Page 116 of Vicious Addictions

Dom’s forehead creases, not believing what I’m selling.

“Who gives a rat’s ass about the psycho twins. It’s Mina who stole the show for me. The way she corrected me when I called her Miss Crane? I guess it’s true what they say about the apple not falling far from the tree because that girl has a set of balls on her,” Gio muses, his gaze flicking toward me. “I’m not surprised you wanted to forget any beef you had with her cousins, but I’m surprised you never mentioned Mina to us before.”

“There was never much to say,” I lie again, forcing my expression to remain indifferent.

Gio hums, unconvinced, before turning his attention back onto my father.

“Well, I like her. She’s smart. Tough. Doesn’t scare easy. She’ll be useful.”

“Useful?” I repeat the word as if it were a curse. “Is that what we’ve been reduced to? Measuring people by what they can offer us… like an asset?” My voice cuts through the room like a blade.

“Yes,” my father deadpans without hesitation. “Allies like the Cranes keep us one step ahead of our enemies. That’s the very definition of an asset. And thinking otherwise is insulting to them and us. Or do you not think they believe the same thing about us?”

I don’t say anything in return.

I don’t want to.

I’m too tightly wound as it is.

Thankfully, Gio shifts the conversation along. “Do you believe her? About Dimitri just being the muscle and that some mystery person is playing him like a puppet for their own gain?”

Vincent exhales, his eyes darkening. “I believe the Cranes have more intel than we do. That’s what I believe.”

“If they are right, then this master of puppets might be a real danger to us and come for the Outfit next. They seem ambitious enough. Don’t you agree?”

My father pauses in deep thought before giving Gio a slow nod.

“I do. But I’d rather hear it from the horse’s mouth. Get me Dimitri.”

“That can be arranged, boss,” Dominic interjects smoothly. “We’ll keep an eye on the docks and make sure to track every shady container. Like the girl said, let the rat think he’s pulling a fast one over us. He’ll be easier to catch that way.”

“Good,” Vincent murmurs. “In the meantime, I’ll set up a meeting with the other families to keep them in the loop. We need as many men as we can get. If someone tries to hurt the syndicate in any shape or form, we’ll flush them out.” I then watch my father get up from his seat, straighten his cuffs, and put on his coat. “Now that that’s settled, I have other matters to attend to. I promised Selene I’d be home tonight for dinner with her and the kids.”

“Jude, Dom, and I will deal with the logistics of your order. Don’t worry,” Gio states assuredly. “We’ll meet up with you later.”

Vincent nods and heads for the door, but before he steps out, he glances back at us with an inscrutable expression.

“The Crane girl… Mina,” he muses. “How old is she?”

“Twenty-six as of last month,” I inform before Gio can.

My father takes that piece of information in, suddenly looking weary.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Dominic asks my father whilst leaning back against the wall with crossed arms.

“Of course he is. Aren’t you?” Gio frowns. “Are you sure it was a good idea to invite the Cranes over for dinner tomorrow?”

“I am.”

Gio whistles low. “Selene won’t like it. She won’t like it one bit.”

“No. No, she will not,” my father agrees, his gaze turning somber. “But that’s tomorrow’s problem. Not tonight’s. Tonight, I intend to have a quiet dinner with my kids and wife. It might be the last peaceful one I’ll have for a while.”

It’s only when my father leaves with that parting remark that I grab Gio’s arm to get some much-needed answers.

“Why would my mother have a problem with the Cranes coming over tomorrow?”

“Because,” Gio exhales sharply, shaking his head. “Mina’s proof that a woman can have a real place in thefamiglia.Don’t tell me you haven’t put it together yet?”

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