Lorraine Lebedeva
I sat there as I watched Haletta and the others play in the pool.
The sun was hot, sparkling off the blue water as Haletta emerged from the pool. The water ran down her shoulders all the way to her long toned legs, her hair slicked back and her make-up still in place.
How the hell does she manage to look like a hot super-model while coming out of the pool like those girls in the Hollywood movies.
I get out of the pool like I'm in a war zone holding on to the edges of the pool as if my life depends on it with my hair looking like I was having hardcore sex underwater and don't get me started on the makeup.
My gaze flicked to Raphaël across the yard, he sat on his chair with his legs spread wide open.
He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he went through his phone. He only had on black joggers and a white vest that hugged his flat stomach.
Light stubble covered his jaw. His dark hair looked messy and fluffy as it kissed his forehead.
I wanted to run my fingers through his hair.
He looked intimidating.
But that didn’t stop me from wanting him. I was very curious about this man. I wanted to know more about him. I wanted to see part of him that no one else saw.
He glanced over and caught my gaze.
Warmth rushed to my face, and my pulse fluttered in my throat. I hugged myself tightly and his eyes fell to my breast.
When he cocked his head to the side and bit his lower lip, a flame pulsed between my legs. I pressed my thighs together and cleared my throat.
For some reason I felt embarrassed.
Raphaël turned me on just by staring at me. If it was any other guy I would have laughed but no, it’s him.
I leaned my head against the chair, He glanced at me. A warm breath of air tickled my skin and I shivered.
I don’t know how long we sat there just staring at each other from afar.
“Hey.” Haletta called out as she waved her hand in front of my face. I lightly shook my head and turned to face Haletta. “What’s up?” I questioned.
“We are heading out to buy food.” She stated. “Oh, okay when?”
“Now.” She said,
I sighed and stood up from the chair. “Okay let me go grab my purse.” Haletta gripped onto my wrist stopping me from going inside. I narrowed my eyebrows. “Something wrong?”
“No, it’s just Marcello said only I could come.” She said, “But we came here together and you can’t leave me here all alone.” I declared.
“You won’t be alone, Raphaël will keep you company.”
My eyes widened and I gulped.
No fucking way I’m staying here in this huge house alone with Raphaël. “No.” I protested. “Please, Lora, this is my chance to finally spend some time with Marcello.” She pleaded. I rolled my eyes. “He's not good for you Haletta.” I stated, crossing my arms.
Haletta is that type of girl who falls in love with any guy, whether they were cruel, smart, stupid or loving it didn’t matter to her.
“And I’m not good for him, see we meant to be.” She cheered.
I raised a brow and gave her my ‘are you serious’ look. “Okay, I just want to fuck him. Please Lora stop cockblocking me.”
I quickly glanced at Raphaël and back at Haletta then sighed.
“Fine.” I said. She squealed like a little child then kissed my forehead. “You are the best!”
“How long will you be gone?” I questioned.
“Thirty minutes.”
My eyes widened. “Haletta.” I complained.
She blew me a kiss then dashed her way inside. I rolled my eyes and watched as Rhett, Marcello and Raphaël were discussing something. Raphaël caught me staring and I quickly looked away.
I cleared my throat and decided to go back inside. On my way there my phone vibrated in my pocket, I reached in my back pocket and pulled out my phone when I read the ID my pulse fluttered in my throat.
Shit.
I accepted the call then pressed the phone against my left ear. “Father.” I gulped. “Hey princess.” He cheered over the phone.
“Why are you calling?” I questioned. My gaze shot up when I saw Marcello and Rhett walk in as they talked in Italian.
I cleared my throat then walked back outside. “Just wanted to check up on you. Are you alright?” Father replied.
I sucked in a breath when I bumped into Raphaël, his gaze came up from the floor and he noticed me.
He was about to speak but closed his mouth when I held up a finger in front of his lips. His gaze narrowed.
“Я в порядке.” I said and a spark flickered to life in his eyes. “Why aren’t you speaking in English?” { translation: I’m fine. }
I could sense that my father was worried because I only speak russian in public if I know that I’m being watched when I’m in a foreign country. Since they don’t understand russian, hopefully we assume.
“Это потому, что я с Халеттой, и ты знаешь, что она понятия не имеет о твоем бизнесе.” I explained, praying that he doesn't realize that I’m lying. { translation: It's because I'm with Halette and you know she has no idea about your business. }
Raphaël ran his thumb across his bottom lip and watched me in a calculated way. My skin lit like live wire, warmth curled low in my stomach. He looked intimidating with a glare that burned.
“Lorraine.” Father called out. “Da?”
He chuckled, “I said, call me if you need anything. Okay?” He reassured me. “Okay.”
“I love you and be careful.”
“Я люблю вас.” I replied before hanging up. { translation: I love you. }
He glanced at me with dark amusement in his gaze, a flame pulsed between my legs.
“What do you want, Raphaël?”
I looked at him with a stern expression, showing him that he has no effect on me but we both know that it’s a lie.
“You keep asking me that question red?”
I keep asking you that question because your answers never satisfy me. I thought to myself.
The ability to breathe ceased to exist when I realized he was standing so close to me. We looked at each other for seconds that felt like hours. I cleared my throat and looked away, avoiding his gaze.
I crossed my arms over my chest and watched as the trees danced back and forth in the wind.
His thumb ran down my cheek, my heart skipped eight beats at once he gripped my chin and turned my face towards his.
He mumbled.“Adorabile.” His hand slipped from my face and he walked back inside without another word.
I rested my head against the wall, inhaled a huge amount of air before exhaling.
I was burning.
After a while of just standing there, I finally had the courage to enter the house.
I was glad that Raphaël wasn’t in sight. I made my way to the living room and plopped myself on the couch.
What will I be doing for thirty minutes?
I would have texted anyone but I don’t have friends besides Katina. We don’t text each other because she never responds, even if she does she will reply in 3-5 working days.
I sighed and randomly scrolled through my phone. My head shot up when I heard footsteps heading this way.
A rush of awareness ran down my spine. I realized Raphaël was here before I could fix myself.
An unfamiliar feeling danced in my stomach even though I stared at my phone as I scrolled back and forth through the apps, not knowing what I was looking for.
He sat down beside me with a glass of whiskey in his hands. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. His legs partered while he was on his phone.
I let out a shallow breath and noticed a remote on the glass table in front of us, leaning forwards I reached for the remote then turned the tv on.
Raphaël cleared his throat as his gaze was focused on the flat screen in front of us.
Thankfully I have the tv to keep me distracted. While I flicked through the channels I realized that there was nothing interesting to watch so I randomly stopped at a channel.
I meantally slapped myself when I realized it's the sports channel and out of all sports it had to be tennis.
I don’t have a problem with the sport, it's just the weird sounds they make. I turned to Raphaël to find him staring at his phone as he tried to fight back a smile.
Haletta needs to come back. Quick.
⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
We've sat on this couch for an hour not saying a single word to each other.
I’ve sent twenty text messages to Haletta asking her where she is and she hasn’t replied yet. Can’t believe she ditched me.
I sighed.
I turned to Raphaël and asked. “When are they coming back?”
“I don’t know,” he responded. “But just to let you know, your cousin Haletta is probably having a blast with those two idiots,” He added and turned to face me.
My brows knitted. “They were lying about buying food…”
I knew something wasn’t right when they only wanted her to come.
I grabbed my phone from the table and dialed Dante’s number. I was about to press the call button but my gaze flicked to Raphaël who was pouring another glass of whiskey.
I think this is his third glass. I wonder what’s so good about whiskey. My father and uncles are obsessed with it.
I didn’t know I was staring until Raphaël looked at me. He looked at his glass then back at me.
“Do you want to taste?”
“Ye-no, no I’m good.”
I gulped when he shifted closer, our thighs almost touching.
“Open.” He declared. Rush of anxiety shot through me.
Was this a bad idea? Yes.
Will I do it anyway? Yes.
I slowly opened my mouth. Raphaël’s gaze was heavy. He placed his hand on my chin and slowly lifted my head then poured the liquid in my mouth.
I swallowed and stared at him as the liquid burned my throat. “How is it?” He asked, placing the glass on the table.
“It’s good.” I lied. He chuckled. “Don’t lie to me red. I hate liars.” He flattered, placing his hand on my thigh and rubbed it up and down.
My lips parted and my legs pressed together. Warthmed rushed to my cheeks.
His hand slowly moved up. I closed my eyes.
“Raphaël.” I breathed. “Yes Lorraine.”
The way my name slipped out of his tongue sounded inappropriate yet I wanted him to say again. I gasped when his soft lips brushed my neck.
I can’t do this again.
“Raphaël, stop.” I declared but deep down I didn’t want him to stop. I wanted more.
He chuckled. “Relax red, it’s okay.” He whispered in my ear, a shiver ran down my spine.
I gripped on his shirt when he began to kiss my neck. “It’s your body.”
“So why don’t you understand.” he added “What it wants.” I bit my lower lip and softly moaned when he gently sucked my neck.
“So adorable.” He whispered with his deep, sexy voice.
“Want me to stop?”
“I-”
I couldn't even speak. My mind was blank, the only thing I was focused on was his lips against my skin. My mouth became dry with the need of water. I pressed my legs together when I felt a weird sensation down there.
I cleared my throat. “Y-yes.”
Raphaël glanced down.
“Your body is telling me otherwise.” He smirked, wickedly.
I was caught off guard when Raphaël pulled me onto his lap. My eyes widened when I felt something big and hard poke in between my legs.
Without thinking I slowly grinded on him. I was surprised when suddenly my body had a mind of its own.
“Cazzo.” He groaned.
I leaned in and kissed him slowly, he gripped my ass and squeezed it, as I rode him.
He wrapped his big hand round my small neck then gently squeezed it. Surprisingly I liked that.
“I want you so bad.”
Lorraine LebedevaHe pulled my tank top over my head and tossed it on the couch beside him. My bare chest was exposed to him. “Cazzo.” He groaned. I breath against his lips, but all my thoughts vanished when he kneeled in front of me as he unbuttoned my jeans, sliding my pants down my slim hips. I step out of it still wearing my black boots. Raphaël placed his hands beside my hips, his head tilted back with desire. I glanced at him with hooded eyes. He clenches my pink lace panties between his teeth. I watch him as he slides them down my legs. His hands gripped low on my ass and I gasped when his fingers brushed my clit, teasing my entrance. “Fuck red, your wet.” He groaned. I tensed when his fingers began to rub against me. Biting my lip I run my fingers through Raphaël’s soft hair. I was caught off guard when Raphaël picked me up then placed me on the couch. He kneeled between my legs, spreading them apart.“Tell me to stop and I will.” I nodded my head and he grinned as h
Lorraine LebedevaI can’t sleep. I can’t stop thinking about him. This is not how I imagined my stay here in Paris would turn out. I informed Aunt Nadine that Haletta would be staying with me for the night, she didn’t mind. It’s currently 21:30 pm and I still haven’t informed my father that I want to go home. Should I tell him over text or in person? Maybe in person it would be better. I sighed as I laid in my bed staring up at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts. I don’t know much about Raphaël. No scratch that I barely know the man. Yet I want him, all to myself. I chuckled to myself. Since when did I become possessive over a man?I didn’t know older men were my type. I’m turning nineteen in two months and I thought I would find a twenty year old man but no, I'm going crazy over a man who’s almost thirty… People really do change. I hopped off my bed, headed straight for the door. I opened my door and made my way to my fathers room. I hope he's there. When I finally reach
Lorraine LebedevaI woke up to the sound of banging. I squinted my eyes when the sunlight blinded me, I groaned and grabbed my phone on the night stand, I switched it on and checked the time it read 09:12 am. “Lorraine!” I hear Haletta call out from the hallway. I rolled my eyes then covered my face with the blanket. I’m still angry at her. “Lora, please open the door!” I lie on the bed, perfectly still as I wait for Haletta to go away. Five minutes have past and she’s still at the door. I mumble something under my breath and finally decide to open the door for her. I stretched my arms out as I menderd my way to the door, I yawned tiredly and opened the door to find Haletta standing there as she wore a Split Hem Tartan Bodycon Dress and black sneakers.I noticed that she had a pink box in her hand. She smiled weakly. “Morning.” She greeted me. “What?” I declared. “Can I come inside, I bought your favorite cupcakes.” I raised a brow. “Blueberry.” She noted. I opened the do
Lorraine Lebedeva An ugly feeling crept up my spine and through my body. Aunt Nadine and Haletta were busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. When we arrived here I could sense that my father was uncomfortable. Probably because Aunt Nadine looked like she was going out on a fancy date just to impress my father. I questioned Haletta, why her mother is wearing all fancy, she simply shrugged. It gave me second hand embarrassment; we were all wearing casual clothes except for her. “Did you have fun with Haletta?” My father’s voice interrupted my thoughts. I caught his gaze and said. “Yes, we did.” He nodded and proceeded to play with the fork in front of me. I felt guilty because my father is putting himself in an uncomfortable position just for me. I opened my mouth to talk but closed it again when Haletta entered the room with bowls of salad and bread. She set the bowls on the table and took a seat beside me. “My mom will be done in a minute.” Haletta informed my father. He n
Raphael Romano “Mr. Romano, we will be l-landing in an h-hour.” The flight attendant stammered.We left France an hour ago, I received a call from my father saying I am needed back in Italy.Nodding, I rested my head on the chair and watched the moron as he poured me a glass of whiskey.I narrowed my eyes as the guy couldn’t pour the whiskey right.Marcello glared at the flight attendant, ready to beat the shit out of him. I snatched the bottle from his hands.“I’m sor-”“Don’t say sorry.” I said in a low hiss. “Leave us.” Marcello groaned.His eyes widened and he stepped back then walked away.“As I was saying…” Marcello trailed off. “We know the little princess is easy to manipulate and surprisingly has not informed her father about the two of you.”I hummed and poured myself a glass of whiskey.“She is a feisty one.” I simply said.And naughty.“It will be easy to play her.” Marcello stated, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.I played with the rim of the glass, a small sarcastic
Lorraine Lebedeva 3 DAYS LATER "What?!" "We are leaving tomorrow." My father repeated. I purse my lips. "But we have-" "A few more days." He finished my sentence. I scrunch in my seat and press my head against the window. "I know you wanted to stay here longer but something came up and right now it's not safe for you to be out in the open." He explained. "Why?" I asked. Not sure why I asked because I already knew the answer. "Do you remember when I told you about the Italians...?" I nodded. He sighed. "Well, they are after you." His brow knitted, confused as to why I didn't react. He probably expected me to be shocked or terrified but my face was blank. I was not fazed by the mere thought of the Italians coming after me. Why? Because I have already crossed paths with them including Raphael, who also touched me in a way I haven't been touched before by any man. "Oh." I simply said. "Oh?" he repeated as if it's his first time hearing the word. "Oh-uh I-I don't know how
Lorraine Lebedeva1 WEEK LATER“Can we take a break?” I breathed. I’m lying on the ground, my whole body is sore and I’m sweating like a pig. This past week has been shit.Ever since we left France, father tripled the security, guards are found everywhere in the house and I myself got 6 new guards plus Dante, 7. And I have training every single day. I wake up at 7 am, have breakfast, train, shower, eat, and sleep. It has been the same cycle for the past 8 days. “No.” “Your father strictly told me that training should be 5 hours and it’s only been thirty minutes…” My trainer Josephine stated. I sighed. Josephine Allard is an underground trainer, she has trained most of the best criminals out there for the past 6 years. Her mother Kim Allard is a good friend of my father so he asked if she could train me and Kim agreed. “Can’t we just skip to weapons training, specifically knives.” I argued, my chest heaving up and down as I tried to catch my breath. Josephine raised a cool b
Lorraine Lebedeva2 MONTHS LATER "She's certainly improved." I overheard my father whisper to my mother beside him.The corner of my lips curled into a small smile. I grabbed two arnis sticks and tossed one to my father. He caught it and questioned. "Lorraine, are you sure you are ready to fight your father? It wouldn't be too pleasant to see you weep after I beat you."stretching my arms out I gathered all my hair into a ponytail and smirked. "It wouldn't be nice to see you, father weep after your own daughter beats you."One thing I despised is that my own father underestimated me. I'm not the same Lorraine from 2 months ago. I've changed.I'm not the same girl who took crap from people.I'm not the same girl who was weak and pathetic.I'm not the same girl who allowed people to control me.I'm different. I've changed mentality and physically2 months can do a lot for an individual.Without warning father sweeps out his legs, dropping me onto my back."Do not get distracted," he s
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.