Page 1 of Vicious Addictions

Prologue

Jude

Nineteen years old

“Damn it!” I groan in frustration as I gaze at the large entrance of the centuries-old manor, bustling with luxury cars dropping off party guests at its gate.

Just my luck—the day I finally muster up the courage to visit the Crane Estate is the same day the acclaimed mob boss decides to throw a party.

This is not how I had planned things out.

I arrived in England a week ago, and ever since, I’ve done nothing but practice what I would say to the Firm’s illustrious kingpin. Only when I was positive that I had my speech down pat did I rent a car and make the two-hour drive to his country estate in Kent. Little did I know that if I wanted a chance to speak with Victor Crane tonight, I would have to crash his goddamn party.

And when did crashing a mobster’s private shindig ever go down well for anyone?

Fuck my life.

If I were smart, I’d turn around and go back home before anyone sees me.

But then it hits me that home is an ocean away, not the hotel room where I’m currently staying.

And there’s a reason for that.

A reason why I left Chicago and am currently living out of a suitcase in London, of all places.

“Fuck it,” I say out loud before second-guessing myself any further and steer the car into the estate, passing its large iron gates and following the other vehicles ahead of me toward the entrance of the house.

Though, to be fair, the fucking thing looks more like a castle than a home to me.

But then, what did I expect?

Victor Crane is the only mobster I know who is a genuine English lord. To usmafiosi, he’s just another boss ready to get his hands dirty when the situation calls for it. But to the outside world, his noble lineage means that the blue blood flowing through his veins makes it nearly impossible for anyone to question his underground activities or shady business dealings.

It’s the perfect cover—one that Crane is clever enough to take full advantage of.

A man like that will see the practicality of my argument.

A rational man like that won’t be blinded by affection.

The worst thing that can happen is Victor showing me the door after I’ve stated my case.

No, the worst thing he could do is tell your father what you’ve been up to behind his back.

I shake my head, refusing to entertain that idea even for a moment, knowing that if I do, I’ll lose my nerve entirely.

Though if I’m honest with myself, it’s probably the most likely outcome.

The Cranes have had a long-standing relationship with the Romano family, long before I arrived on the scene. Victor’s loyalties will always lie with my father, and thinking otherwise is just plain stupid.

And I can be many things, but stupid has never been one of them.

Oh, no?

Then what do you call this?

Nope.

Not going there.

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