Forbidden Love: Book 1 in the Mackenzie Series (Leave Me Breathless World)

by Elizabeth Knox

  “I was just telling Liam how Sergei’s body should be sent to his family, in order to save us some issues in the long run.”

  Desmond cranes his neck to the side. “What had you planned on doing with his body?”

  “I hadn’t planned on anything. I’d leave that task to our men. I think the man should be fed to the sharks, though. He doesn’t deserve our mercy, or even a burial.”

  “He might not, but don’t those who loved him deserve to bury him? He has a daughter, Liam.” I gently remind my husband. We may be cruel at times, but we’re not savages.

  Desmond nods in agreement. “His daughter Natasha is married to Anton. He’s a Clan leader for the Romanians. I believe they oversee the Southeast for Mariana and Ion. I don’t know how Natasha felt about her father, but Caprice is right. We should send his body back to Russia and let his family know. It could save us some issues in the future.”

  Liam is showing us how displeased he is by the way he’s pacing. Even his face is turning bright red with anger. “That man almost took you from me. He wanted to use you as a toy, Caprice . . . and you both seem to have forgotten that. Are you suddenly forgetting what he did to you, how he marked your face?!”

  “Now, now that is enough m—” Desmond comes to my defense.

  “How dare you.” I seethe, cutting off my father-in-law. “How fucking dare you speak to me this way. I’m doing what’s best for our family, to avoid the potential repercussions we could face if we don’t act accordingly. Do you think I want him to have a funeral, to have people mourn him? I don’t. I want to toss his body to starved lions. I don’t want to do this, Liam. We’re going to do this because we have to. Don’t you understand? God. Get the fuck out.”

  Liam’s face turns even redder but still he remains like a statue, stuck in one place. “Didn’t you hear me? I said get the fuck out. Did you think I stuttered?”

  Desmond goes over to Liam and places his hand on his son’s back before he leads him to the doorway. “We’ll come in and check on you later, sweetheart. Get some rest.”

  I nod my head to Desmond, thanking him for intervening, and place my head back down on the pillow breathing in and out slowly, trying to calm my racing heart. God, Liam Mackenzie is infuriating.

  38

  “The best fighter is never angry.”

  ~ Lao Tzu

  Liam

  The second we’re down the hallway, a burning sensation strikes against the back of my head. “What in the bloody hell has gotten into you? Have you suddenly forgotten what your dear wife has just been through?”

  My father rushes into my view, his face probably as red as mine is at this moment. “The fact you’re in the same boat with her, really suggesting we should return his body to Russia is . . . mind-boggling.”

  “I understand how this makes you feel, son. I truly do. However, your wife and I are both analyzing the situation in a different manner. We know the possible repercussions if we don’t show respect to Natasha. She is Sergei’s daughter, and she could be the one who inherits his business. I have no idea if it’s her, or his wife.”

  I furrow my brows. “Don’t you mean ex-wife?”

  He shakes his head. “No. He never processed the divorce in Russia. Katya is still technically his wife.”

  “Jesus.”

  “No one knew. I doubt she even knows. That being said, we need to reach out to both Natasha and Katya. I will make the calls so they both hear it from me. They knew what kind of man he was, so I doubt we’ll have any backlash. Though, I will be arranging for his body to head back to his home. It’s not for him. It’s for his wife and daughter. They can do what they want with his body, and at least we’ve done everything we can to avoid more issues, which is the last thing we need right now after what you told me.”

  He’s right in a sense. We don’t need more problems. Not after what Sergei told me about them wanting Caprice to stay alive. They meaning her family. I know this is her father’s doing. That callous, spiteful bastard. “You agree her father arranged this too, right?”

  “I have no doubt about it. Gabriele is . . . a cruel man to say the least. I’ve heard rumors about what he’s done to people for less, also while witnessing a few things firsthand.”

  “I want nothing more than to kill him myself.” I grit, not realizing my inner dialogue went out into the world.

  My father gives me a warning with simply his look before he speaks. “I understand your frustrations and even your feelings, but even though that man is a horrible creature, he’s still her father. It’s best his blood isn’t on your hands. You might not think it could effect your relationship . . . but it could, and I don’t want that for either of you. Her father is off limits. Do you understand me?”

  I’m left in complete shock, blinking a few times as I process what he’s said. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Do I sound like I’m joking to you? Don’t touch DiGiovanni. Protect your wife, as you should, but don’t you dare touch him. We’re not prepared for the consequences yet, my son. After all, there are bigger threats on the horizon.”

  I draw my brows together and follow him as we go down the stairs and head into his office. He opens the door and we both walk through. I shut it behind me so we have privacy. “What is it you aren’t telling me?”

  My father runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t want to speak in an overly optimistic manner, but your mother . . . she’s waking up, or at least that’s what Cecilia believes. She’s sent the tests over to a friend in Belfast who’s dealt with situations like hers. They say your mother’s improvements are . . . very good. Cecilia will be taking one of the rooms upstairs, moving in for a while to assess her progress, and be here for when things start to take a dramatic change. She’s told me she’ll try to do everything she can from within the home, and bring her colleagues here to give her the best care. Although, I think you know where I’m going. Everything won’t be able to be done within the home, Liam. We’ll have to transport your mother to hospitals for MRIs and other testing.”

  “You mean to tell me it’s only a matter of time until Valentin knows she’s alive.” I fill in the blanks rather quickly.

  My father nods, “Yes, and while I’m doing my best to prepare for that moment . . . I won’t allow us to lose her. So, we will send Sergei back to Russia because we’ll need allies more than enemies. Do you understand me now, boy? Your mother could be coming back to us after being in her coma for years. We won’t lose her again, my son. We simply won’t.”

  “Have you called Alejandro, Rafael, or Roman yet?” I question, naming all her siblings.

  “No, not yet. I want something concrete before I do.”

  I breathe in deeply and know I should consult my wife before telling my father, but given the circumstances, I don’t have much of a choice. “Rafael raped Caprice. It resulted in a child. Gabriele ripped the child from Caprice’s hands and gave it to Rafael, like she was a fucking heifer. We’re going to get her child back, Father. I swore it to her, and now I’ll swear it to you. If I see Rafael, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

  He takes a few moments to himself before he places his hands on both of my shoulders. Staring me square in the eye, he speaks. “You will remain calm and act as if you know nothing. The one thing men constantly do is alert their enemy of what they know. Rafael has no idea you know about the child, act as if you don’t know, act like nothing has been said. I won’t lie to you. It’s more than likely Sofia’s family will come here at some point. While he’s here you ask the right questions that will help aid you in your search. Maybe his presence here could distract him from what’s going on.”

  “You have no problem with us starting an issue with the Mexican Cartel?”

  My father musters up a chuckle, “I’m married to their princesa. There will be no issues amongst familia, boy. Now, go fix your wife a pot of tea and bring her some biscuits. I’m sure she needs both after what she’s endured.”

  “God. I made an arse of myse
lf.”

  “You did, and you best rectify it.”

  39

  “If there’s one thing I am sure of, I am sure that you have always belonged with me.”

  ~ Akif Kichloo

  Caprice

  I lay in bed with the duvet tucked in around me, making me feel nothing but secured. It might sound odd to some, but I love being wrapped up in sheets. The pressure from the weight does so much to soothe my anxiety and worries.

  The distinct sound of the door creaking open tells me someone is entering my bedroom. I mentally prepare for it to be Liam, but at the mere sight of dark chocolate eyes paired with rosy red lips and I’m smiling like a child on Christmas morning.

  In her arms is the oversized thing she calls a cat, Sylvester if I remember correctly. She’s quick to shut the door behind her and plops Sylvester on my bed. The giant yawns widely, showing me just how big his teeth really are before stalking toward me and nestling his head in my lap.

  I glance down at the beast, wondering if this is really happening. “Pet him, Caprice. He wants cuddles, and I figured you could use the distraction.”

  “By scaring me? How kind of you.”

  “Oh come on. He isn’t terrifying at all. Right, Sylvester? You’re such a cutie pie, kitty kitty.” Alessandra giggles and the cat rushes over to her. His purr as loud as a vacuum. Alessandra smiles while she looks at her pet, but the second she tears her eyes away from him to look at me, it dissipates like it never existed in the first place.

  “Am I really that sorrowful?” I question, stifling a chuckle.

  She blinks a couple times, obviously not finding my remark amusing. “I’m worried. Liam and Desmond have been keeping things from me. Even Luca is . . . hiding things. I don’t like it, Caprice. I don’t like not being informed about things. Will you tell me what happened, besides the obvious.”

  “I’m very certain father . . . had a role to play in it. Sergei kept saying he was told to keep me alive, to not kill me. The only person who I know would tell him to keep me alive is Father. He’d want me to suffer for the way I betrayed the family.”

  Alessandra nods, and I’m proud of her for seeing what our family is really capable of. I never wanted for her to see the brutality, though I’m hopeful it will save her some grief. I pray that my little sister never has to come close to the horrors I’ve endured at the hands of our father. Hopefully, with what we’ve already done, it will be completely avoidable.

  “You didn’t betray him. You simply did what was best for you, what would keep us safe. I know I’d been horrible to you in the beginning, but I see why you did what you did. I’m sorry for the way I treated you at first. I know now that you were only doing what you needed to keep us safe.” Alessandra allows a few tears to slide down her cheeks and comes over where I’m sitting up in bed. She sits beside me and wraps her arms around me, holding me tightly in her embrace. “I’m so glad he didn’t kill you. I don’t know what I would’ve done.”

  “If I had, the Mackenzies would’ve protected you. I’m certain.”

  “I . . . I know they would’ve, but Caprice, it wouldn’t have been the same. This might be my home now, but a big part of me would’ve been missing.” Alessandra admits while she releases me from our hug.

  “I love you too, brat.” I murmur, not able to hide my smile in the least bit.

  “We’re going to be okay.” Alessandra declares. Though, I’m certain she’s trying to tell herself more than me.

  The door opens yet again and this time my husband comes in, but he isn’t by himself. He’s rolling in a cart with two cups of tea and a pot. I can spot a dish with sugar cubes, even some cream. It looks like there’s part of a cake too, with another small dish beside it. “I figured you might want some tea, and possibly a sweet snack.”

  “I’m a bit shocked you didn’t bring something more nutritious.” I mumble, aggravated how he left here a bit ago.

  “Maybe I’m trying to sweeten you up after I was a total arsehole.”

  “Is this my apology?”

  “No, this is apple cake with custard sauce. Courtesy of Maeve. However, I am deeply sorry for what I said. I understand why we must do what we have to in order to keep the peace. I’m . . . angered at what happened, not only at Sergei, but at myself as well for not keeping you safe better. I took my anger out on you and I’m deeply sorry at how I reacted.”

  “Okay, perfect, now bring the cake over.” I urge him, my stomach grumbling loudly at the sight of it.

  “Whoa. Is that it?” He furrows his brow.

  “Everyone in here knew you were being an ass and would come up here to apologize. Bring me the food, Liam. I’m starving!”

  He rolls the cart closer to me and cuts off a large piece of cake for me, and even offers one to Alessandra. “I was going to spend some time up here with you, but I’ll leave you alone with your sister. I think it’s important the two of you have some quality time together after everything that’s happened.”

  “Thank you,” I tell my husband, who simply smiles in response.

  He glances over to my sister, “I was going to have tea with Caprice, but would you like some?”

  “Sure.” My sister responds.

  Liam fixes her some tea and hands it to her. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m alright . . . shouldn’t I be?” Alessandra laughs lightly.

  “It’s okay to admit you’re a bit shaken after everything that happened. It affected even the strongest ones in the family.” Liam looks back to me. “Enjoy your afternoon together. I’ll be back later.”

  “Thank you.” I murmur, watching him leave us two girls, plus this furry beast in the bedroom. It may seem like weird timing, but I’m in dire need of some girl time. My sister and I might not always get along, but we sure are here for each other when it counts.

  40

  “I may not be your first kiss, or your first love, and that’s fine, because I want to be your last.”

  ~ The Love Notebook

  Liam

  “Liam, would you mind coming into my office for a bit? I need to have a discussion with you.” I turn back to face my father from my seat in the parlor. I’m sipping on a glass of whiskey, trying to relax a bit, though I don’t enjoy his worrisome tone.

  “Is everything alright?” I question, rising from my chair.

  His expression says it all. He’s trying so hard to keep his poker face up, but something has struck him. “What’s the matter?” I ask, demanding some sort of answer.

  “I’ve heard a few things which cause me to grow concerned. Yet, at the same time your mother is slowly making small advances. Cecilia has told me even over the course of this afternoon she’s seen great strides.”

  “Then why do you grimace as you say it?”

  He meets his eyes with my own, sucks in a deep breath and releases it. “Because I’ve kept something from you. Now I need to tell you before your mother wakes.”

  “You mean before she tells me?” I ask, already damn well knowing the answer. “What is it you’ve kept from me?”

  “Come into my office and we can discuss it.” He starts to head toward his door, but I’m growing agitated.

  “No. You can tell me here.” I sneer, my voice growing louder.

  The door to his office opens up and I see Maeve. She draws her brows together in concern and frowns. “Lad, best you calm down. Don’t want to upset the missus upstairs. She has lots of healing yet to do.”

  I take a moment to calm down, and nod. “You’re right. I’m so sorry, Maeve. I’m a bit flustered.”

  “It’s okay.” She responds with a slight smile, though it quickly fades.

  I begin to walk to my father’s office and watch as he passes Maeve. Though, I expect her to head toward the kitchen or even her bedroom, but she doesn’t. She walks into his office and takes a seat beside Luca.

  “What’s Luca doing here?” I grumble, still frustrated with the lie about who he really was. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over
being lied to for most of my life. If you ask me, it was completely unnecessary.

  “This is a family matter, so Luca must be here.” My father answers quickly, motioning for me to shut the door behind me. I place my hand on the aged wood and push the door closed, then walk over to one of the armchairs and take a seat. Though, I take a decent swig of my alcohol beforehand. For some odd reason I have a gut feeling I’ll need it.

  He said this was a family matter, so why is Maeve here? Granted, we view her like family, but she isn’t privy to meetings with us. She usually makes herself scarce.

  “Will you get on with this? It’s already past ten.” I grumble, darting my eyes between Luca and my father. I really don’t feel the need to be here longer than necessary.

  “God willing, your dear mum is going to wake up soon, boy. When she does . . . many things will come to light. Your father feels the need we let you know something now rather than later.” Maeve states, causing the entire room to focus in on her.

  “What is going on?” I question the room. I can see Luca’s focusing in on Maeve as well. He’s obviously been left out of the loop as well.

  “I won’t beat around the bush, lads. I’m ripping the bandage off in one swoop, so prepare yourselves. My name is Clodagh Mackenzie.”

  I don’t know what takes over me, but I stumble back in my chair. Pressure forms in my chest as I stare at the woman I’ve known my entire life. She’s been my nanny, maid, cook, and so much more. I stare into her deep sea blue eyes and feel some sense of recognition. They’re the same shade as Luca’s.