Page 79 of Vicious Addictions

“Hey,” Remus nudges Jude’s shoulder, his voice light despite the blood staining his knuckles. “Thanks for the assist back there. I owe you one.”

“Not a problem. You looked like you could use some help,” Jude replies smugly, running his bruised hand through his hair.

“Hey, there were six of them and one of me. I’m good, but not that good.” Remus laughs, unbothered. “Tell you what? The next time you find yourself in a similar situation, I’ll hang back to see how you do without my help.” I watch Remus continuing to chuckle as he pats Jude on the back. Something about the amicable way he does it sticks with me.

They’re both acting like they just left the pub after having a couple of pints and some laughs instead of leaving a pile of dead bodies in their wake.

I mean, they did just raid an enemy’s warehouse and killed everyone in sight. Sure, I get why Jude and the twins are riding high after such a grueling battle, but their new-found comradery rubs me the wrong way.

Jude looks completely relaxed in the twins’ company, but he tenses up whenever he looks at me.

Needing a break from their bromance, I turn on my heel and head toward my car.

“Hey? Where are you going?” Remus calls out from behind me.

“Home!” I shout back before sliding into the front seat and slamming the door.

Unfortunately for me, Remus blocks my exit by standing in front of the hood of my car.

“Move!” I shout, turning on the headlights.

“We got shit to do, Mina. Or did you forget we still have three fuckers to take to the factory for interrogation?” He tilts his head toward the warehouse standing behind him.

“You don’t need me for that. You’ve got Rolo.”

Remus slams his palms with a loud thud on the hood and stares at me through the glass.

“Get out of the car, Mina. You go home when the rest of us do.”

My nostrils flare as I exit the car, leaving the door open and charging toward him. Remus’ spine goes ramrod straight when I shove my finger into his chest.

“Think twice before ordering me around, cousin. Don’t forget who you answer to.”

Shame flashes across his face for a split second before it hardens into a stoic mask.

“I didn’t forget. Between the two of us, you’re the one with the faulty memory.Youhave to set the example, cousin. Going home when the job isn’t finished yet isn’t a good look for you.”

I stew in my frustration and anger, knowing that he’s right. Unlike the twins, every move I make is constantly being monitored by the old guard, itching at the seams for me to fuck up. If I were thinking clearly, then my best course of action would be to go with them back to the old derelict factory, a place the Firm uses to work on their hostages to get some intel.

But I’m not thinking clearly. I haven’t for quite some time.

How can I when all my thoughts get hazy with memories of hotel rooms and hazel eyes any time I spend more than a few minutes in Jude’s presence?

“I’m not running away from my responsibilities, Remus. I’m delegating,” I retort, keeping my tone sharp and unyielding. “You three, along with the rest of our crew, can handle the interrogation. I, on the other hand, am going home to report today’s achievements to Felix and the boss. Is that understood?”

It’s all a load of bollocks, and Remus knows it.

Thankfully, it’s a good enough excuse for him to use if anyone asks about my whereabouts.

Without another word, Remus steps to the side and leaves me be.

I slip into my car and start the engine, my gaze flickering over to Jude for the briefest moment—just long enough for our eyes to lock.

Misery lingers in his, heavy and suffocating, stealing the air from my lungs. The suffering swimming in his beautiful eyes drowns me. However, he doesn’t allow me to see it dwell in his gaze for long. In an instant, he turns away, retreating into the warehouse, where our hostages will bear the brunt of his frustration.

Our quiet chess games have been replaced with something far more exasperating—a relentless game of hide and seek. We search for each other in stolen glances and lingering silences, only for pride to force us back into the shadows the moment we come too close.

Unwilling to remain here any longer, I drive away and head home.

---