Page 129 of Vicious Addictions

Holy shit is right.

Now I understand where Stella and Annamaria get their stellar looks from. Selene Romano is a damn vision, which says a lot considering she’s well into her late forties. But you’d never guess by looking at her. With effortless grace, she walks down the stairs, arm linked with her husband’s, head held high, and her glorious red hair cascading behind her. She could put women my age to shame.

She might have been groomed to be an Outfit princess, but there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m in the presence of a queen. The Red Queen.

I’m still a bit of a loss for words when her eyes meet mine as she takes the last step. She unlatches her arm from her husband’s and makes a beeline straight for me.

And then I remember. She thinks my father tried to steal her firstborn away, induct him to the Firm, risking him never to return to Chicago again.

Bugger. Bugger. Bugger.

I brace myself for impact, ready to be slapped, cursed out, or all of the above. But I could never have anticipated Selene opening her arms and enveloping me in a hug.

“Mina,” she whispers in my ear. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

My heart is still in my throat when she pulls away and gives me one lingering look, smiling when her eyes lock with mine again.

“You are lovely. Just like I knew you would be,” she says, causing me to swallow dryly.

My gaze flickers over to Jude beside me, his expression looking as confused as I feel.

In fact, almost everyone around us is, except for Vincent. He doesn’t look confused at all.

But then again, he’s a boss.

They train us to look like we always knew what was coming, even when we had no idea.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you at last. Jude has told me great things about you, Mrs. Romano.”

“Did he now?” Her gaze flashes to her eldest son. “I’m surprised he even mentioned my name while he stayed with you and your family all those years ago. Especially since he was still holding a grudge when he left us.”

“Mom,” Jude lets out a frustrated exhale. “Mina doesn’t need to hear all that.”

“No, of course not. I’m sure she’s heard that and much worse before.”

“Mamma!” Stella chastises. “You’re embarrassing Jude.”

“Ah,figlia mia, if I wanted to embarrass your brother, I would have said something else.” Selene retorts, her eyes still on mine. “Come ha potuto lasciarsi alle spalle un diamante così raro?”

I have no idea what she just said. Only that Jude looks even more confused than before. Whatever left his mother’s lips, he clearly didn’t appreciate it.

Selene surprises me yet again by grabbing my hands and cupping them in hers.

“I’ve heard the news about your father,” she says sullenly. “Let him know I light a candle every day, praying for his speedy recovery.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Romano,” I say softly, genuinely believing her every word.

Selene is the kind of woman who doesn’t waste her breath on lies. She’ll say how she feels when she feels it. I admire that.

“Please call me Selene.” Her emerald eyes sparkle at me.

“Tesoro,” Vincent calls out, placing a protective hand on the small of his wife’s back. “How about we take our guests to the dining room and have dinner? You and Mina can continue your conversation there. I promise.”

Selene gives him a conceding nod with love and adoration in her gaze.

Vincent offers her his arm once more, and she swiftly links hers with his as they make their way to the dining room.

Jude clears his throat beside me, offering his arm for me to take.

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