Twisted

By L. Rayne

What would you do if some unknown force brought you together with a group of people not by the color of your skin or a biological connection but by love and fate?

Stepping off the elevator at her job Raevin collides into a magnificent well-defined taut muscled black hair, sky blue eyed Tristan. He makes her body quiver with a need she has never felt before. Tristan found himself reaching out to steady the most gorgeous, sensuous woman he has ever seen. When Tristan stares into the silver eyed voluptuous, honey-bronzed beauty he finds himself blissfully aware hes losing his self-control.

Surprisingly Raevins job has brought her family and friends to Tristans ranch where his family and friends are based. They uncover a malicious force lurking close ready to destroy the bonds they are forging together.
Raevins Ex-boyfriend Randell Green creeps on to The Renyea Ranch kidnapping his ultimate prize. Randell is unaware of Raevins extreme antipathy towards him or her love for Tristan. Raevin is cultured, beautiful and her family is one of the most powerful and influential in their social circle. In Randell deluded mind he believes the only reason Raevin ended their relationship was her familys animosity towards him and his lack of funds. A minor problem he plans to rectify.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543410495

L. Rayne

L. Rayne grew up in a small town number ten of twelve children. With the encouragement of family and friends she decided to leave a long promising career at the University of North Carolina to pursue her passion in writing. In addition to writing L. Rayne loves reading, the culinary sciences, frequenting exotic locations with family and friends.

Book preview

Prologue

All the work Raevin, her twin brother Gee and cousin Nick put in had finally paid off. Having finished their undergrad degrees she had a bachelor’s degree in advertising. Ravein also minored in marketing, and finance. She was going to intern at Molina Designs while going to school to get her masters degree. Gee and Nick had received their bachelor’s in pre-law and were headed to law school. Helping Raevin out of the limousine Gee laughed, Look at you Ms. Isabeau Is-uh-Bo Raevin Stevenson graduating all summa cum laude. I’m so proud of you baby sis.

Twirling around and bowing Raevin replied, I’m proud of you Kangee Navarre nah-VAHR Stevenson for also graduating summa cum laude in pre-law, but big bro you’re only a few minutes older than I am.

Walking over to the two Nick exclaims, Hey guys what about me? I finished summa cum laude.

Come on Lillath Nickcole Wolfe, you were always the star of our dance, Gee said grabbing Nick’s hand.

Laughing they started dancing around in the parking lot singing an old childhood ditty they used to sing when they would accomplish a goal.

Jordan and Talulah, the twin’s parents, walked around the car toward the trio.

All right you three, let’s act like adults.

Raevin, Nick and Gee ended their dance at Talulah’s request.

Reaching the trio Talulah and Jordan embraced them in a group hug.

I only wish Élan and Fatima could have been here to see your accomplishments Nick, Talulah remarked.

Placing her head on her aunt’s shoulder and giving her a hug Nick whispers, I know Maunt Tu, I wish Momee and Daddee was here too. I know it’s only been four years since their deaths, but I know they are looking down on us from heaven smiling.

Inhaling a deep breath Nick continues in a quivering voice, If they were here, Momee would be jumping up and down with joy grabbing you and joining us in our little dance while Daddee would be leaning against the car with his arms and legs crossed trying to keep a straight face telling Momee she’s not a youngin anymore and laughing as Momee sticks out her tongue at him still dancing around with us.

Laughing, thinking how spot on Nick was at the image of her brother and sister-in-law that she had just described, she patted Nick’s cheek and smiled. You are a real gem sweetie. In your sadness you’re trying to lift my spirits.

Raevin where’s your boyfriend? Why didn’t Randell come to the graduation? Gee asks trying to bring the atmosphere back to a happy cheerful mood.

He said there was something important he needed to take care of and he would meet us at the restaurant. But why are you all up in my business Gee? Where’s Julia?

Giving Raevin a strange look Gee said, You know Julia works at the rest home as a receptionist while she’s getting her degree in nursing. Because of the graduation they asked her to work a double today.

Looking up to the heavens Nick retorted, I bet she did.

What do you mean by that Nick? Gee demanded.

I’m just saying sometimes there’s some truth in rumors, Nick replied.

Alright you two enough of that. Let’s go up to your apartment and get your shawl Raevin we need to make our reservations on time, Talulah interjected into Nick and Gee’s conversation. While Jordan and Talulah were discussing the commencement speaker, Raevin, Nick and Gee were chatting about what they were going to do with their summer as the elevator opened to the floor Raevin’s apartment was located on. Entering her apartment Raevin walked down the hall announcing, Just wait here in the living room; I’ll only be a minute. My shawl is on my bed.

She opened the door to her bedroom and was stunned looking at Randell in bed with her roommate. Wide-eyed Raevin closed the door and backed up the hall into the living room where her family was waiting.

You know, I don’t think it will be that cold in the restaurant let’s just go.

Looking into Raevin’s face and knowing his twin better than anyone, Gee moved around her and headed down the hall.

Wait Gee I said I don’t need my shawl.

Before she can stop him, Gee opens the bedroom door. He sees Randell and his fiancé Julie getting dressed.

What the fuck? Gee questions as he walks over to Randell, punching him in the face and causing him to slump to the floor by the unexpected blow.

That’s for my sister you piece of shit. I don’t give a damn about that bitch you were just fucking, but if you ever come near my sister again I’ll kill your sorry ass.

It wasn’t my idea Gee. Things just got out of hand. Hold up Gee, please let me explain, Julia cries running up the hall after Gee.

Stopping in his tracks Gee turns around, grabbing Julia’s hand, pulling off his ring before continuing into the living room. He sees Raevin sitting on the couch between his mom and Nick crying.

Raevin I was just talking with the leasing office. After explaining this unfortunate situation they have agreed to let you out of it today without penalty, Jordan remarked, indicating what was currently going on in the apartment.

Jo, this is Sunday. How in the world were you able to get in touch with someone from the leasing office? Talulah questioned.

Let’s just say I have my ways my lovely.

Walking slowly into the living room Julia whined, What about me Mr. Stevenson?

Julia, due to everything that’s happened I think it will be best if you call someone and have them help you pack up your things tonight.

Nick stood up at that moment.

"Hold up Julia, let me get this straight. Raevin caught you in her bed with her boyfriend. Let’s not mention until a few moments ago you were my cousin’s fiancé. You didn’t even have the decency to screw him in your own bed. Have you been screwing all your men in Raevin’s bed, or just the one she was dating?

Yes, I heard about your little side business. I even gave you the benefit of the doubt until now. You really want us to give a damn where you lay your head? I don’t think so. Move in with Randell’s cheating pimping ass; you both deserve each other. Gee I tried to warn you that Julia isn’t what she appears to be."

At that moment, Gee saw Randell creeping up the hall, moving in the direction of the door holding his shirt against his bloody nose trying his best not to be seen when Gee blocked his way.

Like I said man, come near my sister again and I will kill your sorry ass.

Julia looked at Nick with a pissed off expression on her face while Talulah and Jordan looked shocked.

Sitting back down Nick stated, I’m sorry Maunt Tu and Uncle Jo for my language. I’m all up in my feelings right now.

Really Nick, Gee chides turning to Nick after making sure Randell has left the apartment.

Well Nick baby, I knew you always had some of your mother in you God rest her soul but I didn’t know it would take this to make it come out so I forgive you.

Mama I think Maunt Fatima came out of Nick a long time ago, Gee said.

Talulah gave her son an admonishing look.

Mama I’m really not that hungry anymore. Can I just go back to your hotel? I need to take something for this headache and lay down.

Looking into Raevin’s tear stained face, scanning the room Talulah raised a brow as she scanned Julia up and down then replied, Sure baby your dad and Gee clean up this mess."

It might be best if you and Nick take Raevin back to the hotel.

We’ll get everything packed up and moved out.

Pulling a card out of his wallet Jordan gave it to Gee. Call this number son and tell them I want them here within an hour.

Yes sir.

Glancing at Gee dialing the number on the card, Talulah turned to Jordan.

Jo I’ll send the car back for you when we get to the hotel. Nick, will you cancel the reservations at the restaurant? If you call me when you and Gee are on your way back to the hotel I’ll order dinner.

Jordan walked over and gathered Raevin into his arms, holding her for a moment, patting her back while she cried. Once Raevin began to relax, Jordan turned to Talulah. If there aren’t any complications it should only take us a couple of hours to get everything moved.

Hey Julia, you might want to get your cheating ass to your room and start packing. You only have a couple of hours before your shit is put on the curb. Nick retorted, fist bumping Gee.

Standing, Raevin surveys the apartment. This was her first apartment and she had loved decorating it. When Julia begged to stay for a few months until she could find a new place, Raevin had agreed even though Nick warned her it would be better if she lived alone. At this moment, she couldn’t stand the sight of anything in it. All I want is my clothes and personal items; you can give the rest of this trash to Goodwill. I don’t want any reminders of this place, Raevin declared, eyeing Julia.

Are you sure baby? We could put the furniture in storage until everything calms down, then decide what you want to do with it, Jordan questions

Yes I’m sure.

And with one last glower at Julia, Raevin turned walked out the door and that part of her life.

Chapter 1

It had been an unusually hot summer. Thankfully the weather was getting cooler until recently when summer decided to re-appear with its oppressing heat. If only it would rain there might be some relief. Raevin felt like a melting Popsicle as she entered the Molina building. She stopped to speak with the receptionist at the entrance desk. Then moved to the bank of elevators that would take her to the penthouse suites where the executive offices of Molina Designs Inc. and her office were located. After receiving her bachelor’s degree Raevin had gotten a job interning at Molina Designs while obtaining her masters. Raevin’s known Phillip Molina all her life. He believed you didn’t appreciate anything unless you worked for it. So she started at the bottom like everyone else, worked her way up in the company, and was now senior executive to the CEO. When Raevin was first offered and accepted the executive to the CEO position, there were many whispers that she had gotten the job because Phillip Molina and his wife Jozell were her godparents. That talk ended when she started receiving awards. In addition, the company’s clientele increased, allowing everyone to receive raises and substantial bonuses. Her job consisted of procuring and presenting the initial marketing campaign for their clients. Then she would give them to Keith Leron Walker, the head of operations, and he would distribute them to other marketing colleagues depending on their abilities to maintain each campaign. Forever the multitasker Raevin was thinking about the meeting with Uncle Phil and a prospective new client. This was the first time she would get the chance to do a presentation for a winery. She knew they hadn’t gotten the contract signed yet, but that never stopped her from forming ideas in her head. Stepping off the elevator, turning and heading down the hall while humming the song she was listening to on her phone, Raevin was texting her mother about Sunday dinner. This became code for yet another blind date, where her mom invited an endless supply of men over in the quest to find Raevin a husband. She wasn’t paying attention when she slammed into a hard massive body. Feeling strong arms grab her by the waist to keep her from falling, Raevin stepped back, fumbling to catch her phone groaning. Forgetting everything her mother had taught her about how to properly retrieved things from the floor, Raevin bent over and picked up her phone.

Shit I know I’ve cracked the screen.

Letting go of the most curvaceous body he has ever felt and moving to the side Tristan is stunned speechless as he watches an exquisite round ass clad in black slacks bending over. Sucking in his breath, Tristan would give anything in that moment to be those pants. When Raevin stands and turns around Tristan is mesmerized as her tongue darts out to lick the most luscious full lips he had ever seen. He found himself licking his own just thinking about tasting them. He noticed the woman’s smooth honey-bronzed complexion was sprinkled lightly with freckles, but what stopped him in his tracks was a pair of silver eyes covered by long black lashes. He dated a variety of women with different ethnicities but something about this woman intrigued him. Leaning in a little closer Tristan realized this was her true eye color. Taking a deep breath before he stepped back Tristan’s senses were hit with the smell of peaches and cinnamon. As if on cue, his blood rushed to his groin, causing him to get rock hard. He felt his body shake with an intense desire that he had never experienced before.

Slowly looking up Raevin found she was staring into intense sky blue eyes. He was about six two or three with a rock hard body. She wondered what his hands would feel like sliding all over her naked body. Just the thought made Raevin quiver instantly, making her moist.

I’m sure you have.

This gorgeous man must have said something because a set of beautiful firm lips surrounded by a neat five o’clock shadow seem to be moving. Tilting her head to the side she asked, I’m sorry did you say something?

Smiling, showing perfect white teeth, he turns her hand over and looks at her phone

Yep, you cracked your screen. My name is Tristan, and you are?

I’m Isabeau Is-uh-Bo, but you can call me Raevin. It’s nice to meet you Tristan, and thanks. If you hadn’t kept me from falling I would have looked a sight laid out all over the floor, Raevin replied smiling.

Her smile has just brightened up his world. Tristan’s still holding onto her hand thinking a better place to have her laid out on would be his bed and not this floor or maybe the floor in front of his bedroom fireplace. Her naked delious body bathed in the glow of the fire.

I promise you I wouldn’t have let you hit this floor peaches.

Slowly pulling her hand away from Tristan’s grasp, tilting her head to the side wondering why he called her peaches, Raevin looks at her phone.

You know I depend on this phone too much. It has all my information in it. Now it seems I have to get a new one. I’m just hoping they can retrieve all my data. My mom always told me I needed to back up my information just in case my phone is stolen, or dropped. Now I have to tell her she’s right. You wouldn’t believe what happens when Talulah finds out she’s right about anything. O my, I’m so sorry, I’m just rambling on and on about my phone and my mom when I’m sure you have better things to do than stand here talking to me.

As Tristan listens to Raevin ramble on and on about her phone he fantasizes about what it would be like to make that sweet voice call his name in ecstasy.

Raevin trust me when I say there’s nothing I would rather do than listen to your beautiful voice. I know what you mean: my phone’s like my second brain and I have two.

Laughing Tristan, takes out two cell phones one begins to ring.

Well I’ll let you get your phone. It’s been a pleasure to meet you Tristan. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again.

Raevin smiled, winked at Tristan then turned gliding down the hall to her office.

If I have anything to do about it you can count on it peaches, Tristan mumbles answering his phone watching Raevin’s long black hair swish across her sweet round ass as she walked away.

Damn even her walk is sexy.

Closing his eyes and licking his lips Tristan inhaled deeply. He could almost taste Raevin’s sweet, fruity peaches and cinnamon skin. He was going to start with her ear and work his way down until he had licked her clean like he used to lick his dessert plate after he had eaten his favorite dessert. Tristan smiled to himself thinking how ironic it was that his favorite dessert was peach cobbler.

Hello? Anyone there? Hello? Hello Tristan are you there? Finn shouts into the phone.

Why are you calling my phone Finn when I can see you down the hall? Tristan walks toward Finn shutting his phone off.

You looked like you had your hands full and I didn’t want to intrude.

But you did intrude, so what’s up?

I just wanted to know how you managed to bump into that beauty. There is a gorgeous lady that works here and I would like to get to know her.

Laughing Tristan wonders, Are you talking about that blond?

You know that I’m not into the Mary Shelleys. Fake isn’t my taste, Finn grumbles.

Why are you talking about the blond Frankenstein chick? Tatsuo Ta-tsu-o inquires, walking up to Finn and Tristan.

I’m talking about Ms. Cócó with the dark chocolate legs that seem to go on for days. Now she’s the one I need. Tristan is mooning over the beauty that brought us donuts and coffee yesterday.

Tatsuo snaps his finger in front of Finn’s face to get his attention. One of these days Finn the right one is going to lock you down.

You know Tatsuo I believe you might be right. Those chocolate legs can lock me down anytime.

Man you’re such a horn dog, Tatsuo and Tristan reply together.

After a moment of thought, Tristan smiles, Man it’s just something about her. Looking into those big silver eyes, drowning into liquid pools of mercury it was like looking into my future.

Tatsuo, I think Tristan’s been bitten by a city woman and I don’t think he knows how to handle it, Finn laughs fist bumping Tatsuo.

You know city women, if you’re not wealthy they don’t give you the time of day. Plus, she’s probably not into the workingman anyway but likes those executive types. She might not even be into white boys, Tristan stated, thinking Raevin could bite him anytime, anywhere and he had a few choice places she could start with.

Look every woman isn’t superficial and sooner or later you have to trust one. I didn’t get that kind of vibe off your sweet beauty. She didn’t seem to see color when we were laughing with her the other day and you know that I know women, Finn added wondering if the chocolate-legged beauty was into interracial dating.

Taking a deep breath trying to get peaches and cinnamon out of his head Tristan replied, I’m thinking that this might be my last city job guys. I need to spend more time at the ranch plus I have more things to do than think about some city chick that smells like peach cobbler. Even if she has an ass that’s like two ripe honeydew melons and shimmering silver eyes.

Did you say she smelled like peach cobbler? Isn’t that your favorite desert Tristan?

Tatsuo burst out laughing.

Yea, very unusual and interesting I know, Tristan replied licking his lips and smiling.

I hope getting her out of your mind works out for you. Finn and Tatsuo reply, fist bumping and laughing together. They turned and moved down the hall, walking off in the opposite direction. With a doubtful look on his face Tristan mutters to himself, I hope so too.

Chapter 2

Raevin’s office suite is part of the renovation project currently under way on the penthouse floor. At that moment there were no walls or doors around the office manager’s desk. She could see Carolyn Shaffer who works as the office manager for Keith talking to her office manager and friend Angelica Lafitte Jean-Baptiste. Born and raised in New Orleans, Angelica grew up with her mom and grandparents who lived in and owned a restaurant in the French Quarter. Once a client asked how Angelica come by such an unusual eye color. She told him a story of how her mother helped this old lady out of the cold rain one night and into her grandparent’s restaurant on Bourbon Street while her parents were out. Angelica explained that after giving the old lady something to eat they talked and the old lady told her that she was going to have a little girl with eyes the color of a bottle of dark rich bourbon. Her mother explained what happened to her grandparents when they returned home. After describing what the old lady looked like, her grandparents explained the old lady sounded like the local voodoo priestess. It was strange because the priestess rarely ventured out, and never to the French Quarter. Angelica had so many stories about growing up in New Orleans; Raevin didn’t know if she was telling a lie or the truth, but the color did looking striking against her pecan brown skin and jet-black shoulder length hair. She and Angelica started together in the company and became fast friends so when Uncle Phil offered her the CEO position she had asked Angelica if she would be her office manager. The previous CEO was sharing information with a rival company. It cost him his job at Molina Designs. Carolyn the previous CEO’s office manager was pissed when Raevin chose Angelica instead of her. There were rumors going around that Carolyn was the one leaking information but no one could prove it – yet another reason Raevin didn’t want her on the team. Uncle Phil taught her to surround herself with people whom she could trust and who would have her back. Raven felt she had done that with her team. Raevin didn’t know what she would do without Angelica by her side to bounce ideas off and ask for advice. The other major player on her team she confided in was her childhood friend Elda Leone. Elda’s family moved from Jamaica into their neighborhood when they were four and their families had become fast friends. The summer between freshman and junior year in high school Elda had gone to stay with her grandparents in Jamaica. When she returned from the Caribbean island the boys were all over the five-eight, chocolate-complexioned, dimpled-cheeked, brown-eyed beauty. Even her twin brother Gee had tried going out with Elda but they both soon found out it was too much like a brother dating his sister. Once Elda finished college, she had gone to work for the government. After an incident involving her father who also worked for the government Raevin had convinced Elda to change jobs. She was now the director of the computer graphic and design team working for Molina Designs. While Elda loved anything to do with computers, her passion was graphic design. She could take anything and make it come alive on a computer screen. These two were the people she trusted most, so why was nosy-ass Carolyn hanging around Angelica’s desk.

Tell us Raevin, was he as hard as he looks? Carolyn wanted to know.

What are you talking about Carolyn? Raevin asked tilting her head and glancing at Angelica.

That hunky construction worker you just bumped into. You know I don’t usually go for the construction type but he makes me think about trying it at least once, Carolyn smacked her collagen-injected lips.

What makes you think he’s into the toasted fake blond bimbo type? Angelica, glared up at Carolyn.

Any man would love to get a hold of all this, Carolyn ran her hand up and down her body.

A little advice Carolyn: real men aren’t interested in a woman with fake enhancements, Raevin, scanned Carolyn up and down.

What do you know about the things that would please a white man Raevin? I’ve heard that you don’t even date your own kind. Leaning forward and gazing into Raevin’s silver eyes Carolyn continued. You must be mixed with something because I don’t know many black people with gray eyes. I know Angelica’s mixed with that back water trash bayou blood." Carolyn smirked not realizing that she was making a racial slur to the senior executive to the CEO of her job. She didn’t realize that she could be fired for her remarks.

Just because Raevin isn’t throwing herself at everything with a penis in his pants regardless of his marital status or race like some people doesn’t mean she’s not dating. What does race have to do with anything? You should be careful Carolyn, your bigotry and insecurities are showing, Angelica sarcastically remarked, standing up from behind her desk and leaning forward.

Stomping off red with embarrassment Carolyn uttered, I don’t know why I keep coming down here.

Because your fake ass is nosey, Angelica shouted at Carolyn’s retreating back.

You know Angelica you have no filter, Raevin laughs fist bumping Angelica.

Carolyn gets on my everlasting nerve. She’s always coming in here gossiping. I’ve never known anyone so fake, from the blue contacts, blond extensions and spray on tan to the boob job, and who in their right mind gets ass enhancements? It seems the only way I can get rid of the Saloppe Bonne a rienne bracque canaille is to tell her about herself.

Really Angelica, I can’t believe you just called her a sloppy crazy sneaky dirty woman who sleeps around. She must have really pissed you off for Angelica Lafitte Jean-Baptiste to appear in all her Louisiana Cajun glory. I was sure you were going to forget you were at work for a minute there. But you are right, she’s fake from the rooter to the tooter, as my Mama Loetie would say, Raevin chuckled.

Fuh shore cher, fuh shore. Naw I love my job and wouldn’t let Carolyn have that kind of power over me. Now if we were in the street she wouldn’t be standing.

I think I’m going to head into my office and go over my notes before my meeting with Mr. Molina and Ian Renyea.

Now that I think about it maybe that’s why Carolyn was hanging around. She must have thought Ian Renyea was coming into the office for your meeting today.

Angelica sat down, typing Raevin’s schedule on her computer.

I have noticed that she does hang around anytime we have male clients coming into the office for meetings, Raevin stated. Her mind was wandering to a hunk with sky-blue eyes and midnight black hair.