouldn’t continue to pry and ask questions. Liam is turning bright red, showing how his anger builds within his body. “Just promise me you won’t leave me alone with the sharks.”
“Fuck no. We’re in this together.”
27
Trusting another after having your heart broken is very hard. But you have to remember the relationship is nothing without trust. Don’t bring bricks from your old relationship, you’ll build the same house.
~ Unknown
Caprice
We pull in through the front entrance of the property and park the SUV on the side of the house like we always do. Liam parks the car and turns back to look at me, worry drawn across his face. He’s not doing a damn thing to hide it right now, though I don’t know if he’s worried about me, or himself.
“Bishop, take Alessandra inside to Luca and do not leave her alone,” Liam orders.
Bishop seems a bit surprised. “Uh, you sure that’s a good idea? Luca will— ”
“Luca will shut the fuck up when he hears you affirm I gave you a direct order. We have people in our home who are not to be trusted. I trust that you won’t harm a hair on her head, or allow her from your sights unless her husband is a foot away from you.”
Bishop nods grabbing the bags from the store and exits the vehicle. “Sure thing, boss. C’mon missy, let’s get you inside.” Alessandra gives me an uneasy look and follows Bishop. I watch closely as they walk around the side of the house and disappear from our view.
“You don’t like this one bit,” I state, realizing Liam might be as uncomfortable as me.
“Nope, not really. I’m stuck in a house with my ex, my sisters’ uncle who I happen to not like, then add in the fact he fucking raped you and it infuriates me. On top of it all, your brother is here too and everyone says how chilling he is.”
Liam isn’t wrong. Giovanni is an ice king, and that’s putting it nicely. He is very much like our father. Business is more important than anything else in his life. “I’m sure he’s come as a pawn for my father, to watch the way we interact.”
“Oh, I have no doubt about it. If your father thinks our marriage is a scam, he could file a complaint with mine. I know we just had a conversation a few days ago about taking it slow, Caprice, but we need to play the part of a couple madly in love with each other. I’ll pack it on heavy while we have people watching us. No one will be able to tell it’s not all there yet.”
“Okay,” I say, not sure how to respond. I don’t mind Liam’s presence, whether he’s sitting in a room with me, skimming his fingertips along my thigh, or we’re enjoying a meal, laughing over simple jokes. What I don’t want to feel like is some sort of whore, in a sense.
“What’s the matter?” he inquires, furrowing his brows together.
“It feels so . . . odd. You want them to see we’re happy, and while you and I are working on having an actual relationship . . . don’t you think it's overdoing it?”
Liam chuckles. “No, love, I don’t. Mackenzie men make it apparent which women are theirs. Packing it on heavy will further prove you’re my wife and I’m madly in love with you.”
I choke. “Huh?”
Liam smirks, meanwhile the sparkle in his eye confirms he was screwing with me. “Relax, love. We’re not there yet, but no one else knows that. To them, you are the center of my entire world. I will admit though, the more I get to know about you, the happier I am I decided to marry your ass.”
I’m taken aback by what Liam just said, but before I can say a thing he’s exited the car and I follow suit. A slight breeze greets us as we stand outside and I catch a woman peering through the curtains, staring at us.
If I’m right, this woman must be his ex. I plaster on the happiest smile I can, slip my hand through his, and say his name, “Liam.”
He turns, catching my smile, and laughs. Before he can see what I’m doing, I stand up and plant my lips on his, kissing him softly, like two teenagers who haven’t ever kissed one another before. It’s slow, sensual, and sinful as all hell.
I pull away, keeping my eyes on his. “I didn’t expect that from you,” he whispers, chuckling lowly.
I turn so my back faces the window. “I wanted to kiss you anyway, but we already have a pair of eyes on us.”
Liam looks back for a split second, bringing his eyes back to me. “I see. Gaia’s doing what she does best, spying on things which don’t concern her.” The way he talks about her is like he hates her so much, and it makes me feel good.
“Are you ready for this?” I ask.
“No. Then again, you aren’t either.” He chuckles, showing me the humor I happen to adore. Liam tugs me along with him as we approach the front door of the house, it comes flying open and Luca is standing there with Alessandra. Luca’s nostrils are flaring as he speaks in a hushed whisper, obviously displeased.
“You sent her with Bishop? What the fuck? Are you trying to screw with my head?”
“I was trying to get your gorgeous wife to you as soon as possible. You should really be thanking me, not taking things so personally,” Liam sneers, taking me into the foyer with him. I grab ahold of his arm, causing him to stop and look at me.
“What was that about?”
“Nothing.”
“It wasn’t nothing. Your voice sounded . . . nasty, mean-like.”
“What do you want me to say? I’m pissed at him and my father for what they did.”
“They had a reason. In no way were they malicious or wanted to hurt you. I believe that in my heart because they’re good people. Hell, you’re all good people. None of you are like that. Stop being mad and accept the blessing for what it is— your best friend is your family.” I want him to see the positive in this situation. Instead, he’s viewing it like an attack.
“They betrayed me.”
“No, Gaia betrayed you,” I retort, hissing back at him.
“Did a little birdie say my name?” a woman’s voice asks, causing the two of us to turn.
I wasn’t able to get a good view of her from the window, but being up close to her I see everything. She’s intimidating as hell, looking like someone who would win Miss Universe. Gaia has a very stern jawline, a long dainty nose with high cheekbones that make every one of her features more defined. Her hair is split down the side in long, flowing waves. I’m betting she doesn’t even have to style it. Everything else seems to be set for her, so her hairstyle must be as well. She’s wearing a long black lace dress that goes to the floor. The only complaint I have is her breasts are practically popping out.
“Oh, let me introduce myself. I’m Mrs. Mackenzie.”
28
Be careful with how much you tolerate, you are teaching them how to treat you.
~ Pretty Positivity
Liam
The expression on Gaia’s face is priceless. Caprice completely caught her off guard, which is something that doesn’t happen oft
en. Gaia quickly recovers. “Oh, I wasn’t aware Liam married. How shocking. Didn’t you swear off women after me?”
“Only the horrible ones,” I retort, getting a smirk from Caprice.
“Well, if anything, I hope he’s really improved in the sack. Liam was a little . . . lacking, if you know what I mean.”
My wife draws her brows together and laughs like what Gaia has said is the funniest thing she’s ever heard. “Okay, you just used Liam, little, and lacking in the same sentence. If he’s anything, it’s large, bold, and a marathon-man, if you know what I mean.” Yet again, Caprice catches her off guard.
Gaia tilts her head, staring intently at me. “It appears an old dog can learn new tricks.”
“I didn’t need new tricks, Gaia, just a new woman.”
“Ah, there’s my favorite daughter-in-law!” my father hollers from the other side of the dining room. Glancing up, I can tell he’s had a couple of drinks already. He isn’t shite faced, but he’s distressed, to say the least. He rushes over and throws an arm around Caprice’s shoulders. “Have you met this lovely creature? She’s a beautiful stunner, and far too good for my son! The fool!”
“Aw, thank you, Desmond,” Caprice replies while her face flushes with bits of red.
“How am I a fool here?” I ask, really wanting to hear this answer.
He chuckles, turning Caprice around to face me, inadvertently shoving Gaia further back. “Because you didn’t marry this woman earlier. Foolish of you, I say!”
Caprice turns to give my father a hug, and I speak up. “Don’t we have to leave for the gala in an hour?”
“Oh, shit. I need to drink some water and get changed. You two better get ready as well!”
Caprice nods as she pulls away. “We will. Liam and I will meet you there.”
My father backs away and looks to Gaia, “Nice to see you again, Greta.” He most definitely knows her name but loathes her as much as I do. When you fuck over one Mackenzie, you’re fucking over the entire family.
Leave Me Breathless: The Black Rose Collection Page 56