Lorraine Lebedeva
"Holy shit." Halette gasps. Rolling my eyes I let myself in and smiled when I saw aunt Nadine in the kitchen.
The flight to France wasn't bad. I slept the whole time so I didn't get the chance to see the view kind of bummed cause it's my favorite thing to do whenever we fly. Father had an emergency call so he couldn't stop by and pay a little visit to aunt Nadine's.
Dante is currently at the hotel where we'll be staying for the next two weeks. "You can't just ignore me like that Lora," Haletta yelled behind my back.
Giggling, I turned around and pulled her into a bear hug. "Oka-okay Lora I-I can't breathe." She gasps as she tries to push me away. "Oh, how I've missed you," I say, tightening my grip around her. "Lora!" She gasped.
Rolling my eyes I let go and she stumbles back, catching her breath. "Are you trying to kill me," Haletta says.
"Yeah, maybe," I responded. "Lora!" I spin around, even though it's aunt Nadine. A big smile is plastered across her face. She has such a beautiful smile.
She reminds me of my mother. With her cherry blonde hair and bright blue eyes. "Aunt Nadine." I greet her cheerfully.
"Oh my gosh, you've grown." She says. I politely smile. "How are you?" I ask. "I'm good now that you are here, how is Darcey?"
"Oh, she's doing well uhm she said, she misses you guys," I tell her as I avoid eye contact.
Mother didn't say anything about them before we left. My mom and aunt Nadine aren't on good terms now. They haven't talked to each other for a while now. The only time they get a chance to talk it's always a hello or 'how are the kids' and that time only happens when it's a family gathering dinner party or Christmas. I couldn't just tell aunt Nadine that mother didn't mention her once, it would break her heart. I know she misses her sister and I see a little bit of hope whenever I mention Darcey to her, I just hope they fix things between them.
"I can't believe I have you for the next two whole weeks." Haletta squealed as she spun around in circles like a Disney princess. "Don't go crazy on her Haletta." Aunt Nadine warned and pecked my cheek before she walked back to the kitchen and continued to do whatever she was doing before I arrived. "C'mon," Haletta says, then grabs me by the wrist and drags me to her room.
She shuts the door then faces me with a smirk on her face.
Oh no.
"No." I say. "What the fuck Lora, you don't even know what I was going to say."
I already know what she's going to ask.
"You want to go shopping with me." I said with a blank expression. She groaned in annoyance. "Fine, yes. Let's go shopping." She said with a frowny face. "I'm tired, so we will go tomorrow." I protested as I threw myself on the bed. "It's only 3pm Lora!"
"Yes, time for me to get some rest."
Haletta dragged me off the bed and my body stumbled on the cold floor. "What the hell Haletta!"
She rolled her eyes and tossed me her purse. "Now get up, we are going shopping."
I groaned. "You owe me dessert."
⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
Shopping with Haletta wasn't bad. I'm still upset because I was forced to go shopping with her. We are currently eating our desert while planning what we will be doing these past two weeks.
"What about bowling?" Haletta stated as she took a bite of her cake. I gave her an unsure look.
I'm not a fan of bowling. The reason for that is because I suck at it. "I'm not so sure about that." I say.
"Anything else in mind?" I asked. I waited for her response but she didn't reply. "Haletta?" I looked up to find her looking at something else behind me. "Look behind you." she whispered. I turned my head but I didn't see anything interesting. "What am I looking at exactly?" I asked. "That man." She pointed to a group of men.
"You're not being really specific Haletta." I said, rolling my eyes. She groaned. "The man that's on his phone."
I noticed him quickly and my jaw dropped. That's the guy from the club, well I assume I was drunk but I'm certain it's him.
What the hell is he doing here? Out of all places, why is he here?
In France in the same restaurant I am in. What a fucking coincident.
He's really attractive.
What! No, no I did not just call him hot. He looks very familiar like I know him from somewhere.
That's when it hits me.
Raphael Romano.
Holy shit I was flirting with the Raphael Romano. This is bad this really fucking bad! If father finds out, fuck if he finds out that I sneaked out and flirted with his enemy. I'm dead and so is Katina.
I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't realize I was staring like a creep. Before I could turn around he looked up and caught me staring. My eyes widened. His hazel eyes caught mine and I was taken by surprise when he smirked.
Why does he look so hot?
I shake my head, getting rid of that thought. I quickly turned around and cleared my throat. "He's hot." Haletta said as she bit her nail while admiring him.
"I'll be back." I said. I stood up from my seat then rushed to the bathroom. I wasn't watching where I was going so I bumped into someone.
I already know who it is. Clenching my fist I looked up and I was correct.
"I saw you checking me out." Raphael said as he scanned my body. I sucked in a breath and spoke up. "I know who you are." I said hoarsely. "Took you a while to figure out Miss. Lebedev." He replied.
"How is your father?" He smirked. "Stay the fuck away or I'll-"
"Kill me."
"Inform your father the 'devil'."
"You'll do what red?" He said with a bored tone.
Red?
The letter. It was him RR that stands for Raphael Romano. He chuckled. "Do whatever you want Lorraine."
"You sent the gift." I said. He tilted his head and took a step forward. Leaned in then pecked my cheek. "You like it, don't you?"
I do. "I don't."
What is happening? From being cold to flirty I can't predict this guy and why the hell aren't I doing anything about it. I gasped when he snaked his arm around my waist, my body was on fire and my legs suddenly went weak. "Great, your father for me red." He said in a low voice.
Before I could speak up he let go of me and walked away. My eyes followed him until he left the restaurant followed by the other men that were with him.
What the fuck.
Lorraine Lebedeva There comes a time where you have full control over a situation or you don't. Right now my mind is trying to process what just happened. I don't know if I should be freaking out or act normal, something is pulling me back from informing my father that I crossed paths with Raphael Romano. "Lora!" I snapped out my thoughts and looked around to check who called for me. "Are you okay?" Haletta questioned as she placed her hand on my shoulder. I turned to her. "Hmm, yeah sure, sure. I'm okay." I mumbled. She gave me an unsure look and lifted a brow. "Sure?" She asked. "Yeah, I'm just tired. Can we leave?" I asked as I tugged my hair behind my ear. "Uh, yeah sure let's go." She said then stood up from her seat and grabbed all her things. I took my things as well and we paid for our deserts. ⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅ "Hey, are you okay?" Haletta asked. "I'm good." "You weren't fine when I dropped you off." She whispered in a worried tone. I slightly chuckled. "I told you I was
Lorraine Lebedeva"Not yet red." He whisperedI bit my lip, clenched my fist then screwed my eyes shut.Idiot. I thought to myself.I opened my eyes and looked up licking my lips when I admired his soft plump lips. He pulled me closer and I caught his gaze. Raphael tilted his head to the side a little then placed his hands on my face. I leaned in and closed my eyes, took a deep breath then opened my eyes again.He began to rub his thumb on my cheek in a circular motion. It was relaxing.I was about to speak but he beat me to it. "You need rest." He says in a soothing tone as he tucked my hair behind my ear.I didn't respond, instead pushed him away from me and walked out the bathroom.I waited for me to exit the bathroom and he saw me standing next to the bed with my arms crossed. He didn't show any emotion nor say a word.When he reached the door he opened it then wished me a goodnight before closing it.I threw myself on the bed and groaned from frustration then ran my fingers thro
Lorraine Lebedeva I took a deep breath. "There's something I have to tell you." Father's smile faded when he noticed I wasn't smiling. "What is it sweetheart?" he asked. I placed my hands on the table, Father wrapped his hands around mine giving it a comforting squeeze. His eyes met mine and I looked away. I don't have the heart to look him in the eye. I chew the inside of my cheek. My palms are starting to get sweaty. I'm nervous, I have no idea how he will react to this. Before I could speak, fathers phone vibrated on the table. He read the ID caller then shifted his attention back to me. "It's important," he spoke with guilt. I sighed letting go of his hands. I put on my best smile, nodding my head up and down as I tugged a few strands of my hair behind my ear. "This will only take a minute." He picked up his phone hence stood up then he walked out of the restaurant. He mouthed sorry. I sighed. Should I tell him? Not sure, half of me wants to inform father about this b
Lorraine Lebedeva "You have a serious problem, Lora." Haletta sneered. I rolled my eyes. "I have a serious problem, you're the one who randomly asked them out!" I protested. Just because I always do a background check on guys I go out with isn't being a creep at all. I'm being responsible. I'm not the one going around asking random people to have dinner and go to their house later on. "Just tell me their names Haletta and stop being a pain in the ass," I said. "Stop, just stop," she said, throwing her hands in the air. "Okay fine. Make sure you tell me everything when you get back." I declared openly. She stopped searching in her closet and faced me. "You are coming." "No." "Yes." "No." "Lorraine shut the fuck up and accept that you are coming!" she yelled, throwing one of her bras at me. I caught it and threw it on the bed. "See this..." I said, waving my hands back and forth towards Haletta. "This is why you are single." "No, it's because I'm too hot to date." she flex
Lorraine Lebedeva"Which restaurant are we going to?" Haletta questioned as she entered the car. "Our place." Rhett said.I turned around and tried to run back inside but Marcello was blocking my chance to escape.I awkwardly cleared my throat, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear.I entered the vehicle and Marcello shut the car door."I have a weird feeling about them," I whispered to Haletta. "You're just overreacting." she waved me off.Seriously, one thing I hate about Haletta is that she never listens to anyone, she's very stubborn.I rolled my eyes then crossed my arms. "Just shake it off." Haletta drawled."I just have a bad feeling about them," I answered absently. Haletta looked at me under her dark eyelashes with her infamous pursed-lips-you-ruin-everything expression.I hate it whenever I'm out, whether with my cousins or friends and I have a bad feeling about this place or person- I inform them but they brush me off and always say 'i ruin the fun'.I think I'm alway
Lorraine LebedevaI 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
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 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.