Lorraine Lebedev

"There is something I have to tell you," I said before closing the door behind us.

He glared at me and then back at Katina who was standing behind me. "With your...friend?" he gestured towards Katina. "Yes," I said.

"Lora I don't have time for your little games if you want to go somewhere the answer is no," he said. "So, please leave my off-."

"It's about Mr. Romano," I explained.

"Raphael Romano."

His jaw clenched and his cold stare shifted to pure hatred and disgust but yet curiosity lingered.

There's no turning back now.

I cleared my throat and approached him with slow steps. I took a seat in front of him and his attention shifted to Katina who was still standing next to the door with her hands glued to her side.

"Are you going to stand there the whole day?" My father asked as he grew impatient. Katina looked at me and she looked frightened. Like her mother caught her in a big lie that she can't get out of.

"It's okay Katina." I reassured her. Her body eased up a little and she nodded before she walked over to us.

Taking a seat beside me, my father poured himself some brandy and leaned back in his chair as he waited for me.

I cleared my throat and avoided eye contact.

The man terrified me when he masked himself. "I've had a few encounters with Mr. Romano." I told him.

My heart raced, and my palms started to sweat. What terrifies me is that it's difficult to read my father. So as I'm telling him this he doesn't react whatsoever. Which puts me on edge.

I told him the first time we met was at the club and the second time was when we were in Paris that I spotted him across the road when Haletta and I went shopping and that a few hours ago one of his trusted men threatened Katina.

Did I leave out the parts where he sneaked into my apartment, and sent me a gift also where he pleasured me and I willingly went to his house while we were in Paris? Yes I did.

And I might have purposely told him half the truth and added my own twist. I'm not that foolish to rat myself out.

Not a single word has been said while I told him everything. Not a single emotion has been expressed.

That's when I know. I'm fucked.

"Lorraine. I am your father and as your father I need to keep you safe but sometimes the business I run. I have to make some small sacrifices including my own daughter." His voice sent shivers down my spine. His voice sounded dead and gravelly.

He took a sip of his brandy. "Nothing passes me Lorraine. I have eyes and ears. Everywhere my dear child."

My eyes widened and he lifted his shoulder in a half shrug. "I've known for quite some time."

"How long?" I asked. "Paris, you were about to tell me but we were interrupted with a call. That call was from one of my dear friends telling me that my daughter has associated herself with the enemy. At first I thought you were working for him but that didn't sound like Lorraine. You would never betray your own family for some man and then I realized that maybe that son of a bitch is using you to get to me. It made sense. Lorraine, you are weak and gullible. It's easy for you to be manipulated, especially by a pro. So I wondered—why hasn't she told me before? And the answer to that...you were scared and confused. Blinded by your own emotions."

He rose from the chair and walked over to the mini bar at the far end of the room. "But I blame myself. I was foolish enough to think I can hide you away from this fucked up world."

I hung my head low and processed everything my father was telling me.

He knew?

All along he knew and yet he allowed me to make a fool of myself.

My head shot up when he placed his hand on my shoulder. We locked eyes. I stared back into those intense icy-blue eyes.

He handed me a glass of liquor. I respectfully declined and he slightly tilted his head to the side. "But you can drink fearlessly when you are partying in the clubs." He proclaimed then glared at Katina. I turned to look at her and she shrunk in her seat.

I completely forgot that she was here.

"As I said. Nothing passes me." He added "I've. Got. Eyes. And ears. Everywhere."

I reached for the drink and gulped it down. He watched me carefully as I gulped down the burning hot liquor.

"My worst mistake is not preparing you for the world." He whispered while his rough thumb caressed my cheek.

He sighed running his hand through his salt and pepper colored hair. "What are we going to do with your friend?" he asked himself.

He drew his lip between his teeth and sat at the edge of the desk.

"We could kill her, she knows too much." he uttered. "What!?" Katina shrieked. My father turned to look at her. "Thanks to her." He said as he gestured towards me. "Lorraine?!" She pleaded. "Father, we can't kill her." I told him. "I do not trust her Lorraine. I will not take the risk for your dumb friends" He argued back.

Ouch.

"What if-what if we use her as bait." I blurted out. I gave Katina an apologetic look and her mouth fell open.

His brows drew together. I rose from the chair and faced him head on.

"We know the Italians are after me to get to you, so why don't we let them." I declared. "Enlighten me," he said.

"Okay so, I know for sure that they are In Moscow because Katina crossed paths with one of them. When they realize that it's impossible to get their hands on me they will move on to plan C , which is using Katina as bait. I mean let's think about it. They know who she is and that she is apart of my inner circle." I explained and my father looked surprised.

"Like you said, we have to make small sacrifices even with the people you love. Sometimes you have to attract the sharks in the water."

My father turned to look at Katina who looked speechless and shocked. I wouldn't blame her.

It took him a moment to process what I had said.

"Don't worry, we'll make sure you return back unharmed." He tried to reassure Katina but that only made things worse.

"Enzo!" My father called out, one of his men immediately walked in. "Yes, pakhan?" ( translation: boss )

"Take the girl and put a tracker on her."

"No, no, no. Lorraine! Lorraine, where are they taking me?!" Her eyes swam with tears as she tried to fight off the men that were taking her away.

I cowardly looked away while Katina screamed out my name with fear and hurt. "Don't worry your friend will be safe." He said and sat back down. Enzo took a seat where Katina was sitting before she was dragged out. "Lorraine, why don't you tell Enzo your plan." he let out.

My gaze was still on the door, as I still heard her scream echo within the walls.

Have I officially accepted myself to work for my father, something I've been trying to avoid for years.

"Where are they located?" I asked.

"The aircraft factory," he announced, then handed me a picture of the building.

"They found your friend at a local restaurant Mari Vanna with two other people."

"Who are the other two?" I asked. "Don't worry about that," he proclaimed. My brows drew together. I sensed that there was something he was hiding from me. "Is she harmed?" I questioned , panic washed over me. "I guess we will have to find that out." He shrugged.

"Go and wash up. We leave in an hour." He declared.

I glared at him, convinced that there's something he isn't telling me. I stood up and left his office, not saying another word.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

I was standing outside the warehouse, hundreds of men.

I thought my father would tag along but he said that I should learn and train myself not to be weak and by doing that he sent me out here with his men.

I'm in charge and for some reason that doesn't sit right with me. I take a deep breath. It's time to prove everyone wrong that I'm not the weak little girl they all claim me to be.

"Ma'am we are all waiting for your command." Dante uttered besides me. I turned to look at me unsure of what to say or do. "Dante?" I pleaded. He looked concerned and worried. "I don't know what to do." He placed his hands on my shoulder and forced me to look at him.

"Ma'am, there's one thing I know and I'm curtained off. You are a fearless young woman. I do not see you as weak and I never will. My whole eleven years with being your personal bodyguard, I've realized that you take risks for the people you love. You would sacrifice your whole world just to protect the people you care for and right now inside that building is someone who is counting on you to live to see another day. You are scared and confused I know but you are also brave, smart and a risk taker you have a lot of potential you just don't see it yet. Your father put you in charge for a reason. All of these men trust him with their life which means you are in charge for a reason, we will never question his judgment. He sees potential in you and so do I. The question is do you?"

I looked around and saw that all eyes were on me. My hands squeezed into a fist, with my eyes shut and head hung low.

I have to let it go.

I have to let the little girl in me go.

I have to face my fears

"Now or never." I whispered to myself.

I nod my head and Dante smiles.

He signals everyone to get into their positions. I push the button on the earpiece and check in with everyone zone and position. They are all ready and cleared.

I signaled the men and they bursts in the warehouse with their guns and rifles drawn.

I was last to enter the building and my heart froze when I saw him.

His hair is brushed back. His hazel eyes are starting back at mine. lingered with lust and anger. He wore his signature black polo-neck with black trousers and black Oxford shoes.

I must admit, black looks sexy on him.

He had company. A beautiful woman standing beside him. I brushed off the jealousy. I have to stay focus.

"Where is she?"

-

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