A Deadly Game
Angelica Bichcova
 
wednesday, march 7th, 2012; the girls will be going lingerie shopping. it will give whoever goes a good chance to bond, while some will wish that they never stepped into victoria's secret.
 
I checked my watch again, wondering what could be keeping Mari. I knew I had a tendency to be early to places, but I knew I couldn't be that early. I set the bra I was holding back down as I moved on to a different rack. Everything was adorable, but for some reason, I wasn't really up to shopping.
Finally I heard something up near the door and saw Mari saying hi to a few people as she made her way through the store. I let out a relieved sigh, glad to know that she was just running late and it wasn't something else.
"Hey doll," I grinned as she joined me near the back of the store. I plucked another bra off the rack, looking at it, before putting it back. Again, things I normally loved in the store weren't catching my attention.
"What’s up with you? she asked, looking at the same bra I had just put back. I wondered if it was that obvious that something was eating at me, but I simply shrugged.
Mari set the bra back, looking annoyed as she looked at another style. She looked as frustrated as I was indifferent.
"I'm fine, but what's wrong?" I asked, holding back a smile as she put the bra she was holding back on the rack. I lifted up a black lacy bra, smiling as I finally found something I liked.
“There’s nothing here for me," she muttered, her face in a slight pout as she walked back towards the front of the store. I grabbed the matching panties and followed her to the PINK section. Their stuff was cute, not really my style, but it was suppose to be a girls afternoon.
I was a few steps behind Mari, as I kept stopping to look at things, adding to the collection in my hand. By the time I reached her she was looking at the clothes, sorting through them.
“It’s fine. There has to be something here for you!” I tried to make my voice light and humorous. I couldn't imagine how difficult it would be to shop for a changing body. Mari grabbed a light blue sweater, holding it out as she looked at it. I thought it looked cute, and would be loose enough to conceal what she might not be ready to show.
I held up a simple shirt, smiling as I show it to her. She smiled, nodding as she added it to the sweater over her arm. She still seemed frustrated, but was starting to relax as we moved from the shirts to the bras.
"This is you!" I teased, holding up a hot pink bra and waving it at her. She chuckled softly reaching for it.
"Too small Angel..." she replied, handing it back to me. I shrugged, putting it back on the wall as I reached for a more muted light pink one.
"This is the next size up," I pointed out pushing it into her hands. She rolled her eyes, but added it to the growing stack. I turned with a grin, going back to looking at stuff, when I heard the beep of a phone.
Looking over my shoulder I saw Mari juggle the stuff in her hands, before pulling a phone out of her bag.
She gave the phone an odd look. She gave me an apologetic smile, setting her stuff down as she stepped out of the store. I watched her leave, assuming it was Igor, checking up on her. I grabbed the things she had set down, moving to the check out line.
I joined a few of the others, as they stood in line chatting. I smiled pleasantly, noticing that I didn't really chat with any of them. Nina was standing a few people in front of me, and I felt myself gulp.
"Nina," I called out to her. She jumped turning to look back to where I was. I gave her a smile, feeling bad that we really hadn't spoken much the last few weeks.
She moved back from her spot, standing next to me.
"How have you been?" I asked, feeling the tension between us.
"School's fine, Papa's been busy lately." she replied blankly. I felt my jaw clench. I hadn't asked either of those questions. I didn't care that Papa was busy, i knew he was.
"I asked how you are Nina," I whispered, not wanting to fight.
"I'm fine." she muttered, her eyes forward.
"Nina, I'm sorry, ok. I didn't mean to upset you and I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you." I murmured. She nodded, her hands gripping her few purchases tightly.
"Okay...well, I'll see you around I'm sure." I replied into the silence as I stepped forward to pay. Mari still hand't come back into the store, so I assumed it was Igor and Nastia on the phone. I would just pay for her stuff and call it a gift.
After I collected my bags, i weaved my way out of the crowded store. Outside I looked around, seeing Mari stooped over on a bench. Immediately I worried that it was the baby or she was sick as i rushed towards her.
“Mari, what’s wrong?” I asked. Mari practically jumped up from her seat, clutching at her chest she looked at me. She dropped her hands looking down.
“Italians,” She muttered shaking her head. I watched at tears feel quietly from her eyes as she looked back up at me.
I felt my mind kick into action as I looked around. The word Italian could mean so many things. I knelt down, wrapping an arm around her as I helped her up. “Let’s get you out of here,” I whispered as I led us towards one of the restaurants in the complex. I walked past the hostess, picking a booth near the back of the place to give us privacy and a better view of the main door.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, reaching for her hand. I had no clue what had upset her, but I didn't like that she said Italians. Mari blinked at me, looking tired as she handed me her phone.
“Watch this,” She said flatly. I turned the volume down, watching as the message started to play. I saw as Yuri came into view, the distinct Italian voices speaking as they tortured her. I felt my stomach twist as she did her best to be strong, but the pain and struggle was evident on her face.
“This is terrible,” I replied, handing the phone back to her. “What are we gonna do?”
I immediately went into planning, weighting all the risks involved in attempting to get Yuri back. I still didn't trust her, but she deserved better than this. It would take us all working together to fix this.
Mari lifted her head to look at me, not blinking once as she spoke, “We need Yuri back. We owe her that much,” I answered.
“So you’re willing to give yourself up?!” I hissed, tossing my hands up in the air. I knew what she was thinking, and it would be a last resort, if we even considered it. From the sound of the video, the Italians, seemed to think that Yuri was important to Igor, but Mari was more so.
“I never said that,” Mari countered wringing her hands. I knew she didn't completely mean it. The look in her eyes told me she was considering it. I bit my lip, feeling anger over numerous things as we sat there. I dropped my eyes to the phone, glaring at it, and what the message on it meant.
“You implied it,” I finally said, breaking the silence between us. I felt her glaring at me before she looked away. Something else was still eating at her. More than just the message she had received.
I watched as she started to fidget around. Playing with her hair and nails, biting at her lip. All signs that something was on her mind.
“Mari, what’s eating at you?” I asked, my voice clear as she stared at me.
“I need to tell you something…” She started. I nodded, wanting her to go on. Whatever it was, I would help anyway I could. “I didn't just sleep with Igor. Remember after our big fight?”
I nodded stiffly, not wanting to go back down through those painful memories.
“Well, I was so angry at the three of you that I told Ivan to meet me in our secret place, and let’s just say it was a marathon weekend.”
I felt my jaw drop open as I simply stared at her. I knew it wasn't the best response, but I felt speechless as we sat there. She had slept with Ivan, before the wedding...meaning, oh god, the baby! I watched as fresh tears brimmed her eyes, as she dropped her head into her hands. great now she thought something terrible, I knew it.
Before I could say a word, someone cleared their throat, breaking the awkward silence between us. I looked up as Mari did the same. Emilio and Lorenzo were standing there, appearing cool and collected.
My mind first went to the thought that they had heard us talking, then to their possible involvement in Yuri's kidnapping. I didn't recognize their voices from the videos, but one never knew.
I pasted a smile on my face, as I looked up at Lorenzo. This was going to be another close call, with all the other girls moving around out in the stores.
Mari exchanged a brief hello with Emilio, giving me an idea as i reached out to take Lorenzo's hand. He gave it a brief squeeze, a smile of pure delight washing over his face.
Emilio replied back in a muffled whisper to Mari, looking at her with such tenderness and worry. It almost blurred the lines between them and us, making me wonder again, what it would be like to simply be a girl, meeting him, rather than a mortal enemy undercover.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Mari muttered softly to Emilio as she wiped a few tears away. I had no clue what she was talking about, but I could use this as a chance to dig for information on Yuri.
“Hey, you know, we haven’t had a dinner together in a while. Why don’t we go tomorrow or later this week?” I suggested, glancing at Mari. She seemed nervous, making me wonder if she would even be up to it, after everything that had just happened.
“That’s a very good idea, Baylee,” Lorenzo commented looking back at Emilio. I watched the exchanged of looks, before he turned back to look at me with a nod. I smiled, pleased with his answer.
“Good,” I quipped, smiling around the group.
I hoped that Mari was up to it, though something told me she would be. She wanted Yuri back as badly as I wanted her back. I doubted that Lorenzo and Emilio were involved, but I had to make sure, and this was the only way.
 
('man that took forever' if you read it all. So this is all credit to @nifty-nikki she wrote this and it was amazing...i feel like a cheater copying as much as I did!!!)

The continuation of the evolution of Angel. I seriously am in love with her!! *featuring the new Angel: Sasha Pivovarova
More to be added!

Without a doubt, my favorite roleplay so far. It's so easy to write stories for Angel. She has to be my favorite character ever!! These sets include the gorgeous Vita Sidorkina.

A Deadly Game
Angelica Bichcova
 
monday, march 5th, 2012; mari and igor will be house hunting today. she decided to take along nastia and angel while igor decided to bring dimitri. they will be looking at lofts in the city, even though they should stay in brighton.
 
I looked around the apartment, shrugging my opinion to Mari. It was better by far than the last one the agent had show us. Mari gave me a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. I knew what was weighing on her mind, the same thing that was on everyone's.
"Mar, what are you thinking about?” I wasn't sure if I was asking about the apartment or the whole Yulee situation that had rocked us all lately.
“Yulee. I still can’t believe she did that,” she replied softly as we moved further into the apartment. I nodded, not surprised.
I paused, looking past the guys to where the Realtor was standing, giving us a moment apparently to look it over. I stepped away from Mari, making my way to him, reaching into my pocket as I went.
“Excuse me. Can we just look around privately? Like you outside?” I slid my hand out of my pocket, producing a thick roll of bills. His eyes lit up with delight as he nodded, moving back towards the door.
We didn't need his prying ears overhearing any of the conversations we might have.
“Thank God, he’s gone. I gave him enough money for a couple hours if we need it,” I sighed as we walked into the kitchen. The boys where already there, their light-hearted argument over baseball finally done.
The seconds drew out as I wondered who would speak first. It was bad enough when Yuri had been framed, but to see Yulee pull what she had, only casted more doubt on their family.
“Personally, I don’t think she’s the rat,” Mari finally piped up, crossing her arms over her stomach.
Dimtri crossed his arms, glaring back at her. I simply leaned back against the counter, determined not to jump her and wait out her reasoning.
“And I think she is. Did you see her with that cop?” Dimtri countered almost immediately.
“No, the Nick guy didn’t come into the picture until after the deals went wrong. He’s relatively new to her life,” Mari snapped, her eyes shooting daggers at him.
Surprisingly Igor didn't say anything as Mari and Dimi argued. I shot him a look, that he answered with a glare. With a roll of my eyes I looked back at the two as they argued.
"I don't recommend defending her in public," I finally spoke up. I wasn't trying to make it worse, just giving her some advice. Right not it wasn't the popular opinion to have.
“You don’t think I know that?! I know that I can’t defend her. I can’t even think about her!” Mari snapped out of nowhere.
I kept my face blank as she grew more agitated. I knew some of it had to be pregnancy, but it also couldn't be easy, being friends with Yulee.
Igor pushed away from the counter, moving over to where Mari was standing, her posture defensive. He wrapped an arm around her, leaning in.
“Mari, calm down. It’s okay," he muttered. In a way I think he was trying to help, but he looked so out of his element as Mari reared back from him.
“No, I won’t calm down. You don’t ever tell a woman to calm down, especially a pregnant one!” Mari screamed at him, before turning and storming down the hallway. The three of us stood there in a shocked silence.
"I wish you luck with her." Dimtri muttered lightly. The attempt to lighten the mood failed as Igor shot him a warning glance.
"Why'd you even bring it up in the first place?" Igor growled, turning to face me.
I kept my position, leaning against the counter, my arms crossed. He wasn't going to goad me into a fight. I'd made a promise to myself not to fight with him, if it could be avoided.
"It's obviously eating at her Igor. Yulee is one of her closest friends, and you don't think she feels torn over how to feel?" I replied, keeping my voice calm.
"And you...goading her!" He ignored me, turning to point at Dimtri.
"I'm entitled to my opinion old friend. I don't trust Yulee it's that simple," Dimtri replied casually. I'd give it to him, he wasn't going to back down on his thoughts.
"Both of you, shut up!" I hissed, looking in the direction that Mari had walked. I lowered my voice, before looking back at them.
"None of this is helping Mari. Do I think Yulee is the rat? No," I waved them both off from speaking before I continued, "But that doesn't mean I trust her. Of course not. She chose the cops over her family. If she wanted out, she could have found a better way to do it. But all of that aside, our concern should be on Mari."
Dimtri's face was unreadable as Igor gave a reluctant nod. I didn't care if they liked my comments or not. Mari was going through enough drama without us making things worse for her, telling her how to think during all this.
"Now...Igor, I suggest you go find your pregnant wife and don't piss her off!" I ordered, not caring if he liked it or not. "And you, I think the house viewing is over, let's track down the agent and cancel the other appointments for today." I pointed at Dimtri before pushing off the counter and walking towards the front door.
Dimi fell in step beside me as I walked out the front door. The agent was loitering outside, his face lighting up briefly, before falling when he realized it wasn't Mari and Igor.
"Mrs. Pirvonova isn't feeling too well today, so we're going to have to cancel the rest of the day. I'm sure this will cover any trouble that might cause for your schedule." I produced another stack of bills, pushing them into his hand.
He grabbed it greedily, turning to leave. I let out a sigh, almost forgetting Dimi was beside me till he cleared his throat. I looked at him out of the corner of my eye at him.
"What?" I asked, walking in the same direction the agent had gone.
"Who says I have anything to say?" He teased, still walking beside me. it was unnerving, each time he bumped into me. He was too close, his scent tantalizing my nose.
"I know you. When don't you have a comment to make?" I countered with a roll of my eyes. I wanted to think it was like before, when I would pretend to be annoyed by his banter. But my mind refused to let go of the hurt between us.
"It's odd, don't you think...watching them be almost domestic with each other." He murmured, opening the main door for me as we walked out onto the street. I shrugged, not really thinking about it.
Of course it was odd to see Igor as anything other than a playboy. I suppose I hadn't really noticed it, but I guess it was true.
"I try not to notice Igor...in any capacity. A bit of bad blood there if you recall," I spat lowly. I knew the dig was uncalled for, but I couldn't stop the touch of hurt from seeping out.
"You have a point," he added, "But can you imagine house hunting one day with the love of your life?"
I stumbled slightly, feeling a brief pang of misery at his comment. I slipped my sunglasses on, to hide the war of emotions playing in my eyes.
"No, I can't and I never will. Love doesn't fit into my life, and personally I don't want it. You should know that." I finally spoke, pausing as I watched the street for an empty cab.
"You don't really think that do you?" Dimtri spoke softly. I refused to look at him, knowing I would crumble. He might have that one day, the men in our business were expected to marry the perfect mob wife, but not me.
I was raised to be a machine, to shut off all the emotions that most people had. It had been drilled into my head by my father, that I was only good for one thing in this life time. I doubted I would live long enough to even find the love of my life.
"Yes, yes I do, and thinking otherwise is pointless Dimi." I whispered, waving my hand frantically at a passing cab. I felt the threat of tears in my eyes as I rushed towards the cab. I climbed in, ignoring Dimi's shouts. I needed to get away from him, away from the temptation of his questions, because deep down, i wasn't sure I did believe that anymore.
 
('That's not what I really believe' if you read it all. Most of this story is complete credit to Nikki!! You really are an amazing writer dollface!! @nifty-nikki )

A Deadly Game
Angelica Bichcova
 
sunday, march 4th, 2012; the romanovs decided to have a big family dinner just for themselves. dimitri, ryan, nastia, nick and mari will all be taken away for the night. the rest of you will be doing deals and giving people a reason to trust the russians.
 
I walked into the club, my shoulders tight as I scanned the bar for Niko. I was tired and cranky, after working the majority of the night prior. I made my way to the bar, flagging one of the bartenders down.
"Where's Niko?" I asked, as I reached over, snagging a bottle of vodka.
"Out back...do you want a glass for that Ms. Bichcova?" he asked meekly. I gave a curt nod, waiting while he fumbled to hand me a glass. I wrapped my fingers around it, making my way towards the back. I knew the bartender would go and retrieve Niko for me.
I pushed through the door, walking around the desk as I sat down. Leaning back I propped my feet up on the desk, pouring a double shot of the vodka, before resting the bottle on the desk.
The door handle wiggled as Niko pushed in. He looked unhappy as he closed the door behind him. He gave me an annoyed look as he sat down on the opposite side of the desk. I knocked the shot back, setting the glass down as I cleared my throat.
"What was out back?" I asked, my voice low and strained sounding.
"One of our plants with the Italians." Niko replied honestly. I nodded, leaning forward to pour another drink.
"Do you think it's wise to have him meeting you here Niko?" I asked, watching the clear liquor swirl around in the glass as I tipped it side to side.
"His decision, it's been handled, from now on, all information dumps will happen somewhere less risky."
I nodded, taking a small sip of the cool liquor. I felt it burn down my throat, feeling little relief from it as it settled in my system. It really had become like water to me, though the soothing effects of it weren't really there tonight.
"You seem tired, perhaps a night off would be in order for you. I can cover down on your deals if you would like." Niko piped up in the silence. I shook my head. I never took days off, I thought as I tilted my head till I heard my neck crack. I sighed as I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders.
"I'm fine. What did our friend have for us?" I asked, changing the subject quickly.
"No word on Yuri, if that's what you were wondering. It seems the trail starts and stops at the warehouse she was abducted from."
I nodded, not really feeling a mass of concern for the subject. Yes I would help to a certain extent to find her, or at least clues to her whereabouts, but I wasn't going to break my neck over it. I knew there was more that Niko wasn't telling me, from the look on his face.
"Out with the rest of it," I insisted, knocking the rest of my drink back.
Niko shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he reached for the bottle of vodka. I didn't stop him as he used the glass to pour a shot, downing it before he spoke.
"I think you need to reconsider this business with Lorenzo Angotti." Niko finally stated. I nodded, telling myself to hear him out. Part of the reason I trusted Niko by my side night after night was his sound judgment.
"You know I trust you Niko, but I can't risk backing out of this now. Even you know how dangerous it would be." I replied coolly. He nodded, knowing I was right. We sat there in silence, the only sound other than our breathing the clock ticking from the wall.
On the other side of the door, I could hear the muted sounds of the club. The silence, however was cut by a curt knock, before the door pushed slightly inward. One of the more regular bartenders poked their head around, looking in.
"Trouble out front boss." he hissed, though his face was calm and collected. I stood up immediately, rounding the desk, as Niko copied my movements.
"Um...it might be better if you stay in here Ms. Bichcova." He muttered, shaking his head towards me. I felt the sneer cross my lips as I stalked closer to the door. I saw his grip was white-knuckled as Niko reached the door first.
"Um...what might be best is if you learned your place, before you find it 6 feet under." I growled, wrapping my fingers around the door knob. I was about to yank backward, when Niko's voice filled the room.
"Don't be fooled, while I might manage this place, the Bichcova's own it. Angelica is as much the boss around here, as I might appear to be."
"It's not that...Italians are out front. One of them is that Angotti guy."
At the mention of Lorenzo, i felt my body freeze. I turned looking at Niko. His face was tense as the seconds drew out. Everything was on the line.
"Did they say why they are here?" I asked, my voice low. Logically I knew that there was no chance he could hear me, but instinct took over.
"Apparently, they are just here for a night on the town. I told them there were plenty of places they could drink, even refused them service. They won't leave, they want to talk to the boss."
Niko looked at me as i kept my face composed. Internally I was freaking out. I knew it was a bad idea to meet here to talk with Niko. Until I could safely get myself away from the whole Lorenzo Angotti situation, it wasn't safe to associate in person with anyone within my realm.
"I'll take care of it. Angel, stay in here...as soon as we can get you out, scram." I blinked at his harsh tone, but nodded. I couldn't argue, even if he seemed to be talking down to me. I retraced my steps back to the bottle of vodka, forgoing the glass as I took a hearty sip from the bottle.
Niko nodded at me as he slipped out of the backroom. The door closed heavily as I moved to lock it. Niko had a key if he needed entry to it. I slumped back in the chair waiting. It could be a while, and it killed slowly that I couldn't assist Niko, like I should be. It should be me out there confronting the da.mn Italians.
 
('It's killing me inside' if you read it all. Sorry it's a short, cra.ppy story, more like a filler. I just want to get all caught up!! Even though you aren't included, I have to tag you all the same! @nifty-nikki )