Lorraine LebedevaLifting my hands to his jaw, pleasure washes over me as he deepens the kiss. Raphaël wraps an arm around me, then I'm tugged hard against his body, my toes barely touching the ground.He pulls away, his thumb traces my bottom lip."Do you trust me?" he questioned."Yes." I replied.Now that I think about it. I did trust him. I might have not seen it or said it aloud but I trusted him from the very moment he touched me.It might sound ridiculous but from him, I always need one more kiss, one more hug, one more touch, always, simply more of him.I don't want what we have to stop.The exact texture of his lips on my neck, the rippling shudder of his fingertips stroking my breasts, the heat of his body between my thighs... He wanted this too. Gentle touches and strokes, all over each others' bodies. I kneel in front of him, my back pressed tightly against his chest to feel the silk of his flesh upon me. He slips one strap of the lingerie off my shoulder, my single breast
Lorraine LebedevaMy body swayed side to side as I danced to the chirping music humming in the air. The smell of blueberry pancakes lingered in the air with a hint of bacon and eggs.I woke up before Raphaël and decided to make breakfast. He usually does the cooking so I just wanted to thank him by making him a simple breakfast.Yesterday was something. It was special in some way, maybe it's the fact that we actually had a decent conversation as a couple. Yes he did not open up but I'm glad we agreed to take baby steps with the communication.He's showing me a side of him he's been hiding for years and I'm happy that it's with me and no one else.This is the happiest I have been since my birthday. I don't know why but when I'm with Raphaël I feel safe. I feel like I'm at home and he makes me feel the emotions I never thought I would feel since my mother died.He brings out the brighter side of me not the side that was hungry for revenge and blood.He made me feel happy and a better ve
Lorraine Lebedeva"Thirty-five of our men will accompany us. There is this specific safe house the three men have been hiding in for the past 6 weeks. It's an hour and thirty minutes drive away from us." Rhett explained. Our heads turned to the door when Dante walked in and removed his leather jacket. He took a seat across from me. "Apologies everyone." he says, running his fingers through his hair. "Where the hell were you?" Abree questions, annoyed by Dante's late coming. "I was being followed." He lets out, catching everyone's attention. "Do you think it was the Americans?" Rhett questions, as he stands up and walks over to the mini bar. Dante shook his head pinching the bridge of his temple and let out a frustrated sigh. "Even worse." Dante asserts. His gaze shifted to me, for the first time fear was lingering in his eyes. "The Russians." I frown. "My father." I whisper to myself.I was distracted by the positive things that are going on in my life that I completely forgot abo
WARNING: this chapter contains scenes that some readers might find disturbing, if you are sensitive to raw violence I highly advice you to skip this chapter towards the end.Lorraine LebedevaJust as I cautiously walk over to the men a bullet slams into my chest knocking me to the ground.The sharp pain spreads up to my chest makes it hard to breathe for a moment.Thank God I wore my armed vest.Raphaël rushed over to me and cupped my face. "Are you alright?" He questions worriedly. I force a smile and rise to my feet. "I'm fine." I sayThe pain eases a bit but it's still painful to breathe.Raphaël's eyes darkened as he shot his head to the side, gawking at the person that shot at me. I followed his gaze and my eyes landed on a brunette boy who looked like he was in his late teen years. His eyes widened as he slowly lowered his gun with shaky hands. Raphaël pulled out his gun, aimed it at the boy's head and pulled the trigger. His lifeless body drops to the ground. I watched with wid
Lorraine LebedevaMy body was shivering with excitement as he zipped my jumpsuit all the way to the end and unbuckled his pants.I slowly removed my jumpsuit covered in dry blood, as goosebumps coated my clean skin when the wind brushed against my flesh."Open your legs for me red." he demands but even his demands were all sweetness and cajoling. Promise and tenderness. But he could have said anything, in any way, and it wouldn't have mattered. I was drooling for him. Wetness pooled inside my mouth. Between my legs. That's how much of an effect he has on me. I was swept off my feet, already so deep for him. There was no hesitation as I opened my legs and kept it open as Raphaël trailed one of his hands down the side of my face. Then the other. I lifted my gaze to his, and he smiled before cupping my chin.His hands were even more through. A stroke here. A pinch there. A kiss dropped on the back of my neck. Whatever kept my body on high alert for his touch.He took his hand away, leavi
Lorraine LebedevaI was warm, the smell of a smoky, tobacco aroma filtered my nostrils.I snuggled deeply into the warm source, enjoying the strong warmth beneath me. My eyes flutter open and the first thing I see is my favorite thing to look at.Hazel eyes, radiating brown sun warmed with inner soft hues of gold.Raphaël smiled softly as he placed a gentle kiss on my lips and pulled away, pressing his forehead on mine.I let out a sigh as I switched positions my naked body pressed up against his.Through the huge window glass rested the tips of trees, a way to watch the changing season in real time. I watched in silence as the steady patter of rain upon the glass windows. Droplets yet to scatter the nascent rays of the rising sun. The sound brings a calmness to mind, a soothing melody, a natural lullaby. With eyes at rest I feel my center, living happily within myself for these blessed moments of solitude.I snuggled into Raphaël's arms, a small sigh escaped my lips when the tip of h
Lorraine LebedevaThe cool breeze brushed my skin, goosebumps coating my skin.I let out a sigh and my eyes fluttered open as it scanned the dark room. I pulled myself up and glanced at the clock sitting beside the bed and it read 4:22 am.I've been asleep for almost 5 hours.My head was pounding from all the crying and my throat was dry, eyes puffy and cheeks flushed with dried up tears stain.I removed the blanket and swung my legs out of bed as I made my way to the bathroom.I flicked the light on and cringed at my reflection. My strawberry hair was messy and my face was all puffy and red. I groaned as I let the tap water run and splashed cold water onto my face. After refreshing myself I walked over to the door and slowly opened it. My head peaked out first making sure that Raphaël was not in sight. I was not ready to face him yet.The lights were off and the only light was from the full moon.Our- Raphaël's room was just across the hall so I didn't want to wake him.One foot in f
Lorraine LebedevaToday was the day. After a week of Raphaël's' team gaining research about the Knights we finally got them. They are currently hiding in Texas and we all decided that we will fly to America because things have quieted down in the underworld and it's better now to attack when they least expect it.But before we left Raphaël wanted to deal with something very important. Abree, Rhett, Dante and I sat in Raphaël's office as we waited for him. "Sooo..." Dante dragged his tone as he awkwardly took a sip of his drink. "How are you guys holding up?" he questioned, his thick Russian accent laced in his tone. Rhett gawked at Dante and cocked his thick brow. "Since when do you care about our personal lives?" Rhett questioned. Dante cleared his throat. "We are stuck with each other so the least we could do is tolerate one another." he explained. I turned to look at Abree who was already staring at me. I smiled awkwardly and she scrunched her nose then looked away. "Well, I'm
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
Raphaël Romano"You have no business here." she whispers as her face turns white.I shake my head and place the locked suitcase on top of the table. The club is electric tonight everyone feeding off the smiles and dancing tonight.Abree and Marcello appear beside me, I look up to them and Abree gives me a curt nod gesturing that we are in the clear and no one seems suspicious...for now.I unlock the suitcase and flash the woman in front of me 1 million dollars in cash. She eyed the money and me then shook her head."Look, I've been risking my ass for you Raphaël but these are getting dark and I don't think I can keep up with this." she said.I lean back against the couch, my legs spread wide and arms rested on the head of the couch."I have her Josephine and if you want to see your daughter's face again, then shut the fuck up and do your job and as a bonus I am generous enough to pay for her treatments." I proclaimed. Josephine lowered her head as she clenched her fist beside her.Aft
Lorraine Lebedeva3 MONTHS LATERHis fist collided with my face, sending me to the ground so quickly my hair whipped around my face before I hit the mat.I groaned in pain as the hard impact of my chest crushed my lungs and ribs that it became difficult to breathe for a few moments. I was frozen on the boxing ring's floor, almost dead, before I tried to push myself up. My arms wobbled, my chest rose and fell as I desperately tried to get the air back in my lungs. Sweat dripped from my forehead as it glided down my flesh.Get the fuck up Lorraine, you are embarrassing yourself.I managed to get to one knee before crumbling back onto the mat. My limbs are giving up on me.I have been in training for the past 9 hours with no breaks. Simeon has been torturing me for the past 3 months and 4 weeks since I've been back.He made me do terrible things I'd never forgive him for.I killed dozens of people.I skinned people alive, set them on fire, let them drowned, tortured them with weapons' I
Lorraine LebedevaDay 1"Mother!" I screamed.I quickly rushed towards her and placed her head on my thighs.My chest tightened when I saw tears streaming down her face."Mom, mom, no, no don't worry you will be okay..." I sobbed. "You'll be okay." Nodding my head rapidly, I convinced myself that this was a dream. That I should pinch myself awake.She grabbed my hands and kissed it. "Don't worry baby." She whispered, smiling wickedly. "You did this to me, you killed me."Blood rushed out of the open wound as the warmth of life was slowly fading away.I woke up with a gasp. My sweat drenched in the sheets as it slid off my body. I looked around widely, certain to find an intruder but nothing except deep shadows skulled the corners of my room.The pale blue hues of twilight, filtered through the white lace curtains, the wind fluttering the windows.It was just a nightmare.It was just a nightmare.It was the first time I've ever had a nightmare of my mother, especially since her death.