Page 45 of Vicious Addictions

“It will get better, you know?” I offer gently. “It won’t always be like this.”

“Do I look that weak?” He lets out a humorless scoff.

I place my palm tenderly against his cheek.

“Stop that,” I order. “It’s okay to feel bad about taking a life. You’d be a monster if you felt nothing at all.”

“But that’s just it,” he murmurs, eyes darkening. “Made menaren’t supposed to feel. It’s in their very job description. Feelings only lead to weakness. And weakness has no place in the life of amafioso.”

“Says who?”

“Everyone.” His exhale is slow, tired.

“Well, you’re not everyone. You’re Jude Romano. You’re… different.”

A dry laugh escapes him. “Different doesn’t survive in this world.”

“Maybe. But having a heart won’t make you a badmafiosoeither. In fact, it just might make you better.”

His gaze flickers at me with something unreadable, and it takes everything in me to keep my expression calm and collected.

“How do you figure?” he asks.

“For starters, you won’t shoot first and ask questions later because you actually understand the worth of a human life. That alone sets you apart from the rest.”

He studies me for a beat before a ghost of a smile starts forming on his lips.

“Is this your way of giving me a pep talk?”

“No.” I hold his gaze. “It’s my way of reminding you who you are. No one said you have to be heartless to do this job.”

“No… but it does help.”

“Maybe.” I sigh. “But you know what also helps? Having people who have your back.”

“Like you?” he counters, searching my eyes again.

I nod with an assuring smile and say, “Of course, like me. I’ll always have your back. Come what may.”

His expression softens at my remark, and he asks, “Because we’re friends?”

‘No. Because I love you.’

“Yes,” I say instead. “Because we’re friends.”

Jude watches me carefully before the corner of his lips lifts into the smallest, most devastating smile.

“Thank you,” he murmurs.

“For what?”

“For being my friend. I don’t know how I would’ve coped otherwise.”

“You would’ve been fine,” I tease lightly, but he shakes his head.

“Maybe. But it wouldn’t be the same. My life… it’s better with you in it.”

A warmth spreads through me, leaving no room for doubt.

---