Page 46 of Vicious Addictions

“Well,” I whisper, my lips curving, “that makes two of us.”

My life is definitely better now that Jude is in it.

My love-sick heart, however, might disagree.

Chapter 7

Jude

Twenty-one years old

London hums with energy and vibrance by day, but when dusk begins to blanket the city, it transforms into a realm of shadows and secrets. Every alley whispers forgotten histories and every dark corner teases with the allure of the unknown. In the high-end parts of the city, you’ll find culture, sophistication, and immense wealth on full display. But venture deeper into its underbelly, and London becomes a different kind of beast.

For the past two years, I’ve breathed its air, walked its streets, and sunk into its shadows. I’ve collected debts in clubs, organized underground fights, and seen men bet on everything from dice to lives.

Crane has fulfilled his promise to teach me what it means to be amade manand then some, when he placed me under the guidance of his underboss, Felix. I’ve learned more in these last six months than in all the years I lived under my parents’ roof back home.

Felix is a chameleon in every sense of the word. He can blend in anywhere, adapt to any situation, and always come out on top. His reflexes are sharp and catlike, while his mind is a kaleidoscope of calculated thought and insight, allowing him to effortlessly shift perspectives and navigate any complex situation he finds himself in.

But it’s the way he speaks, the quiet control in his voice, that reminds me so much of my own father—a trait I always secretly envied. Like my father, when Felix enters a room, peoplelisten.And lately, he’s been teaching me how to command that same attention.

Tonight, I walk beside him in my long black coat, looking like an extra straight out of an episode ofPeaky Blinders,all because Felix grew tired of me tagging along in nothing but jeans and a leather jacket.

“If you want to bemade, then you have to look the part,” he told me once after forcing me into his tailor’s shop for my first suit fitting. “Respect comes in many forms. But to demand it right from the get-go, you have to look like a man who fucking deserves it. Nomade manworth his salt is going to take you seriously in a fucking t-shirt and trainers, Romano.”

I took the advice to heart and never looked back.

Once we step into a bar, Felix heads straight for the back.

“I won’t be long,” he says over his shoulder. “Grab a seat, Romano.”

The moment I slide onto a barstool, the bartender recognizes me and sets a beer in front of me. Not long ago, I would’ve had to flash an ID just to buy a drink back home. Here, I’ve been old enough for the hard stuff for years.

“Look who we have here.”

A heavy slap lands on my left shoulder, followed by another on my right.

“If it isn’t the Chicago prince himself.”

I don’t need to turn around to know who is standing behind me.

“Remus. Romulus,” I greet in displeasure. “I see they let any riff-raff in this place.”

“Funny, I was about to say the same thing about you.” Rolo grins, sliding onto the stool beside me. “So… what brings you here?”

“Business,” I reply vaguely before taking a swig of my beer.

“Is that right?” Remus chimes in with that taunting sparkle in his eye. “And here I thought you were a stickler for the rules. I didn’t expect you to be the type of guy who takes a beer break during working hours.” He smirks, taking the other seat next to me. “Mind if we join you then?”

“Do I have a choice?” I grumble, tracing my finger up and down the condensation on the bottle.

“No, you don’t.” Remus grins ominously from ear to ear.

The Crane twins love to stir up shit with everyone.

I’m no exception.

That’s just who they are.

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