Page 113 of Vicious Addictions

How very disappointing.

Giovanni and Dominic share a meaningful look, while Jude remains perfectly stoic as if my voice has been carried by the wind instead of meeting its mark.

“I want to see him. Your boss,” I say, shifting my attention back to Giovanni. “I have some information that is of interest to him, and I don’t have the patience nor time to waste dilly-dallying about.”

“Miss Crane—”

“Lady. Lady Crane,” I correct sternly.

“Very well,” Giovanni retorts, his easy-going demeanor nowhere in sight. “Asconsigliere,I am more than equipped to deliver any message you have for him.”

“If you’re unwilling to take me to him, then we’re done here.”

I’m about to spin on my heel and head toward our waiting cars when Jude’s loud scoff stops me in my tracks.

“She’ll do it. She’s fond ofultimatums.” His voice is cold, detached.

I refuse to look at him, no matter how much my hand aches to slap the scornful expression off his face. Instead, I keep my gaze fixed on Giovanni.

“So? What will it be? Are you taking me to see your boss, or should we head to our penthouse apartment in the city instead? Keep in mind, between helping your organization with your Bratva problem and taking a long soak in my tub after an eight-hour flight, I will always prefer the latter.”

This gets his attention.

All I had to do was say the word ‘Bratva,’ and Giovanni’s hands were forcibly tied.

“Very well,” Giovanni exhales, already pulling out his phone. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Pressing the device to his ear, he steps further to the side to ensure we don’t eavesdrop on his conversation, leaving the rest of us to scrutinize each other.

My cousins stare Dominic and Jude down from head to toe, but neither man flinches. If anything, the tension in the air thickens with the silent battle of wills. Large egos and unchecked testosterone are at an all-time high by the time Giovanni returns from his call.

“You’re in luck,” Giovanni says after a moment, slipping his phone back into his coat pocket. “Ourcapois more than happy to see you now.”

“How fortuitous,” I reply dryly before giving the twins a nod for them to follow me into the car.

“Well, that went well.” Rolo chuckles after telling the chauffeur to follow the other cars.

“It went as well as could be expected.” I flick imaginary lint off my shoulder.

“Is it me, or did Jude get huge in his old age?” Rolo laughs. “He was almost as big as that tattooed fucker, Dominic. Fuck, that guy was fit. It even intimidated me a little.”

“I believe the term that Americans use is jacked,” Remus piles on. “You know what they say about gym rats? Nothing up here worth noting.” Remus points to his head.

“Enough,” I say a bit too loudly. “This isn’t a game. I don’t know if either of you were paying attention back there, but this meeting with Vincent will set the tone of how the Outfit will conduct business with us from this point on.”

“Are you worried he won’t take you seriously because you’re a woman?” Remus asks, no longer in a playful mood.

“You saw how Giovanni questioned the legitimacy of my claim. How am I to know how his boss will react?” I tell him truthfully, nerves settling in my stomach. “Vincent is the only one I’m worried about. The only one my fatherinsistsI make a good impression on. So, when we get to him, I need to know you two will have my back.”

“Always,” they reply in tandem.

“Good.”

The rest of the drive is silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air. We arrive at a towering skyscraper nestled in the heart of the city and take the elevator to the top floor, which is naturally where the Romanos’ main offices are located. Once inside, we’re escorted to Vincent’s corner office, where theCapo dei Capirises from his seat behind his sleek desk to welcome us in.

“My apologies for not greeting you at the airport, Lady Crane,” he says smoothly after our polite introductions. “I hope the flight wasn’t too bothersome.”

“Not at all. And thank you for seeing me on such short notice,” I reply, my expression as unreadable as his. “I understand how busy aCapo dei Capisuch as yourself must be.”

---