Novels by hazelblackwood

Lorraine Lebedeva5 YEARS LATER"Calm down Lora." Abree exclaimed, she gripped onto my shoulder and forced me face her. "Deep breath in..." she proclaims then takes a deep breath in. I mimic her actions. "And out." she says, exhaling and I did so too.My heartbeat was quick, goosebumps trailing up my spine as my palms sweat from the nervousness."What if something goes wrong? What if I trip and fall? What if I say the wrong words? Wha-" Abree interrupted my panic when she shoved a piece of chocolate in my mouth then turned me around as I came into view with myself.For the first time I felt and looked beautiful.I did not want to style my hair. It was black and long as it grew over the years till it reached my mid-back. My makeup was light as always, my cheeks powered with a rosy colour. My lips painted red and my light eyeshadow made my blue eyes pop with a touch of mascara.The dress runs vertically from the shoulders straight to the floor like a gown a royal would wear. Layers of l

Lorraine LebedevaThe aroma of spaghetti and mince hangs in the air when Raphaël walks into the kitchen.Unbuttoning his jacket, he takes it off while his eyes scan over me. "You cooked?" is the first thing he said to me in 4 days.Raphaël and I have been living together in Italy for the past five months. It has been heaven, but I hated that work got in-between our time we had together. When he left for a business trip for days I would be left home and with me it would be vice versa.These 4 days without him has been awful. I missed him when he wrapped me around his arms. Home did not feel like home without him being near me but I have grown close with the Romano's they have accepted me in like their own. Flavio and I would always hang out whenever I visited the Romano's. Abree and I eventually tolerated each other and grew close over these past few months.I can actually call her my friend.Raphaël's parents treat me like I'm their own daughter which makes my heart melt. They finally

Lorraine LebedevaToday is the day.Just calm Lorraine. You can do this..."Hey..." a soft voice pulled me out of my trance. I lift my head and I meet his gaze. "I'll be by your side okay. Just remember to hold your head up high because you are the queen of the Bratva and will always be my queen." Raphaël reassured me.Warmth filled my chest. Raphaël leaned in, placing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Plus, whoever tries to cross the line with you I will fucking destroy them."I let out a small laugh. "Thank you...?" I trailed off.Once the SUV pulled up in-front of a skyscraper I took the building in aware. I was definitely not expecting this... I must my admit Simeon had a taste for modern architecture.As we pulled into the driveway, I'm helped out of the care even though I can manage on my own. I've given up scolding Raphaël whenever he tried to help with things I'm capable of doing. This man does not listen to me. He placed his hand on my lower back as we walked into the building

Lorraine LebedevaIt was raining.My eyes focused on the grave 16 feet away from me as I sat in the car. It's going to be my first time actually seeing her.I let out a shaky breath and shook of the nervous feeling.Come in Lorraine, you can do this. You have to do this. For her...A week has gone by since the incident with Simeon. Dante tried to escape but Simeon's- my men caught him along the way. I'm going to save him for something special.Raphaël and I agreed that we will not take down the house Bratva instead we will expand the territory and finally sign a peace treaty to end the feud that has been going on between the Russian and Italians. It's time for something new to be born. I will leading the Brava under the knowledge that Simeon has forced me to know. Organized crime groups exist in many countries, but the most powerful groups are Russian and Italian mafia. There is a great difference between origins and predispositions of the Italian and Russian organized crime groups. s

Lorraine LebedevJust as I casually walk by a set of sliding doors, I see a group of men gathering around three parked SUVs. I knew something was up. Simeon was not home, he left five days ago due to an emergency.Just as Raphaël promised, I was on the lookout for anyone who might be sent by Raphaël and I have spotted all five. They are either cleaners or gardeners who were replaced.Josephine and I talked two days ago as she explained the plan for me. Raphaël managed to wreck one of Simeon's biggest shipments of the year from the Irish which cost Simeon over half a billion dollars of stock being stolen. Probably more weapons and illegal substances. That was phase one of the plan. A distraction. Phase two was to swap around the workers for the house so that they could work from the inside and plus with Simeon being distracted no one really pays attention to do background checks with swapped workers. Simeon will be back before midnight as I was informed by one of Raphaël's undercover w

Lorraine Lebedeva"Eat Lorraine." Simeon demands.I didn't bother to look up as my gaze was fixed on my plate filled with chicken and vegetables."I'm not hungry." I mumbled as I used my fork to move the vegetables around the plate.Silence hummed in the air as I felt Simeon's gold stare lasering into me. I slowly lifted my gaze and gawked at him. "You need to eat." he said slowly, more so you could hear the threat in his tone.His annoyance flared, as his pulse slammed in his neck.I forced down the sick feeling by climbing on the table and stabbing him in the eye with my fork. I stabbed a piece of broccoli with my fork and shoved it into my mouth, his threatening gaze on me as the tension rose by the second our anger and disgust mixed together creating a dangerous combo.Tick tock, tick tockThe sound of the clock ringed in my ears, as the atmosphere darkened.The audacity of him, forcing me to sit down and have family dinner like everything is normal and okay. Like our relationship

POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO 5 months later"Congratulations. It's a girl." Dr. Ricci whispered with a smile as he handed me my baby.I carefully took her in my arms."Hey," I whispered as I gently caressed my thumb over her soft skin. "You're a girl," I muttered as tears caressed down my face and gently splattered on the baby's face, she shifted in my arms and cooed."Sorry..."I chuckled lightly and brushed off my tear on her small face.I pressed my lips together and screwed my eyes shut as I thought of him.He said it would be a girl...I sucked in a breath then fluttered my eyes open, threw my head back as I stared at the ceiling.I miss him so much.I shook my head and let out a shaky breath. Looking down at the baby, I thought of her name."Isabelle." I whispered. I slowly leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.I gently tapped my finger on her small nose and made a bop sound.I wish he were here.- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -I played with Isabelle's fingers while I was nursing

POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO The ocean was like a rippling blanket of electric blue. Squabbling seagulls flew overhead.It was soothing and I was glad to get away from the stresses of life."What are you thinking about?" A familiar voice was heard over my shoulder. "Nothing." I uttered.Giovanni was silent for a moment. "Thank you." I muttered out of the blue.He seemed shocked but immediately brushed it off. "For..." He trailed off.As I lay on my back, arms out with my eyes closed I wondered what I was thanking him for.I don't normally thank people but here I am thanking him for something.Probably what he did for my birthday. I don't normally celebrate birthdays, nothing too personal. I just grew out of it.I fluttered my eyes open and I gazed ahead. The sound of heavy waves crashing on the huge rocks and seagulls squawking brought a smile to my face.I chuckled softly. "I don't know." I said as I turned my body to the side, placing my head on my hand.Giovanni pulled himself up, w

POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO His lips mashed against mine. I hungrily pushed him up against the wall, unbuttoning his black shirt then tossed it across the room.He unzipped my dress as it loosely hugged my body.Pulling away from the kiss I stepped back and slowly removed the dress. The only thing I had on was my white lace panties.He cussed under his breath then pulled me towards him. "Gorgeous." He whispered against my neck. I shivered as his finger slipped in my damp panties. "Fuck bellissima."A soft moan escaped my lips, I leaned on his chest as my fingers ran through his soft hair.He teasingly rubbed my clit, the adrenaline rushing through my veins wanted me to have more. "Giovanni." I moaned.He leaned in and whispered against my neck. "You want more?" His finger is sitting over my throbbing clit. I bit my lip then I looked up. "I want you."He kissed me slowly as he grabbed my bottom lip between his teeth.He caught me off guard when he picked me up bridal style and took us

POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO One month later"Wake up."I groaned when someone slightly shook me. I slowly opened my eyes then shut them immediately when the harsh sunlight blinded me. "Why are the curtains open?" I mumbled as I pulled the sheets over my head.He chuckled and slowly removed the sheets. "Happy birthday."It took me a while to process what he said, it's my birthday...I sighed and forced myself to wake up. "How did you know today was my birthday?" I asked as I sat at the edge of the bed.Giovanni sat beside me and rubbed my swollen belly. "Théo."Of course, it's him. Running my fingers through my hair I turned to him. "I don't want to do anything," I stated truthfully.He rolled his eyes then his gaze shifted to my belly. "How is she?" He questioned. "He's okay." I smiled and placed my hand over his.As time passed I gasped when I felt him slightly kick. I turned to Giovanni with wide eyes. "Did you feel that!" I chirped.A wide smile plastered across his face. "I did."

POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO My birthday is coming up in a month.I haven't told anyone about it because I don't like celebrating my birthday.These past few weeks have been calm and quiet and it worries me. After I killed Esmee and sent her deceased body to Antonio. Antonio and his gang haven't been causing any trouble and I find is suspiciousGiovanni has been distant with his family after his mother's and Annah's passing.The only time they talk is when business is involved and it's only with his uncles.I sat on the kitchen table, legs crossed on the chair, watching Giovanni cook."Are you going to tell me what's for dinner?" I asked."No, you'll have to wait and see." He said.I hopped off the chair then walked over to Giovanni, his back was facing me but he still managed to look hot.He wore a simple black-t shirt with grey sweatpants. I tiptoed so that I could peek and see what he's cooking but his big frame was blocking the stove.I sighed and stepped back. "I'm hungry and preg

POV - GABRIELLA SANGRIENTO1 week later"This is dumb." I blurted out.Giovanni said he had a surprise for me, I thought it would be jewelry or something but now that I'm blind folded as we both walk in the woods at night I have no idea what it is."We are almost there." He whispered in my ear.Lately I have been so tired in the morning, my vision is messed up like I have to have one eye shut, and it lasts for an hour or so. Then, at night I have long blackouts and during the day I randomly.I hate the side effects of being pregnant.He held me tight as he guided me through the forest, as we continued to walk through the forest he let me go. I stopped in my tracks and silently waited for him. "Giovanni?" I called out.I pressed my lips together and slowly lifted the blind fold. The tall old trees towered above me like skyscrapers, warm light shining down through the branches. Turning around my heart fell to the ground when I saw lit candles and fairy lights hanging from the branches o

23rd April 2015Laughter filled the room.Placing the tray filled with all sorts of fruits on the table, I inhale the intoxicated scent of tobacco."The corruption inside the police force is a fucking blessing." One of Vicktors friends chirp, his round figure sits on the chair like a block with a thick neck and red face, his thin hair slicked to the slide to cover his bald spot. He blows out a puff of smoke before releasing an aggressive cough causing me to cringe. "Tell me about it, those bastards will fall to their knees just to be bribed with money. So fucking desperate." The other man says besides me, his copper hair with white strands of hair kisses his cream toned forehead. He lifts his gaze, his eyes dropping to my breast as I reach out to grab the empty tray sitting on the table. I try to ignore his perverted gaze, just as I was about to leave he says something that causes me to pause in my tracks. "Vicktor, where did you get her?" He questions, gesturing his head towards me

"Angelo was not working alone." Abel declares, jamming his hands in his pockets. Prince walks out of the warehouse as he pulls out a cigarette from his pack, sliding the pack back into his jacket then lights it up, he inhales the red cherry blaring bright then pulls the cigarette from his mouth as he puffs out the smoke. He stops right in front of us, his eyes scanning my body. "What?" I snapped at him. "The blood ruined your suit. There is no need to wash it, you should throw that shit away instead." He suggested, gesturing to my clothes covered in Angelo's blood that is now soaked into the fabric and has dried up. I stared down at myself and shrugged before turning my attention back to my brother. "Why do you say that?" I questioned, my gaze narrowed in suspicion. "We know he's jumped right but people on the street are saying that Angelo was not the only one who has been offered to turn on you. Apparently other of our high class workers have been approached. Nico, Chris, Marcello

Laughter filled the room.As I set the fruit-filled tray down on the table, the smell of tobacco fills my nose. "The corruption among the police force is a good thing," declares one of Viktor's friends, whose rotund frame sits heavily in a chair. He exhales a cloud of smoke, sending himself into a fit of coughing that causes me to wince. "I know what you mean," agrees the man beside me, whose hair has strands of white among the copper. His eyes drop towards my chest as I pick up the empty tray from the table. "Those bastards are so desperate they'd do anything for a bribe."As I prepare to leave, I try to ignore his lecherous stare. However, his question stops me in my tracks. "Where did you get her, Viktor?" He gestures towards me. Viktor's stare changes from intense to wicked as he responds, "She's from the Nowak family. They paid a good fortune for me to marry her." My stomach twists in disgust.Every year, Vicktor grows increasingly aggressive towards me. His unwelcome advances ha

He is staring at me with those lifeless eyes.Blood covering the floor, spilling out of his corpse, laying dead on the ground. I can still see the fear haunting his eyes. His screams ringing in my ear. The sound of the gushing body parts being cut out. Him gurgling down on his own blood as he takes his final breath.I killed him.Not with my own hands but his death is on me. His blood is on my hands because of my stupidity. I did this. Knowing the consequences I still turned the other cheek and allowed a man to follow me in his own death trap.Tears shimmered in my eyes, biting down on my lip as guilt washes into me like a strong tsunami crashing its powerful waves into the city destroying everything and anything in its path.I stuck my nose in the air, inhaling sharply whilst I fought back the tears threatening to pour out of my eyes. My mouth is set in a hard line as my throat tightens up like a knot. My heart beats in my ears.His death is on me.Murder. Murder. Murder. Murder. Mur

Laughter filled the room.As I set the fruit-filled tray down on the table, the smell of tobacco fills my nose. "The corruption among the police force is a good thing," declares one of Viktor's friends, whose rotund frame sits heavily in a chair. He exhales a cloud of smoke, sending himself into a fit of coughing that causes me to wince. "I know what you mean," agrees the man beside me, whose hair has strands of white among the copper. His eyes drop towards my chest as I pick up the empty tray from the table. "Those bastards are so desperate they'd do anything for a bribe."As I prepare to leave, I try to ignore his lecherous stare. However, his question stops me in my tracks. "Where did you get her, Viktor?" He gestures towards me. Viktor's stare changes from intense to wicked as he responds, "She's from the Nowak family. They paid a good fortune for me to marry her." My stomach twists in disgust.Every year, Vicktor grows increasingly aggressive towards me. His unwelcome advances ha

His eyes are entirely black and devoid of life.As I stare into their empty nothingness. It is as if the abyss itself is staring back at me.His features are sharp, topped with malice. A prickling sensation webs my nerves with fear yet conquered with interest eager to know what he might do.Saint runs his tongue along the inside of his bottom lip. After a beat of tense silence he grabs my face, his face inches away from mine, heat and disgust licks my core as his warm breath laced with whiskey and mint kisses the tip of my nose."You're going to regret saying those words little doe." He whispers as it sends unwanted chills travelling throughout my body.In a blink of an eye Saint spins me around, he forces both my hands behind my back, my brows furrowed in confusion to what he is about to do.My questions are soon answered when I feel a fabric wrapping around my wrist till it's tightly in place. Trapping my hands from its ability to move.I try to wiggle my hands free but it doesn't s