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 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

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 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 - 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