NEVAEH SANFORD

[nevaehsanford]

rcmvngucrrv​:

     Countless hours; time, sweat, blood and tears went into planning this gala. Not from him, of course. It was the people under him who did whatever he told them to do that had suffered for this. His little worker bees; mindless, sardonic, and full of themselves as much as he was. They could take this to their egos and continue to spew whatever narcissistic jargon that had filled their tiny, little pea-brains. Nothing but rocks in there, he thought. 

“Sr. Guerra,” rang a voice from behind him, earning a quick turn of his head matched with a dazzling toothy grin. His event coordinator, Raul, had all the right intentions for his art, but he was still too stupid to realize he was barking up the wrong tree. He thought back to the night he went to check on the progress and was met with an intoxicated thrust of wine, and way-too-close-for-comfort conversation. He had only been lucky that once that Roman didn’t retaliate.

Still, he had to acknowledge all of the planning had gone seamlessly and it reflected on how well put-together this event had portrayed itself to be. How put-together he wanted to appear. He had still been dealing with his third divorce, custody battles and the talks of a new sister company that would raise in Dubai. He was beyond stressed, but nights like these were what he lived for. He would rub elbows with prospective buyers and promote his legacy while disguising this all for the greater good.

Her eyes were on him and he met them with the same ferocity that a cat might show a mouse. He excused his impoliteness, taking a leave of quick absence to welcome his newest guests. Emerald hues dipped into whiskey brown, trailing towards the uninvited guest he once left for dead. A short stop on his chest as he was greeted by Emilia’s slender hand, a cautious look aimed up at him. Wordless comfort. Emilia’s eyes were on Nevaeh, cold and piercing. Replacing Roman’s stride, she continued on towards her, followed by two more bodyguards on her side.

“Nevaeh Sanford,” she sang, tucking her hands together mid-waist. “Beautiful dress. Although,” she tilted her head ever so slightly. “We weren’t expecting you— so soon.” Given the circumstances, she held her tongue. Lest she embarrass another femme-fatale in front of onlookers. Offering her hand, she leaned in closer to her ear as if to give her a hug. “He’ll kill you.”

.

‘‘You could pretend you’ve missed my company, Emilia.’‘ Nevaeh rertorted when the blonde approached, she’d met her a few times once upon a time, someone that Roman had always held such high regard for, or atleast as much as he was capable of. Maybe she’d grown bitter over time, remembering a man that she’d at least seen hope for in the future. Somewhere along the way he stopped trusting, and she left with hopes of a brighter future. Had she been selfish? Yes. But she didn’t regret her decisions, even if the pain of losing him had been far grander than she’d ever let anyone know. 

She’d resulted to the lonely life of con artistrey, she’d learnt a lot and still continued to learn. 

‘‘ --- Emilia, how longs it been? Not long enough, I’m keenly aware.’‘ Nevaeh greeted in return, her own expression a picture of fierce wrath, leveled orbs of fury burning brightly at the approach. She’d always liked the woman before her, held a respect for her that she’d since forgotten in the world where she was but a shadow. However, that tone an snark had her back stiffening. Had times really changed so much? 

‘‘Tell your boss that I’m providing clients a service. I’m working --- I’ll be out of his hair by the end of the night. There’s no need for drama, unless he wants me to cause a scene right here, in front of all his esteemed guests?’‘ Her tone mocking, taking the time to side step the woman so she was staring directly at Roman, lifting her hand to her mouth to signal a drink, telling him to meet her at the bar. She’d never done deals with his people, that had never been the way.

And she certianly wasn’t starting now. There’d been a time where they’d respected one another, or so, at least she thought they had. If they were in the same circle, they might have to learn to co-exsist, and she was done tip-toeing after all these years. They were not children, grown adults who needed to learn when to let bygones by bygones. 

‘‘Tell him it’s my last trip to New York for some time, so it’s tonight or never.’‘ 

Nevaeh took no time to turn sauntering off to the bar, throwing a glance over her shoulder to find Roman, eyes like a snake and a smile as treacherous as a demon. There’d always been something about her that spouted innocent but dosed her with fear. She was a con artist for a reason, a master visonary for black market art. But she was also a girl who’d once loved a man who she soon realised would never really love her back. 

Romance Guerra had been the man that had filled the hole that Luthor left. 

And he hated her more than life itself. 

[nevaehsanford]

For: Roman Guerra. 

Time: 18th of January 2023. 

Where: Charity Ball, in aid of Financial Business and the Financial Times. 

She knew the risks of coming here. 

It wasn’t rocket science as to the reasons why, yet, a job was a job and Nevaeh Sanford had never been in the position of turning down money. The elegance of it all was still breathtaking to her, the grand chandelier hanging above their heads as classical music filtered into the room. The kinds of things she’d dreamed about as a girl, but had never quite reached. Now she got what she wanted, whenever she wanted. A con artist, or just an artist, as she liked to view herself meandered in the crowds, her companions; two well-to-do men from Scilly who were thinking about making their stamp on the great country with their trust fund money.

They knew nothing, she’d realized in the short time she’d been here. A hired escort, or so they thought. Oh, she was far more than that, and in conversation when they pushed their misogynistic and old-timer views on her, she all but smiled, dipping her head as if in servitude of them. 

‘‘I was always taught manners, best to be seen and not heard.’‘

Bullshit.

Every word that came from her mouth was painted to look like gold dust for them. Their side eyeing agreement that they’d made the right decision and investment in hiring her. She thought mockingly, it was such a shame that she’d rinse them for all they were worth by the end of the evening. So when she painted that pretty little smile on her face, they didn’t see the dancing flames lingering in those hazel orbs, embers of the chaos she’d rain down upon their lives in hours. 

She’d known the risks and had prepared for almost all eventualities.

But not him. 

Glancing around the room taking in the luxurious event, eyes snapped straight forward, face falling when she saw Roman Guerra. All manner of ease she’d had that evening dissipated in mere seconds. Not tonight, she wanted to beg. This couldn’t be his event, surely? No, it couldn’t be, she thought to herself jutting that chin while her lips pressed into a thin line.

How long had it been? Years? Gulping thickly she diverted her eyes away from him, memories of their last encounter burned into her mind as if it were yesterday. How she’d cried, wishing that things had been different. They’d talked about love and the insanity of it all. 

Now? She agreed with him. That day when he’d dropped her off in queens like she was nothing more than trash on his doorstep had fuelled something in Nevaeh that had never been there before. She’d worked harder, and longer and made a reputation for herself that was bar none in her industry of work. The Black Market was her game, so she smirked. 

She knew she was playing that fire that would end up with her dead. But she’d never been one to shy away from a man that had once viewed her in a different light. How she wondered what he saw when he looked at her now. A lone wolf with no one but herself. 

[phoebetonkinweb]

PHOEBE TONKIN for Vogue Australia (December 2022)

[nevaehsanford]

NEVAEH SANFORD. 

[tay-swifts]

PHOEBE TONKIN Via @filomena_makeup IG (January 16, 2023)

[coffee-and-wings-deactivated202]

The leader we actually need....😆🤣

[justforthedreamers]

[nevaehsanford]

@gucrrv

The wind whistled along the loud streets of Brooklyn, the noise of fire engines and police car’s rang out in the back ground, the chatter of far of people and music from a night club that would probably booming until the morning light. It was one of those nights, just after a storm where the air smelled of fresh rain and everything had almost been washed away. When the truth of the matter was everything in Nevaeh’s life still felt dirty and stained after what had happened not too long ago; had it been a couple of days already? surely not? When she’d been dropped in queens without her purse and had to walk what felt like a life time back to her home; by the time she’d got back to the coast was clear--- the FBI were no more. She could relax even if it wasn’t real because in the back of her mind his name kept popping up. Roman. Roman. Roman. Like a clock every time she managed to think of something or feel slightly normal, he was right there again reminding her of what had happened. 

She runs a frustrated hand through her dishelved locks and shakes her head. The job today hadn’t gone...to plan. That was the nicest way to put it, her face ached. It was supposed to be easy--- in and out. Grab the bag and go. The person providing the money for this had forgot to mention that other people were going in for it. They were agains the clock. An altercation happened. Nevaeh against a guy two times her size in weight and height. Let’s just say she hadn’t stood a chance and he’d got away with the goods. 

The buyer couldn’t even complain, it’d been his error and her face was a good enough tell that it hadn’t been an easy fight. She’d tried, but now her sore body was paying for it. The air was cool tonight unlike the stuffy heat of New York City that stifled the day time. Instead the breeze was easy drifting along the skin of those who were still awake at this hour.

The sound of a toke on a cigarette was amongst those sounds, the smoke filling her lungs and clouding her body. It was relaxing when you felt like you were the only person on this earth, a small smile pulling at her plump pink lips. She hums to herself quietly happy with her own company and of the animals that were awake. But the sound causes her eyes to snap up. That happiness was quick to melt away as she stared just for a moment before quickly diverting her eyes to the ground. Had he come here to finish her off? Get the job done in the night? It wasn’t like Nevaeh had anyone to miss her, she was a lone wolf in a massive city. Who’d notice? Months before the rent stopped being paid, it was Lucas who did that anyway and he’d only stop once he came to check on her to find her gone. 

There was only one way to find out. 

‘‘What brings someone like you out at this hour? And here of all places?’‘ Nevaeh asks with her silk-like voice, eyes of hazel woodland staring at them with an inquisitive expression although behind that was fear. Knowing full well that her time alone was most likely over, but it wasn’t just over but next to the person she feared now. Nevaeh had never really feared him before, she’d known the man she was with--- knew what he was capable of. But Nevaeh had always thought she was exempt from that. Now she guessed she was wrong. 

[nevaehsanford]

gucrrv‌:

Roman’s reputation had silently ensured he’d never have to deal with this exact situation. His entire business revolved around death and causing it. One foot out of line from anyone under him could dictate how the rest of that person’s life went. He had no issue putting people in their place. Those who stood up to him rarely gained his respect. It was usually the opposite, but this was Nevaeh. Someone he could level with and find common ground because even though she was beautiful, and smart— she could be fierce. She had the ability to keep Roman on his toes and he saw her as an equal. For a very long time, he viewed her in the same light he saw himself in.

The raising of her voice caused Roman to inadvertently withdraw, back pressed against the door as a cool, icy gaze matched hers. Flitting his gaze to the front, the window separating them from the driver went up and he shook his head. The doors locked. This couldn’t be like any of the other times where Roman lost his patience. He couldn’t exactly do what had been stirring in his head since she first opened her mouth. He had to be careful and snapping her neck with his Italian leather shoe wasn’t a good start. He blinked once. Twice. Listening to her before letting her last few words sink in.

“Love?” He reiterated with disgust. “You thought I was in love with myself?” For a moment, Roman’s temper flared before he calmed himself down. He counted down in his head, knowing full well if he didn’t. there was no telling what he’d do. “I don’t know who the fuck do you think you’re talking to, but do I look anything like Alastair? That scum-fucking shell of a man?” Anger boiled beneath his seemingly serene surface. “You wanna talk about how you couldn’t love a man too interested in his own reflection to even bother paying attention to you, but last I recall, I don’t work in medicine. I run a business, sweetheart. I have a daughter that I need to take care of. I threw every part of myself into those two things, and if you thought for a second that I had time to love myself— you are so sorely mistaken.”

Getting out of the vehicle, the driver appeared seemingly out of nowhere, holding the door open as he held the umbrella over Roman’s head. He leaned down to look inside, a mixture of rage and humour curled at his lips.

“You say you did it for me, but when have you ever done anything right?” He spat. “You were right to leave, princess, because I swore if I found you again, I’d snap that pretty neck of yours like a popsicle stick. There is nothing left here for you. Sooner you realise love is a distraction, the better.” Slamming the door, he faced the driver. “Go drop that rat off in Queens. Last thing I need is some vermin crawling up to my doorstep begging for redemption,” he seethed, making sure she heard every word before he turned on his heel and made a bee-line for the front entrance, much too enraged to even care about getting wet.

Every word felt like the sharpest knife to the most delicate skin. Designing patterns to make sure that she was constantly reminded of the mistakes she’d made. Hazel orbs flickering up to the face of the man she’d fallen in love with. Nevaeh felt as if her whole body was on fire; embarrassment, shame and guilt coursing through her veins. She hated disappointing the only man she wanted to impress and she could have not told him what she just had. Nevaeh could have been smart and left it in her mind, they’d been on a small path--- although from what he was saying their paths were never going to meet again, something of the past that would stay buried until it collected enough dust to be forgotten--- as if it never happened. It was in that moment that Nevaeh realised just what her actions had caused. But it would be so untrue to herself to keep it from him; she always thought he loved how honest she was with him. Wasn’t that why he’d let her in as much as he had? Nevaeh felt like Nevaeh had trusted him enough, with things 

Nevaeh’s eyes were now glued to him as she awaited more hatred to be spewed from the only person she’d ever cared about having an opinion about her beside Lucas. it was like time stood still as she felt a small sweat begin at the nape of her neck as she tried to think of anything she could say to make this moment seem better, but nothing came to mind. All that was there in the back of her thoughts was that she wished it’d been him, that Roman had viewed her that way. She wasn’t going to delude herself though; she had to live with her consequence of what she’d done but hearing it from his mouth was like being slapped in the face.

'’I wasn’t trying to find excuses, I was just telling you how I fucking felt?’‘ She snaps but her eyes widen at her own response as she tries to walk back, to make sure she didn’t push that boundary all over again--- Nevaeh was not helping herself at all. ‘‘Not all of us can be as perfect, not me or you or anyone who walks this god damn planet and I was trying to be real with you. God damn it. I spend half of the time just trying to please you, to be perfect. Not to fuck this up.’‘ And he was moving and her eyes widened ‘’No, no no no Roman--- please don’t do this. Can’t you see that I care about y---’’ Nevaeh begged but it was too late--- her words were unheard as the door closed and she stared at the empty seat in front of her. Lips parted and jaw had slackened as eyes of watery moss began to dance, unable to sit on one particular thing but taking in her entire surroundings. 

Nevaeh’s chest began to heave as she held back to the outburst that was coming, breath now shallow and ragged as she reaches up to touch the water that was running down her cheeks. She hadn’t even been able to compose herself before it began and then it hit her. A pain that wasn’t physically but it may as well have been as she doubles over on the seat. Those words rang loud and clear from outside. Rat. She felt like a street rat who was trying to dance with the upper east siders--- someone who trying to be something she never could be. 

She heard the door open and close and the car was once again alive underneath her, but Nevaeh was unmoving as she tried to piece her thoughts together.

'’I shouldn’t have told him.’’ She muttered to herself under hushed breath, the side of her face against the leather seating, eyes now finally settled on the floor trying to find dirt or anything--- perfectly clean. Nevaeh almost wanted to laugh but she couldn’t find the strength. All she felt was drained feeling of nothingness but the aching pain that had found home deep inside of her. 

As she ran an anxious hand through her drop curled locks another burst of tears leave her. She was fucking stronger than this? Wasn’t she? This was an insight into the way she’d been when she walked away from him the first time and what she’d hoped would have been the last. But boy was she wrong? All she’d wanted was for him to tell her it’d be OK, be the guy that had looked after her all those years ago, but it felt different. He felt different. She still loved him, she always would love him and she was scared that she’d spent her the last couple of years just loving him. 

Nevaeh felt like a fool and it came to her realisation that he must have never really cared for her. 

[nevaehsanford]

gucrrv‌:

“You’re more than welcome to come wait up in the office. I’ll be in the boardroom for the duration of my meeting,” he offered, tucking his phone away. It was a mere slice of compassion and generosity he could offer, but he knew it would never be enough. In his mind, he owed her the world. She sat beside him, and he’d never felt so far away. He did that to them. He distanced himself from any emotional connection. Reverting back to who he’d been before he met Nevaeh, and she left him. His hardened exterior proved difficult to beat down and the sheer magnitude of his anger could be enough to permanently drive a stake through their last thread— but he couldn’t find it in himself to do it. 

She was familiar, and familiarity was something difficult to come by. Since he’d lost Joey, it felt like the entire world was against him. He went on a bender the night after he found him dead. He laid waste to an entire town, burning it to the ground, killing more than a dozen people. He hated himself, and the things he did. The things he had to prove to himself. That he was dangerous and anyone who got involved was well on their way to their inevitable demise. Roman was a grenade. A ticking time-bomb ready to detonate at any second— and the only calm in his storm left a long time ago— then there was Nevaeh.

She helped clear his mind, and become something better than he made himself out to be. She was helpful, and funny, and caring. Kind. Something he could not thank her enough for, but when she left. He knew he had driven her away. Just like everyone else. He became cold and distant, relying solely on his ability to keep a straight face. Prison was a nightmare, but if he’d gone while he was still soft from Nevaeh’s touch, he knew he’d be vulnerable in there. In a way, she helped him. She always did.

“Stop,” he demanded softly, holding up a firm hand as if to physically stop her words from reaching him. Part of him wanted to act on his violent tendencies and wrap his hands around her neck, but a whole other part wanted to hold her. Tell her everything was going to be alright, and he forgave her. He sighed. “Whatever it is— whatever bullshit you’re going to spew back in my face— I don’t care. Whatever happened between us, happened. It’s not going to happen again.” He refused to look at her now. “Nev, you know I’m not an easily forgiving man, if forgiving at all. I can forgive you, but things can never be the same as they were before. Do you understand that?”

The downpour had started, the hard rain from earlier had been replaced by the sight before her woodland hazel gaze as she watched the window view become almost invisible; a fog clouding the sight from her own dampness. Reaching down she tugs at the top that clung to her, quickly shedding the jacket to leave her in the white tank top; not the best option for a day like today; but this had came out of nowhere. Nevaeh had too much going through her mind right now about the feelings that seemed to be colluding inside of her chest. Conflicting interests that were battling it out to see who’d be winning this fight today. All she cared about was getting out of here in one piece with some part of her dignity in place. It would be easy for her to mess up when it came to Roman, in her mind he was a god and her a disciple. She would follow him if she’d been asked too, helped and covered for him. Nevaeh would have gone down for him. 

And there weren’t many people she could say that for. 

Nevaeh looked at Roman with his sturdy, compact body, neatly dressed in a pressed suit, shined shoes and perfectly rolled-up sleeves; perfection was the only way to describe the man and the only man she’d managed to fall in love with after Lucas. Roman was the only man that had made her feel like her body was on fire and once upon a time tangled between the one hundred percent cent cotton sheets that’d felt like silk against her olive colored skin. His hands on her body causing the air to catch in her throat; breathless was the only way she’d felt around him. And those feelings kept attacking her now as she looked at him with those same eyes she’d tried to hide; love-filled, lust fuelled and a feeling of need. 

‘’I don’t mind waiting here, I don’t really want anyone seeing me in this state anyway.’’ She says breathily as a shudder took over her body--- was it her or was the cold starting to get to her? Fuck. ‘’Plus I’m sure you don’t want to give any of your colleague the wrong idea by bringing drowned rats off the street in--- they’ll think you’re getting soft.’’ Nevaeh winked but stopped herself as quickly as she’d done it. Maybe that was were that invisible barrier was. She didn’t want to poke the bear and wait to find out if it was feeling friendly or grizzly today. 

She shouldn’t have poked the god damn bear. 

Listening to his words as they left his mouth was like being slapped across the face few too many times, she wanted to beg him to stop mid sentence but knew better than to interrupt him. Nevaeh should have known better, should have been more aware of the consequences she’d brought upon herself. How could she explain this to him? How could she make Roman understand she’d had no choice but to leave him behind. Maybe he was right that nothing would ever be the same again, in reality she didn’t want that. If they couldn’t go forward she sure as hell didn’t want to sit in the past and try to come to terms with what she couldn’t before. That she was unlovable; it’d came down to this too many times. Not just because of Roman. She knew the kind of man he was and what he wanted. It wasn’t about him but her; what was going on under her usual cool exterior which she kept elegant and smooth. The kind of girl that had drawn him in once upon a time. 

Did she understand what he’d said? Could she keep understanding that although he’d forgive her that they’d never be Nevaeh and Roman again; they’d be a shell of what they once were. With Lucas gone and Roman--- who seemed a thousand miles away although only a couple of meters away from her. Nevaeh had never felt so alone and her own loneliness and anger began to boil. Could she understand? Yes. Did she want too? No. 

‘‘Yes...I understand.’‘ But it came almost inaudibly, nothing more than a meek whisper. She coughs to try and give herself some ground, some form of authority. She’d never been meek around him before; always a powerful woman who stood her ground and that was when it clicked; it was like a light bubble flashed in her mind as she snapped her head to the side and stared right at him. 

‘‘Actually, no.’‘ She practically roared--- she even made her eyes go wide from the shook. Nevaeh had almost forgot she had fight inside of her. ‘‘I had to go not because I wanted too. Which you don’t seem to be understand but because I had to do it...for you.’‘ those words were hurt at the end; it sounded pained and strained. Nevaeh took a second to just look at him, savouring the moment because she wasn’t sure what would be left after this--- people had explained her to be like a hurricane, coming in and destroying everything in her path. And to some extent they were right; but if she honestly cared about you there were parts of her that would do anything and everything for that person. She’d done what she did for him. 

She hoped that somewhere down the line they’d fix this, she’d be stronger or wiser and be able to collect her thoughts and keep herself composed but now as she sat in the steamy car with him so close, she realised she’d fooled herself into believing that was ever possible. Because it was Roman. ‘‘God damn it you’re such an intelligent man how could you have not seen it? Huh?’‘ She questioned with a shake of her head, she’d began to sit forward in her rage that she quickly let her body thump back against the seat. ‘‘Fucking hell Roman, I fell in love with you. And i knew you weren’t capable of loving anyone but yourself so I left. I left you so you could carry on being you because I never wanted to be the kinda’ girl who tried to change you.’‘ 

[nevaehsanford]

franxdexlaxrenta‌:

Another laugh. He couldn’t really argue with that, could he? “Just kidding.” He repeated, “Nah, I’d own that shit. You got people coming back to you? I’d call that irresistible, yeah.” He listened to her speak, quipping, “And I’m sure you’re playing me right now, right?” shaking his head with a smile, “But that’s alright, I’m a competitive guy. I like a good game.”

He grabbed his own cue, leaning against it as she approached, responding as with nod, “That’s what I said.” A short laugh, “Well, I guess comin’ here tonight. For starters.”

His bottom lip jutted out a little in thought, “Unless you got yourself into some trouble. You wish people would forget about you then.” pressing his hands to his chest, “Not that I’m a troublemaker or nothing. Don’t get the wrong idea.” Fran had his moments.

Waving a hand in dismissal, “They’re always bitchin’ about somethin.” He examined his cue, “What’d you mean why? Why I told them to hold on?” A shrug, “I mean, why not? It’s not every day you catch someone hiding behind the trashcans, shit. You piqued my interest, is that what you’re tryin to get out of me?” holding out his arms, “Can you blame me, I’m a simple man.”

His half smile hadn’t left his face, offering a lazy shrug, “Listen at this point I’ve accepted that you’ll get whatever you want outta me. But that don’t mean I gotta make it easy or nothing.” Tonight, with his sister at her friend’s house in the burbs, he could be a twenty-something. He could shoot pool and run off with whoever he wanted. And right now? He wanted to let Nevaeh take him wherever the fuck she wanted. When was the last time he had fun like this?

He would savor it.

Tilting his head to one side then the other, smiling, “I’m not drunk enough for this kid. You’re right, I have no idea what I’m getting myself into.” He thought about it, pushing stray curls off his forehead, “Alright. I’ll accept your terms. You only live once, right?” He set up the billiard balls, commenting as he worked, “Good. Manbreathed East Harlem. Through and through.” A chuckle, stepping back, “Yeah, yeah. But I gotta make you work for it, right?” Motioning to the table, “Ladies first.”

‘‘Are you one of those people, Fran?’‘ Nevaeh began to tease with the quirk of her brow as she leans over the table taking a shot at the balls, as she watched them clatter and dance across the table; none went in but that was fine. There was no way she was going to show him how good she was right off the bat; she’d always learnt that you had to give people a fake sense of ego and security before you ripped the rug out from underneath them. Nevaeh stands using it to gesture that it was his turn. ‘’Do you find me utterly irresistible?’’ She was only playing but she was having fun while she was doing it. With a kink of her brow she leans against the wall, folding her arms across her chest; eyes transfixed on the balls. 

‘‘I sometimes think that my need to win is my best asset but also my down fall.’‘ She admits with a curt nod and a smile dancing on her lips. She’d won and lost a few and could one hundred percent say she had a mean streak when she wasn’t getting what she wanted, but that only fuelled her need to win the next one. She always won big after a big loss. ‘‘You’re hanging out with me which...I don’t know whether to tell you if it’s a good idea or an extremely bad one.’‘ She laughed lightly, head tilting back as the corners of her eyes creased. ‘‘So that one is debatable.’‘ She states. 

Trouble. That should have been her name because she was known for causing it, even if they didn’t know exactly where it was coming from. Her shoulders raise into a shrug. ‘’I’m always in trouble but doesn’t mean you have to know why...’’ She tried to make it sound joking but in all honesty he couldn’t and wouldn’t know; she would not implicate him in her own mistakes. The next song that came on made her eyes go wide. ‘’This place has awesome music?’’ She mutters as Heroes by David Bowie began to crank away. Nevaeh couldn’t even stop herself as she pushed from the wall and danced by herself. 

‘‘I don’t know what it is about you but I couldn’t exactly see you as a trouble maker?’‘ She explains ‘‘I think you’re most likely the sweet one that would protect people on a night out, especially the girls--- but you aren’t someone to watch, y’ano?’‘ She tries to get her point across but wasn’t sure if she had conveyed it properly. 

The second she heard the trash can story said aout loud her eyes widened for a second as she sighed silently. ‘’Not my proudest moment, I’ll admit.’’ Nevaeh walks around the pool table to stand on the opposite side to him placing both her palms on the wooden edge. ‘’But you know sometimes you have to do what you gotta’ do.’’ And that was all she was going to say on the matter not wanting to delve into the reason she’d been running that night; cops hot on her heels, stashed in her backpack was something that would have sent her down for life. 

That wasn’t to be mentioned. If she had to lie she would. 

‘‘I can’t say I’d blame you, I’d be asking questions if I were you. But then again what’s life without a little bit of mystyery, aye?’‘ She kinks her brow. ‘‘One thing i can promise you after tonight is that you’ll never have fun like you have fun with me.’‘ She flashes her pearly whites. ‘‘Let’s just say that I always make myself memorable one way or another.’‘ 

She wouldn’t say anymore on the subject until the game was done and they were running off into the night to her secret getaway; like something from Fitzgerald or Thackaray. ‘’Wait--- did you just call me Kid?’’ She stopped mid game and raised her brow, forehead creasing in the process; that was what Lucas used to call her. Memories flashed before her as her heart thumped. She was like this every time he was mentioned. God how she missed him. 

[nevaehsanford]

NEVAEH’S APARTMENT 

Here we have her apartment which was gifted to her from Lucas before he left town. Nevaeh is a very big fan of art, rural area’s and lofts. Inside the apartment he got for her was a piece of Art he’d stole from Paris. This is Nevaeh’s safe place and she loves it dearly; beneath her apartment is a speak-easy which often has music nights; the window at the back opens up to where the fire ladders are and she often sits there at night and listen’s to the music. 

[nevaehsanford]

gucrrv‌:

Memories threatened to break through those carefully constructed walls and his pulse matched the thumping of the windshield wipers as he considered what to say next. The days where their endless conversations could cause Roman to lose sleep were now gone. Once comfortable enough to even sit side-by-side without talking was now more awkward than ever. Still, her comment stirred something deep inside the man. A laugh, perhaps. Oh, if she only knew what kinds of horrors laid microscopic in these white leather seats. The driver’s eyes scanned back through the rear-view mirror to Roman’s matching gaze, as if waiting for approval. Roman’s emerald hues burned back before he simply looked away, waving a hand to signal him to keep driving.

“No, you’ll be coming to work with me. Unfortunately, we can’t afford to stop; not even for you to tuck-and-roll,” he affirmed, a small smile curling into his lips. He’d momentarily let a slice of humour drift out, but only momentarily. He couldn’t let his headspace become too clouded when he had a demonstration he needed to get to. “Alfie here will take you wherever you need to go and maybe get you some drier clothing.” Roman wasn’t a man to take no for an answer. It was the same quality that had landed him exactly where he needed to be— professionally— but also in prison where he was to battle a life sentence. ‘No’ was not a word in his vocabulary and oftentimes made sure it wasn’t in any of his associate’s mouths either.

“Though, if you care to stay for a bit, I’ll be done in an hour and I’ll take you myself.” Rarely did he offer, but Nevaeh had always had a special place in his cold, unforgiving heart. She was soaking, though. He couldn’t exactly count on her staying another minute drenched. His eyes skimmed over the clothing hugging her frame before he had to force himself to look outside. The passing lowlights of blurry vehicles etched so carelessly against the car window as streaks of water danced across, melting into each other. Sirens could be heard even through the thick, black windows that blocked out most of the outside world. He enjoyed New York. It was one of his many favourite cities, but possibly his first since it was where home was.

Tucked up in the clouds between the endless skyscrapers in Manhattan’s Midtown core stood KG Industries, a weapons manufacturing company overlooking Bryant Park; sister company to Krol, Inc. His proudest accomplishment. For anyone to even have the privilege of climbing the fifty-five floors to the CEO’s penthouse was certainly high on his list of people he tolerated. He’d invited Nevaeh up more than enough times— nothing was different. He couldn’t exactly rub his wealth in her face anymore— but returning from a life where everyone was agonizingly equal, it was nice seeing the looks on people’s faces when he did something like that. His attitude shifted, and he glanced back at her as if ready for something.

“Though, I can’t blame you if you wanna fuck off. I’m sure if anyone saw us out together, that might— I don’t know— raise some red flags?”

It was like the whole world had melted away as eyes of bright hazel, like moss waiting to be found in the dark woods but they shone like sunlight on polished stone and hid a wealth of well justified mistrust. Life without the man beside her had been a dull one with many days of complete silence; she’d never expected it to be this way. Nevaeh had ventured out many times in her life with no one by her side. But one certain person had made an impact far greater than she’d anticipated. And now as she sat just one person’s width away from him she felt so far away from where they’d once been, so distant from the man who’d turned her life up side down. And as that realisation settled into her very core the world was no longer silent.

The sound of the care beneath her, the rain thrashing outside and the music that was almost inaudible in the background; it all came together in this very moment. Nevaeh Sanford had missed Roman more than she’d dare admit. It never used to be like this between the two; she recalled many nights of laughter, even if some what drunken and blurry--- she remembered feeling completely happy and the world outside the front door no longer existed until the morning light came around and washed it all away. 

But his next words shocked her as she snaps her gaze to the driver and then back to Roman, lips parting to protest but suddenly stopping herself. She didn’t want to go. That was the honest answer that had been lingering in the back of her mind, niggling away and awaiting it’s turn to burst through to the front. Another voice in her head to explain why she kept pushing the people out of her life that she got close too. 

‘‘That would be great, honestly.’‘ She admits quickly and offers a small smile as she peeks a glance from her position in the car before dropping her gaze to her lap. How much could she say to him? How quickly could she go back to the way they used to be without pushing an invisible limit that she didn’t know if it existed or not? These clothes were growing uncomfortable but there was a fear that if she left she wouldn’t find the courage to come back knowing how she felt and what she felt for the man beside her. There may have been some hostility there but she’d brought that upon her self when she ducked out on him. 

‘‘I’ll probably wait in the car for you, I don’t even know where I’d go.’‘ She laughed lightly running a hand through wet hair that was sitting uncomfortably on her skin. ‘‘If you don’t mind that is?’‘ She checks not wanting to impose; people offered things all the time without really wanting someone to accept and she had to double check. But then again this was Roman and if he hadn’t wanted her around he’d probably have booted her out the car himself. 

She takes a deep breath realising that something had to be said, at least it’d be in his mind for when he came back to her. Roman would most likely see Nevaeh in the same position, unmoving in her thoughts and less finger nails that when he’d left. But she had to do it before she lost every bit of courage that had built up in their short space of time together.

‘‘I know this isn’t the right time because you’ve got to go..’‘ Nevaeh says gesturing to the building they’d pulled up in front of. ‘‘I’ve missed you.’‘ Although barely a whisper as it left her lips and finally her gaze lifts to him; eyes that had been stiff recently only now showed remorse and guilt. There was also love hidden somewhere but that was to be kept to herself as she had done all those years ago--- to be in love with a man like Roman was sealing your own fate. Signing a death certificate and waiting every day for the demon you made the deal with to sneak up on you and end it. 

‘‘I didn’t leave for fun.’‘ 

[nevaehsanford]

franxdexlaxrenta‌:

Nevaeh had Francisco’s full attention. If he had come with a group of guys from work they were quickly forgotten. He quirked an eyebrow, “Oh yeah? And why’s that?” It all was very endearing. Running his fingers through his hair he allowed a small chuckle to escape his lips too, “I’m full of good ideas.” And some not so good ones, but Nevaeh didn’t need to know that.

He leaned back against the bar, nodding, “Yeah, that leaves an impression.” Fran wasn’t a snitch. She didn’t have to worry about him ratting her out, “You know the guys,” He jabbed his thumb haphazardly over his shoulder, motioning to where his cowers may or may not still be, “– had a fit I was holding up our route for you. They got over it soon enough.”

Tilting his head to the side slightly he watched that grin and started to worry what he had gotten himself into, before laughing. He held his hands to his chest, “I know you’re not challenging me to a game of pool.” He shook his head as she continued, groaning, “– Aw, c’mon! Even if I win, you win. This shit’s rigged.”

“But. Alright.” Holding up his hands, “Nevaeh, I challenge you to a game of pool. What’d’you want if you win?” Which would be inevitable.

He was happy to listen to her talk, captivated, “Nah, I get it.” He watched her for a moment before pushing away from the bar, “Ever hear of Joe Bataan?” Making his way to the jukebox he flipped through the tracks, shaking his head when he wasn’t finding what he was looking for, “Me cago en ná, ‘course they don’t got it here.” Turning back to her, “You gotta listen to some Joe Bataan. If I win, alright, that’s your homework.” 

And then walking backwards towards the pool tables so he could still speak to her, “Matter fact, whether I win or not. I think you’d like him.”

‘‘Because I’m irresistible!’‘ She calls with a playful wink following. But she is quick to shake her head ‘‘I’m just kidding, it’s generally because I leave them wanting more. I don’t give myself up too quickly, I like to tease and play games...sometimes. It’s all person dependant.’‘ The truth behind the conversation was that she wasn’t talking about any guys, she was explaining her tactics with law enforcement; the way she played them and kept them going in circles while she was five steps ahead. Always. A small laugh left her lips as she points at him ‘’You’re full of good idea’s, are you?’’ She challenges as she walks over and grabs a pool cue. ‘’OK Handsome.’’ She teases walking over to him. ‘’Give me on of your good ideas.’’ Nevaeh asks with a smirk urging to tug at the corner of her lips. Something at Fran had seemingly captured her attention, she wasn’t sure if it was his personality, the way he spoke or held himself; but something had her wanting to know more. 

Cocking her head to the side she gives a shrug ‘’Nobody wants to be forgotten, I guess I just made sure that never happened and lookey here!’’ She raises her arms either side of her body ‘’You didn’t forget me when you saw me, am I right or am I right?’’ Nevaeh couldn’t help it now as the laughter fell freely from her open mouth; her falling back. It was a real honest to god laugh and she’d had more of these in the last three days than in the last year. It was freeing and humbling to feel like the world wasn’t against her constantly. 

‘‘Holding up your guys night so you could speak to me?’‘ She questions with a raise of her perfectly plucked brow and she bites down on her plump bottom lip. ‘‘Were they right? And if they were right, which I can’t figure out if they are or not...why?’‘ Nevaeh asks. 

Nevaeh shook her head ‘’I always win--- that’s what we have to realise here. Even if you win, I’ll find a way to make sure that I one hundred percent have something outta’ the situation.’’ She states--- she really should have gone to school and became a lawyer, it was inside of her, the haggling, the settlements and the knowledge. She’d read upon it a lot. She’d have flown through law school and be working her way up through a firm by now but instead she broke the law daily to make sure she got what she wanted and needed. Her parent’s wold roll over if they saw what she’d became but nights like this made her realise she could still have fun. 

‘‘If you win I want you and me to go on an adventure tonight...’‘ She purrs. ‘‘And you can’t ask what that adventure is until after the game is over, so you have no idea what you could be agreeing to get up to tonight.’‘ She smirks; oh how she loved playing games with people. It was one of her many talents and the guy before her was a piece of eye candy--- it was a win, win all along he just didn’t need to know that yet. 

She was trailing behind him before she even realised she’d done it as she looked down at the jukebox and pouted when he couldn’t find it. ‘’I haven’t but I will make sure he is added to my must listen to list. Hey! If you win, we can listen to him after on the adventure....because we both know i’ll be winning?’’ 

[nevaehsanford]

ameliavan‌:

A small frown formed at the corner of Amelia’s lips when she commented on her friend bailing on her. Although, she had to admit, it wasn’t such a terrible place to find yourself forced into alone time. She was a bit biased, as it was one of her favorite spots and truthfully she wasn’t alone. She inched over to give her room to sit down and offered a peek of her drawing, brushing bits of extra coal pencil that had broken off and littered the page. “I find that drawing let’s me escape for a bit but I think the same can be said for any passion… whatever that passion may be. Writing, art. It’s all an escape. I think most things are worth the time to learn if there’s even just a little bit of interest.” It was one of Amelia’s favorite topics, diving into passions and self discovery. “It leads to human connection which is an entirely different topic but I won’t go off on that.”

Considering her question for a moment, she found herself at a loss. “As long as I can remember I suppose. It’s not something I do terribly often but on days like today, I can’t help but sketch where I can.” 

Nevaeh found herself looking at the blonde women beside her; something shone from her and she couldn’t place it. Nev wasn’t sure if it was generally that the woman was beautiful or in the words she spoke. There seemed to be passion, honesty and even compassion there and it caused a small smile to tug at the corner of her lips--- in the roman runes she’d have been a dagaz; the day meaning she was bright and drew people in, Nevaeh could see that. Her eyes shift to look around the garden’s again and a sudden sense of ease has now replaced what earlier felt like weights had been placed upon her shoulders. 

‘‘Escapism is the most natural thing these days, everyone want’s to escape some way from this world so we find our things...our passions. Mine being writing and yours being art.’‘ She agrees with a nod of her head. ‘‘Have you ever tried writing? Or are you a fan?’‘ She asks in curiosity to what other things the woman might be into.’ ‘ She gives a nod. ‘‘I guess you’re right. Human connection--- it caused us to talk, right?’‘ 

Listening to her speak she leans over and smiles. ‘I’m Nevaeh, nice to meet you.’‘ She offers with a hand stretched out in front of her. 

[gizellies]

[nevaehsanford]

gucrrv‌:

He nodded after her statement. He’d looked just about the same as when they first met. Six-foot-four frame that visited the gym more often than he did his own daughter. Impeccably-tailored suits covering most of the tattoos matting his skin aside from his neck and hands. His overall health was better than ever after switching to a pescatarian diet. His mental health— receding after he’d stopped going to therapy. Prescription drugs did their best, but he’d isolated himself from the outside world for months. Prison pulled him apart and the beatings were harsh. That life ingrained itself into his day-to-day and for a while, he forgot he was even human.

Being back in society, it was hard readjusting. He’d relive his traumas through entire conversations. Silent, slipping further and further into the compounds of his mind. Therapy helped until it didn’t. He was convinced whoever tried to get on his good side needed or wanted something. He was a criminal, and criminals operated on different levels than influential businessmen in the prison world. Scars lined his back and most were tender to the touch for a short while. Despite it all, he became hardened. A stoic masterpiece of the man he was before. Broke every single bone in the hand of a man who raised it to him. Put six others in the hospital— and this was all before even setting foot in the ADX Florence.

He shook the thoughts from his head. Eyes finding traction on the woman at his side. She looked nervous. Part of him wished she didn’t. He could only assume what she’d heard in the tabloids and was closer to opening the door and rolling to freedom than she was to have a proper conversation with him. He burrowed further into himself.

“A lot more than just a little water has done worse to this car, trust me,” he assured, taking his phone out to reply to the bombardment of incoming texts. “It gets cleaned regularly, so don’t worry yourself. Just be thankful you’re dry.” He’d suspected his overall presence was more than a little— unkind. To be completely honest, this was only because he was in “boss-mode”. It made him cut-throat in the business world and on his way to yet another meeting, he couldn’t lose his focus. 

It was hard enough as it was. She looked just as beautiful as the day they’d parted ways. Be it by his own discretion or perhaps reasoning of Nevaeh’s own, Roman was too involved with his work.; and with the FBI on his ass since his return from prison, it only made things harder. There were definitely reasons and they’d all reach the light of day at some point or another, but right now all Roman wanted to do was get to work. Maybe drop his company off along the way. 

“Where do you need to go?” He asked flatly. 

Sat beside her was the only man beside Lucas who knew her secret, the truth about what and who she was. Her hands found their way into her lap as they entwined trying to keep them from tapping away on any surface they could find or pick at the skin around her nails, a nervous trait she’d seemingly developed recently. She saw the nod from her peripheral vision as she bit down on her lip; he looked just as handsome, just as mouth watering and just as inviting as he always had; just what had dragged her in so many times to these feelings that she couldn’t sort through. She didn’t know how to explain what she felt towards him? Sure, there was a lot of lust and that had been obvious in her actions the closer she’d got to him over time and they’d been reciprocated at the time. Drunken or not there had been a sexual chemistry that she couldn’t deny and she hoped at the time he couldn’t either. But this was years ago and now as Nevaeh sat beside him in a moving vehicle she wondered to herself about where she could place her feelings. 

Was this love anymore? Could you still be in love with someone you hadn’t spoken to, contacted or let cross your mind for almost two to three years? Nevaeh turns her head to look out the window of the car as she watched the rain dance, she was trying to listen to her breathing and slow it down slightly hoping she didn’t sound like she was hyperventilating at this stage. 

‘‘I really don’t wanna know what kinda’ damage you’ve done to this car and with whom thank you very much Roman.’‘ She tried to joke but even the thought caused her brief  smile to falter; she didn’t know how to be around him anymore. Her nickname of ghost because of her job had came into effect with Roman and guilt still sat in her stomach. Beside being in love with him he’d also been her best friend and a shitty friend she’d been. But it’d been for his own good, she knew that. 

Nevaeh wondered if he still remembered her as the girl that wore couture dresses to the most luxurious bars and dominated a room as the only female to be seen. She wondered if he remembered her laugh when she was onto a good client of hers, champagne in hand and a look of conqueror on her face--- because it had it’s similarities to how she remembered him; the way he burned into her mind.

The warmth of the car caused her to shudder as she felt the clothes sticking to her body in the most uncomfortable way. She hated that she’d bumped into him looking this way when she’d managed to avoid him for so long. That question caught her off guard realising their time together was certainly almost over as she looked around to the familiar neighbour hood. 

‘‘Where ever you decide to drop me please just make sure it’s no where near my apartment or even six block radius. The FBI are crawling there right now and i...’‘ She stuttered as she looked up from her lap as her hazel orbs landed upon his face ‘‘I can’t be caught around there right now.’‘ She admits knowing that he’d understand what she meant. ‘‘It’s not been a good month for...work.’‘ She explains as she slumped back into the chair and sighed. 

‘‘I’ll get outta your hair.’‘ She says with a sigh ‘‘Just here’s fine.’‘ She calls to the driver.

[nevaehsanford]

ameliavan‌:

Amelia had almost forgotten she’d said something by the time a response came. She’d been so lost in her work that she was even surprised the words left her lips in the first place. Then again, it was almost ingrained in her to acknowledge everyone around her… a trick from her mother during her socialite days. The answer wasn’t one she expected and she took note of the way it came tumbling out of the woman. Amelia’s shoulders tightened in response, her skin prickling at the uneasiness that sat in the air. She was intuitive but it usually got her in trouble, so she’d found a way to ignore it in most cases. The garden was her place of peace so it wasn’t a stretch that it was for others too… and who was she to question that. “I’m sorry I startled you,” she began giving a quick glance just in time to see her check the surroundings. She seemed harmless enough, so Amelia decided to let it go. “I sketch occasionally, when I feel called to do so… do you?” she wondered aloud, hoping light conversation would ease the woman about her presence. 

The idea of drawing had always appealed too Nevaeh but she’d never done it, she preferred too admire art...or steal it. She could admire it but she probably wouldn’t have the patience to actually sit there and draw anything that was for sure. With a shrug Nevaeh decided to sit beside the girl hoping this would mask a friendship if anybody walked in; some kind of albi and more than what she’d had around five minutes prior.  ‘’It’s OK, I was just supposed to be meeting a friend but I think they’ve bailed.’’ --- There was a smidgen of truth in there but not much. Nevaeh’s hazel eyes dropped down as she looked at the page once more and a small smile pulled up at the corner of her face. If she ever sold this for big money there was probably a very good chance Nev would be trying to steal it at some point in her life.

‘‘Me? I don’t draw, I’m just an admirer of art.’‘ She states with a curt nod. ‘‘I’m more of a writer, express myself with words or music. Drawing always...took too long. With words I can convey what I mean or think or even feel within a sentence. Art takes hours...’‘ She chuckled. ‘‘I’m way to impatient.’‘ She just shrugs as she crosses her legs. 

‘‘How long have you been drawin’ ?’‘