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
POV - Katina Preobrazhensky9 hours earlier"What about karaoke?" Christopher suggested while doing a goofy dance.I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "Karaoke sounds boring." I said. Nathaniel shrugs. "I'm cool with anything."I groaned and continued to eat my burger.Hanging out with these two is frustrating sometimes. After we met at the club we became really good friends.Christopher might seem intimidating but he's a teddy bear, he's caring and cute. He can be annoying sometimes but I'm fond of him. Nathaniel aka Nathan seems friendly but is the opposite. I don't know much about him. He doesn't talk a lot but for some reason loves being around talkative people. He gives off this dark masculine energy that intrigues me."Why don't you invite Lora?" Christopher gestured. Nathan shares a weird look with Chris and he shrugs.Weird..."I'd love to invite her but her father is a pain in the ass," I told them.And it's true, he's just so paranoid it's strange. Every time I visit her I
POV - Raphael Romano"I've found her," Marcello declared over the phone. "Good. We will be in Russia in a few days." I told him and then hung up the phone.I flipped the small phone upside down and removed the cover then pulled out the SIM card, tossed it in the microwave, and watched it as it disintegrated."She's been found?" my little sister asked from across the room. I turned on my heel to face her and watched while she polished each of her bullets.I did not bother to question what she was doing. "Yes. We've got her friend."Abree nodded, her fawn curls bouncing each time she moved her head. "You know.""Papa putting me on this mission was his best idea." Abree pointed out. I walked over to the mini bar, offering myself a Russian Bear drink. "Would you like to enlighten me, lil sis?"Abree chuckled. "You men have this tendency to catch feelings for your victims mainly if she's pretty and can easily be controlled.""Especially you big brother." she gestures toward me.I took a se
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.