NICOLE
I and Raphael walked down the cobble streets of Rome. Everything felt so amazing and surreal; the brilliant sun shining down happily, the cars bustling and people flowing like a tide.
This was how I wanted it to be, we were spending time together like a normal couple. Raphael had asked if we should take a car but hell no. I insisted we walked. How would I enjoy my tour if we don't walk hand in hand and relish the moment? He brought along two disposable cameras that each had space for about sixty photographs.That way we could capture the moments of our beautiful tour.The street we were in had a lot of old Italian apartments, balconies that had people's clothes and rugs hanging out of it. The road was cobbled and it added to the beauty.
Loud chirpings from men and women both young and old filled the air. I looked around with a beam on my face and began taking pictures of everyone and everything.To be very honest, Italy was beautiful. "Bella let us head into my favourite coffee shop"Raphael announced as he led me to the front of a dainty coffee shop.Even though we had eaten enough already, I didn't mind it. I needed to get as much Italian experience as I could. We walked merrily to the front of the shop and sat on one of the patio chairs outside. It was very cozy. I rested my camera on the matching table in front of us.My eyes gazed at the cafe's barner and I squinted my gaze, trying to pronounce it.
"Opp--oppo..."my voice trailed off as Raphael interrupted me with a chortle."Oppio Caffë bella" he corrected.
Show off. I huffed at him. "You are a show off"
"I corrected you. If I didn't stop you on time you would have probably bitten your tongue"he cockily said.
This man was so insanely confident, it amused and irked me.
"I'll go order for us Bella. What would you like to eat?" Raphael asked with a slightly raised brow.
"I don't know. Surprise me"I replied smiling.
"Oh I will"he said, his tone suddenly sultry before he entered the interior of the shop.
I sat still, my eyes roving about, greedily feeding on the architectural designs of Rome. My body was literally basking in the warmth of the sun and the breeze just gave off a serene feeling.
I tilted my head and I could spot Raphael through the window coming out with a large spherical tray.He came out and placed it infront of me. It contained two oval shaped cups of chocolate drink and a circular plate filled with what seemed like chicken nuggets.
The aroma evolving from it was heavenly. I couldn't wait to bring it to my taste buds."These my dear wife are called CROCCHETTE DI POLLO E RICOTTA. They are filled with chicken and ricotta"
His Italian accent was amazing. I just loved the way it rolled from his tongue.
He brought one to my face, holding it for me to take a bite.I tried taking it out of his hand but he gave me a quirky look and a shake of his head as if telling me to eat it from his hand.
I felt my cheeks heated up and gave in to his demand.Bringing my face closer, I took a bite out of it. My eyes widened and I let out a low moan.
This was delicious.
"You like yes?" Raphael cooly asked.I nodded and grabbed it out of his hand, taking bites out of it.
In the blink of an eye, Raphael took a picture of me with his disposable camera before I could even object."Raphael"I cried out, almost choking on the food.
"Why did you take it? I'll definitely look hideous"I scolded."You can never look hideous" Raphael replied with a boyish grin.
I blushed at his statement and continued chewing the food."How does it taste?"Raphael asked as he took a bite out of one.
"Exquiste and sweet""I bet that's how your pussy tastes"Raphael charmingly whispered with a wink.
All the colours drained from my face at his sensual wordings.
"Raphael"I chided teasingly with my red cheeks.He laughed at my blushed self and awkwardness as we continued our food. We talked about so many things as we ate and enjoyed the fine view of the street.
It was just beautiful."Raphael I'm so filled and desperate to explore Rome"I said with a grin.
He raised a brow at me and took one last gulp of his chocolate drink before standing up and stretching his hand towards me.I took hold of it with a giggle and grabbed my camera.
A contentious smile adopted itself on my face. Time to explore.* * * * * * * * *
Today had been so fun filled, amazing and beautiful to say the least. Raphael took me to so many beautiful sites in Rome and I enjoyed every bit of our tour.
Raphael had totally planned everything. He bought us tickets to Roman Colosseum and Roman Forum ahead of our visit.
The Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre in Rome with an audience capacity of fifty thousand. It was also very historical. Raphael told me this was where the famous gladiatorial combats, animal fights and Romans games were held followed by the bloody, gory and murderous deaths.I cringed knowing people actually died here some hundreds of years ago but it was a very beautiful site.
The forum was just as beautiful as the Colosseum. It was the centre of the city and provided us with a view of the ruins of ancient markets, administrative and religious buildings. It was really a historical site.
We visited the Palatine Hill which was included in our Colosseum ticket. It gave us access to the ruins of the residences of Emperor Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.
Raphael told me according to myth, the city was founded by Romulus and Remus. I had no idea who they were.
He said they were twins who were found and suckled by a wolf in a cave.I laughed so hard when I heard that. That was some real urban legend shit.Raphael was literally my tour guide round Rome.
He took me to Piazza Venezia which was not far from the Roman Forum.We literally did a great deal of exploring today. In between our tour, I also got to try different mouth watering Italian cuisines. Raphael literally made me eat almost every Italian dish that came our way. I definitely don't think I'll have appetite for dinner once we arrive home.It was seven pm now. We had gotten lots of walks and lots of taxi rides.
The Italian night sky was beautiful. The stars shone radiantly with the luminous moon spreading its soft rays through the foggy clouds.We were walking down a street, the beautiful street lamps beaming over us, providing light to our pathway.
"Where are we heading to Raphael?"I asked, my excitement still webbed over my face.
"It is a surprise my queen"he replied as his hold on my hand tightened.
"Tell me Raph"I cried out, pouting my lips and giving him puppy eyes.
He turned his face to look at mine and smiled. "No" was his abrupt reply.
My face morphed into a frown and I used my shoulder to hit his which got him laughing.
He stopped in our tracks making me stop to and turned to face me. Bringing his index finger to my face, he placed it on my lips before running it along my bottom lip gently."Every inch of you turns me on Nicole"he whispered, his voice caressing me.
A giggle escaped my lips and my eyes darted to the cobble grounds. He brought his hands to lift my head up, facing him."You are my world Nicole. I love you more than you can ever imagine"
He was being so romantic and sweet.Before I could think anymore, he softly placed his lips on mine,kissing me gently.After our brief make out session, he pulled out with a grin.
"So...will you tell me where we are going now?"I asked shyly as we began walking."No"was his same abrupt reply.
This man was insane.I didn't know if I should laugh or frown at him. I decided to annoy him by eagerly pulling on his hair but softly.
"Yes that's how I want you to pull my hair when I fuck you. Go harder" Raphael said with a wink at me.
"You are so cocky and a jerk"I said with a gasp and my cheeks turning scarlet red.
I noticed we had walked towards a river. A water taxi was at the edge and a man stood inside, seemed like he was waiting for us.
My face lit up. I had never been in a water taxi before. Raphael helped me get inside."Let's go for a little ride shall we?"Raphael asked which seemed more like a command because the taxi already set off once we entered.
It was very romantic. I peeped my face out of one of the numerous windows of the water taxi. The river beneath was beautiful. I could see the reflection of the moon and stars. I bet the water will be freezingly cold. The chilly wind blew eagerly and it gave me goosebumps.
Raphael drapped an arm over my shoulder and snuggled me close to himself once I retreated my face out of the window.
"Bella I remember you called me a particular name the day you got drunk back in Nigeria. Beast yes?"
Wow. He had a sharp memory.
I nodded. "Yes beast. I am beauty and you are beast"He shrugged his shoulders. "That's an insane description of the two of us. Is it a movie?"
My jaws dropped and I stared at him
"Don't you know Beauty and the Beast? It's a Disney fairytale. Didn't you get to watch it?"He shook his head. "I didn't watch all those. I wasn't opportuned to. Tell me about it"
At this point I felt sorry for Raphael. He did mention his childhood was turbulent. He missed out on so many beautiful childhood memories."Well"I began with a soft smile.
"The show focused on a prince that was cursed and became a beast as a result of his pompous attitude. Him and everyone in his castle were all cursed. And the curse could only be broken by true love kiss. A flower was given to him and when the last petal of the flower drops without him finding true love then the curse would be permanent and he will remain a beast forever""That's scary, what happened next?"Raphael suddenly asked as he became more interested.
"Well a beautiful girl named belle entered his life. Her father was captured by him for trespassing into his castle. She went there to save him and agreed to stay with the beast in exchange for her father's freedom. At first she was scared of him but later on she grew to love him and actually brought out his good side"
Raphael gave a satisfied smile and nodded for me to go on.
"Their love wasn't without hurdles though. At the climax, a man named Gaston, who wanted to marry belle raised an uproar within the villagers. He hated the beast and incited the villagers to go to the beast castle to kill him"Raphael's eyes suddenly widened and he held on to my hand."Did he succeed? Did he kill the Beast?"
I let out a smile. Raphael was behaving like a child. It was beautiful seeing him looking childish.
"The beast was stabbed by Gaston in the back during the attack on his castle and as for Gaston, he did die..."I paused in my story and saw a sad look wash upon his face.
"But before the beast died, belle kissed him, a true love kiss and that was when the last petal from the flower fell off. The curse was broken. He transformed into the handsome prince he was before"
A broad grin broke out on his face."I'm sure Belle was happy"
"Of course she was"I said excitedly.
"They lived happy ever after from there on. And he stopped being pompous too"I concluded before pecking Raphael on the cheek.
"So we can say belle looked beyond his physical appearance and saw that he had a good heart deep within him. She grew to love him for who he was on the inside and stood by him when Gaston and the villagers attacked his castle.."Raphael began explaining the lessons he saw in the story like a child.
I was marvelled. He was such a fast learner and a good listener to.
I could only giggle and nod."It sounds just like I and you"He said, tilting his head to face me.
"Tell me another story. There's this one I hear about. Um Cin..cindre""Cinderella"I completed for him.
His blue eyes glistered and he nodded his head. "Yes that one. Tell me about it"Raphael just seemed like an innocent child at this moment. No dark, brooding, or dangerous look on his face. He seemed so innocent.
I nodded with a smile."Ok so cinderella..."I began as our boat trailed along the waters.This was how I wanted us to be.
Perfect.NICOLE Yesterday had been such a blast. Our tour, the bonding, tasting of different dish; it was so exquisite and beautiful.I wished our day wouldn't end.I saw an entirely different side of Raphael on the water taxi. He wanted to know all the Disney fairytales he had missed growing up. It was like I was telling a child a story. His eyes always seem to glint up and sparkle with life with each story I told him.I truly loved that.I was so tired when we arrive back home. The moment my body touched the soft sheets of our bed, I totally slept off. I'm sure Raphael must have cuddled me because I woke up in his arms. He slept so soundly.He looked extremely beautiful. His features were all relaxed, his chest gradually heaved, his long hair was ruffled up and some strands covered his forehead. His eyelashes were truly so lon
NICOLE He just pulled out a gun!I stared jaw ajars at it and trepidation seized me. I tightened my hold on Raphael and closed my eyes, pressing my body against his. "You aren't the only one that knows how to use a gun Dante"I heard Raphael say. My eyes flew open and I saw Raphael slowly bringing out a gun from his pocket.This was getting scary.Raphael immedately cocked it and twirled it around his slender fingers."Raphael.."I whispered in fear.He looked down at my frightened self and kissed my forehead. "Shhh Bella. I'm here ok"I heard his grandfather falsely chuckle. We both then trailed our gaze to him as he stared angrily at us. I don't get it. Why doesn't he like me? He just met me so why the dislike?"You have the guts Raphael to go to Africa and pick a barbarian as a w
Nicole broke down into tears, slumping on the floor with her body shaking vigorously. She never believed events would turn out this way. It was just a simple dinner. Everybody was meant to eat, relax and get to know each other more. She hoped Armani would like her the way Aurora did but now everything was ruined. Armani hates her for no reason. And now Raphael was being led away for his punishment as a result of the brawl he got into with Dante. Dante was such a pain in the ass. How could he say those things to his own brother? His own blood. How could he wish his own brother dead? The more Nicole thought of it, the more tears streamed down her cheeks and flooded her vision. Aurora and Sofia quickly went over to Nicole, trying to get her to stand up."Child please do you want to cry yourself to death?"Aurora softly asked as she held Nicole's hand."W-what will he-h
NICOLEA week had passed after that torrential event that took place in the mansion.Up till now, just the thought of what took place that uneventful night still shook me to my bones. I struggled to get the image of Raphael's bleeding shoulder out of my head.Seeing how ruthless Armani was to his own grandchildren made me realise how frightening Raphael's childhood would have been.I felt so sorry for Raphael. He grew up in harsh conditions. Though filthy rich, he was already burdened up with life responsibilities as a child.Getting initiated into a mafia from a young age without having the tiniest clue of what he was getting himself into proved to be so fatal for his childhood.I found myself praying so fervently for my dear husband. I truly didn't like seeing him in pain.It broke me into agonising pieces watching him bleed so much that night.
Nicole felt a million knots get tied up inside her the moment Raphael uttered that statement. She felt so excited and yet so scared. Her heart sunk to her stomach and she suddenly felt her palms becoming sweaty even though the room was chilly. Raphael noticed she suddenly looked frightened and he arched a brow at her. "What's wrong? Don't you want it?"He spoke so gravelly, it made Nicole shiver. Nicole immedately responded. "I do Raphael. I'm just...well...I am"Nicole struggled with words as she kept on speaking hesitantly and cutting herself short.Raphael stopped hovering over her and laid by her side, straddling her to himself."I have never done it before and I don't want to disappoint you"Nicole confessed under her breath. Raphael let out a laugh, amused by what his wife said. "Is that why you look so tensed my love?"
RAPHAEL I tried to pay attention to the rambling going on in my office but I just couldn't. Images of what took place between I and Nicole kept on flashing through my mind. God.She tasted so good. Hearing her beautiful moans was arousing and so enticing. I groaned within me. Heaven knows I just wanted to be in bed all day with her but work won't let me.I felt so frustrated and annoyed that I had to leave early in the morning before she had the opportunity to even flutter her beautiful eyes open.I wanted to fuck her again and again to be honest. I shouldn't have gone out so early. I should be in bed with her right now, cuddling her in my arms and massaging her thighs keeping in mind the numerous rounds I took her on last night.I had sex with numerous girls in the past even with Leila but none was compared to what I had with Nicole last night. It wasn't jus
Nicole's eyes roved around as she peered through the glass of the limousine taking in the dark, starry night. They had been driving for over thirty minutes and she was anticipating to see where Raphael was taking her to. Raphael dropped an arm over Nicole's shoulder and started trailing multiple wet kisses from her cheeks to her neck. Nicole felt a million butterflies flutter within her and wondered why Raphael was being so romantic towards her. "Raph..?" He hummed at her and kept on trailing his kisses over all sides of her neck."Why are you being so romantic and touchy?"Nicole queried under her breath as Raphael's kisses were awakening those familiar aches within her. "Thank you Nicole"Raphael replied as he stopped kissing her with his head ascending and his blue orbs bu
Raphael sighed and groaned within himself as he kept on listening to the various chattering of the people around. He had met with different elite class individuals and they had just been talking business all through.He was really tired and he was sure Nicole was also tired of the repeated greetings and business talks. "So I was thinking If we could actually work together, you know a partnership between us..."the older man announced to an obviously tired Raphael before handing him his business card. Nicole watched Raphael take it with a forced smile. She felt sorry for him. He had been engaging in various discussions with people and from the look of things he was clearly not interested in talking again. "Oh yes. Thank you. I'll contact you"Raphael answered, taking the business card and glancing at it. "Mr Justice. Wow. Such a pleasure seeing you. I've always wanted to see you.."a shrill voice whipped across to the
NICOLE I flopped my head back on to my sofa, tiredness oozing from my features.I had a very tiring day at work and all I needed now was just rest and peace. Peace in my married life too.In the past two weeks, ever since I confronted Raphael about his past affairs with Leila, we've been having issues upon issues over the phone. Why was he blind to the fact that Leila would destroy our marraige if she was still lingering around him?She herself made it clear to me on how much she despised me and how badly she wanted Raphael. That woman will do everything in her power to get Raphael back and I was trying to avoid it.I had specifically told Raphael to discharge her of her duties and just let her go far away from this mafia and from him but he wouldn't agree. He said it wasn't that easy to leave the mafia and Leila was one of his best assassins. I mean ain't he the capo?He makes the rules so why can't he change them? What is so hard in discharging her of her duties and sen
NICOLE I came down from my car, heading into a dainty pastry shop. I was on my way to work and I wanted to grab some snacks. Pushing open the glass doors, I trod towards the counter.The decor was comfortable. It wasn't too posh to feel out of place and also wasn't too plain either. Rounded wooden tables and soft chairs formed a pattern in the shop,the mild tone of classical music soaring in the air.The environment wasn't animated. It was peaceful and serene.Placing an order to go of two pancakes and some spring rolls by the counter, I ambled towards one of the chairs and waited for my order. My mind drifted towards Raphael. I missed my husband so much. It was already close to a month and he still wasn't back.Was it that serious back in Mexico?The only thing that comforted me was my assurance that he would come back and also our late night calls. A waiter brought my order to me wrapped up."Here you go Ma'am" a soft feminine voice called out to me.With a smile, I col
"I swear I'll shoot all of you right now and send gunmen to each one of your fucking families and have them pass through hell!" Raphael thundered fire and brimstones to his underbossess that formed a straight line opposite him. His nostrils flared and his eyes were so bloodshot, enough to scare the wits out of someone. Anger was an understatement of what he was going through. A bomb had been planted in one of his warehouses and they were very fortunate to had escape with their lives but in the process they had lost more than a million. His restless feet walked around the hall, his anger rising with each breath. A grenade was exploding in his head and he just wanted to kill somebody right now. The horror stricken underbossess stood frigid and also rigid. Nobody dared uttered a word in their defence. The incidence had left everyone stuperfied and lost for words. How was a bomb planted in the warehouses? It was heavily guarded so who was able to outsmart the armed guards and pla
RAPHAEL "Any info yet?" I asked my capos as we sauntered into a fairly dark room.Thomas outstretched his hands for me,"see for yourself. Diego's phone was accessed and truly he did get a phone call from the ghost" A smile lit on my face. Finally we were getting somewhere. I was tired of moving in circles, unending frustrating circles."Is that all?" I asked, my voice a little louder. My eyes accessed everything in the spacious room with a wily smile."We've gotten the best computer specialist and trackers to access the exact location of the ghost" Thomas informed me, his eyes on the various men who had the finger pads glued to the keyboard of the computers with the lights reflecting on their faces. I walked towards one and he acknowledged my presence which I returned back with a nod."Fill me in" I ordered him."We've got a problem" his brows became furrowed at the screen. Fuck. What again?"What's the issue?" I replied trying to swallow my annoyance."Diego was contacted through
RAPHAEL"Thomas please that's absurd" I sighed, taking my eyes off him."But it's not impossible" Thomas replied unfazed."Why exactly would my dad want to harm my mum? For what reason? What would he gain from my mother's death?" I threw multiple questions at Thomas. Thomas went silent, slowly averting his gaze from my face. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out."Exactly. Nothing at all links to my dad" I concluded with a hiss.I don't know why my mum would make such an absurd claim. It was so saddening watching her rage like an insane lunatic not to talk more of Nicole having to believe her words. Nothing linked to my dad. What would he stand to gain from killing my mother? If he was truly one of our enemies, why didn't he just kill us all since? He knows the in and out of this mafia--all our partners, the drugs, the politicians in our payroll, the ammunitions, our warehouses--name it all; my dad knows it all so why didn't he destroy us earlier. What would e
An agonising groan echoed around the steel walls of the cellar.Pain was evident in the voice that carried it; torturous and horrific pain. Strapped on to a chair was a bruised and disfigured Diego. He was held caged by a rope which seemed to squeeze his entire body into one piece. The pain from that alone was excruciating talk more of the cuts, wounds and broken bones he had gotten. The cellar was cold, extremely cold. Diego had his teeth chattering. A rat ran passed his legs causing him to curse in italian. Heavy thumping footsteps could be heard making its way towards his direction.Diego needed not to be told who it was. Cold and dangerous blue eyes carried his already swollen and weak green orbs in their formidable stare."Have you come back to finish what you started?" Diego asked slurry before spitting out loud. Raphael crouched down and gave him a sadistic smile."You know me so well diego" "Actually..."Raphael began."I'm not going to kill you now" he stood
NICOLE What word can describe how shock and confused I am right now?Raphael's bitter tone still played in my head. I could only imagine how furious he looked when he said that. I felt like screaming my lungs out. I planned on telling him this myself. Why would Leila go tell him without informing me? I thought so much about it that I didn't realise when tears had started trickling down my cheeks. With a sniff of my nose, I wiped my tears with the back of my palms. My phone rang a second time causing me to jerk immedately.Was that Raphael!? I checked the caller with the speed of light only to meet with a caller that almost got me screaming.Amarachi!"Amarachi! Oh my. How are you!?" I was as happy as a lark to hear her voice.I've missed my sister so much."I'm good sis. What about you?" Amarachi laughed."I'm so sorry I haven't been calling" I felt guilty immedately. Ever since I got married to Raphael, it seemed that I had less time to focus on my own side of the family
RAPHAEL My brows deeply knitted themselves while my restive eyes were focused on my phone which rested in my tensed fingers. I recieved a video from Leila. She didn't even send a call or a voicenote of any sort. She just randomly sent this video. I at first thought it was a video about how things were going on back home which was why I didn't want to open it immedately but now my eyes are eating up what I can't make out of. Where is Nicole heading with miles?Why doesn't that woman listen to me?! I assigned Leila to look after her because I know how unsafe it is right now. If one of my goddamn enemies couldn't reach me, Nicole would definitely be the next target. Her safety is so important to me.I specifically ordered her not to go anywhere without Leila. Even if she disobeyed me, I had at least expected it to be that she went with Sofia or Emilio and not with Miles. My face was disconcerted in anger, my fist balling up the more I focused on the video. "Fuck!!" I yell
The room was gloomy doom, scanty with just a sofa as the only piece of furniture decorating the dark room.A faintly lit bulb swung carelessly in the middle, evoking squeaky noises with each swing which was the only sound that befell the room. Ruffled brown hairs with large carouse hands that were combing through it, dishevelling it the more flopped on the edge of the sofa. With searching brown eyes staring up at the ceiling, the man blew puffs of cigarette smoke into the air, dragging the cigar out of his lips. A slow knock on the door was heard. A smile curved by the side of his peach lips. Loud thumping footsteps were accompanied by the deep chuckling of a young man."I've been waiting for you" came the hoarse voice of the man. "It's not easy doing this but I'm glad I'm back on track" the young man told him as he stood behind the sofa. With a sharp bolt from the sofa, the older man turned to face his counterpart before engulfing him in a hug."Maxim. Ivan must be