Page 165 of Vicious Addictions

“I thought you had gone back to the penthouse?” I almost stammer, not believing my eyes.

“And you thought right,” she says, stepping closer to me. “I was halfway there when I told my driver to turn around and bring me back.”

“Why?” I ask, struggling to contain the flicker of hope igniting within me.

“Because I don’t trust you to see beyond the blind loyalty you have for your father.”

My hope dwindles with the cruel remark.

“If you came here just to insult me, then you’ve wasted your trip,” I say and turn my back to her, signaling the end of our conversation, unwilling to listen to whatever other barbs she intends to throw at me before leaving for London. However, when I feel her warm hand on my shoulder, I stop and turn to face her.

“I didn’t come to insult you, Jude,” she breathes out. “I came to warn you.”

My brows pinch together as I stare at the sincerity in her gray eyes.

“Warn me about what?” I ask, confused.

“It’s as I thought.” She lets out another long-winded exhale. “You really are clueless when it comes to Vincent.”

I grab her by the shoulders and fling her back to the closest tree trunk I can find.

“Enough, Mina. I had it up to here with your insults and your riddles. If you have something to say, then just say it.”

Mina surprises me yet again when her palms cup my cheeks ever so softly.

“I would have loved you with all my heart, Jude. No crown or birthright could ever compare to the love I felt for you. You were all that I wanted. Your love… was enough for me.”

I squint my eyes close and take in her words, pressing my temple to hers just to breathe her in.

“Why are you telling me this now?” I choke out.

“Because I wanted you to hear it from me one last time. So when I tell you what I’m about to say next, you won’t think it’s because I want to hurt you, but because I still have the remnants of that love fighting its way to break free from my heart.”

“Mina.” I go to kiss her, but she places a finger on my lips to stop me.

“It’s not you, Jude. It will never be you, my love. He’s made his decision, and now everyone else knows, too.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask, gazing at her gorgeous mouth, the combination of her scent and confusing words making my head spin.

“Vincent,” she repeats my father’s name. “If the day ever comes that he steps down asCapo dei Capi, it won’t be you who takes his place. It will be Marcello.”

I pull away from her touch instantly, my mind working double time, trying to understand why she would make such an accusation.

“You’re wrong,” I say after a pregnant pause.

“I wish I were,” she says, looking contrite. “But I’m not.”

This time, I’m the one who grabs hold of her cheeks in my hands and pulls her face to mine.

“Why would you even say such a thing to me? Haven’t I hurt enough to last two lifetimes? If you came here to see me bleed, then be satisfied that I’ve been slowly dying ever since I left you.”

Mina’s eyes start to water, but her resolve never wavers.

“Jude… please… listen to me.”

I close my eyes and shake my head, unwilling to hear more.

“Jude, please. Please, just look at me.” The crack in her voice has me concerned about her will. “Itwillbe Marcello, my love. I don’t know if that was always the initial plan, but that doesn’t matter anymore. Vincent just named Marcello his true heir. Only you refuse to see it.”

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