Page 157 of Vicious Addictions

A privilege, if there ever was one.

Unlike the rest of the families, they hadn’t attended church this morning. It wasn’t a requirement, but their absence had not gone unnoticed by thefamiglia.

New York is just a stone’s throw away, far closer than Montreal, where the French-Canadian mob hails from, or Boston, home to the Irish.

So why the delay?

Could they suspect we are on to them?

The longer they take to arrive, the heavier the weight in my chest grows.

My pensive thoughts are put on hold when I feel the silhouette of the Red Queen herself appear beside me.

“Today’s mass was certainly… interesting,” Selene Romano remarks, announcing her presence with an elegant ease. “I usually find Father McDonagh’s sermons rather tedious. Sometimes even borderline offensive. However, today was quite entertaining, I must say.”

I bite the corner of my lip, barely restraining the smile that threatens to escape.

“My apologies, Selene. The twins… well, let’s just say my family isn’t quite as pious as yours. Hence, their behavior.”

“Oh, I gathered that much.” She giggles, eyes alight with mischief. “And, as I said, I thoroughly enjoyed watching them stand up for themselves. Though I imagine they don’t often find themselves in situations where they even need to. One look in their direction, and only a fool would pick a fight with them. A fool or a priest.” She takes a sip of her espresso to hide her smile.

She then places the small cup back on its saucer, her smile shifting into something a bit more wistful. “I’ll be sad to see you and the twins leave for London. Vincent mentioned you’ll all be returning home tomorrow.” She studies my face, searching for something. “So soon?”

“My visit to Chicago was always meant to be a short one,” I reply, suddenly aware of how intently she’s watching me. It makes me a little flustered. “As you know, my father is ill. I’m eager to return home and see for myself how he’s faring.”

“Of course,” she replies smoothly, her expression softening as if the explanation satisfied her. Then, after a beat, she adds, “However, if I may be so blunt, I was hoping you’d stay with us a little longer.”

“Why?” I ask before I can stop myself, the bluntness in my reply overshadowing hers.

Selene’s smile only broadens, though.

“My family has grown quite fond of you. Ever since your arrival, your name has been on everyone’s lips.” She laughs lightly. “Even Remus and Rolo have gained more than an ecstatic fanbase in my Enzo and Lucky.”

“I’m glad to hear that. The twins aren’t usually everyone’s cup of tea. They can sometimes be an acquired taste,” I reply, unable to hide the pride in my voice for them to make such a good impression.

“Yes, I can see how they might be,” she agrees, still amused. “Perhaps you could visit us again soon? Perhaps your father could also join you next time? I’ve spoken to him several times, but nothing beats a face-to-face connection.”

“I’m not sure if that will be possible,” I hesitate, hoping she takes the hint as I purposely usedifinstead ofwhen.

‘It hurt, didn’t it?’

Yes, it did.Hence why I have no intention of ever returning to Chicago again. However, Selene seems undeterred by my response.

“No need to give me an answer now,” she says airily, though her gaze sharpens ever so slightly. “But I hope you’ll consider it before you walk down the aisle.” Her eyes flick pointedly to the engagement ring on my finger.

My throat tightens at that.

I swallow dryly, suddenly very aware that my gaze has begun scanning the room—for what?

For who?

Who are you looking for, Mina?

“Jude is with Marcello,” Selene answers the question I hadn’t voiced, her previously playful tone fading into something unreadable. “He’s giving his brother some last-minute pointers on what to expect at his induction.”

The amusement in her expression is now fully gone, replaced with motherly concern.

“I have to admit, I’m quite envious of you today,” she admits before placing her espresso cup and saucer on a nearby table. “Women are not allowed to witness anomertàceremony. In all the years the Outfit has existed, not once was a woman permitted to attend such an event—until you, that is.” There is so much sadness in her beautiful green eyes that it takes me back a bit. There’s no malice in them. She’s not angry at me, just deeply, deeply sad. “As your father’s successor, the syndicate was forced to break its decades-long rule, and as a result, Marcello and Jude won’t be the only of my children to attend the event. Stella will be there too.”

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