I want to tell him to forget it. To point out that spilling all this to Sandro would ruin everything, because as horrible as it was being used as Julian's puppet, I can't deny that I understand his actions.
I knowexactlywhat AJ Bernardi did to Julian and Leo. I've overheard them talking about it, many times. They didn't knowI was there—people rarely notice a butler, after all—and to know that AJ is dead, even that he suffered before that death…
It doesn't horrify me.
AJ Bernardi deserved what he got. In that, I agree with Julian.
Raffi is different to Julian and me, though. For Raffi, honor trumps justice. And he wouldn'tbeRaffi without that drive. So I take his hand and squeeze it. "Whatever you decide to do," I tell him, "I'm with you."
"Even if…" He takes a deep breath, blows it out like he can't believe he's saying it: "Even if I leave here?"
"Yes. Even if you leave."
His grip on my hand tightens. "You just got a sweet raise, D," he says, tone light. "That's a lot to walk away from."
"You're more important," I tell him simply. "And I think if…if you want to leave, Don Castellani would allow it. I think he'd release you from your vows. And Julian won't come after us, either."
"You're damn right about that," he says at once, "because if he did, he'd regret it." He glares back toward the redwoods.
"Go on, then," I say gently. "Go talk to Don Castellani. Get it settled in your own mind."
He gives me a soft, sweet kiss, and then he walks off alone to seek a meeting with the Don.
CHAPTER 52
RAFFI
The oak doorsof Redwood Manor loom before me as I jog up the front steps, my boots thudding heavily on the stone. I don't even nod at the guards as they open the door for me.
I run straight into Pedretti—on his way to give the morning briefing to Sandro, I guess—and he's a little startled at my abrupt arrival in the foyer. "DeLuca. Problem?"
"I need to see Don Castellani at once."
Pedretti's eyebrows shoot up. "You want to run that by me again?"
"I mean," I amend, "there's no problem on the estate. But I do need to see the Boss."
Pedretti takes in my expression and nods. "Alright. He's free now. Come with me."
We walk the familiar route to Sandro's study. It feels like a march to my own execution, in a way, but what I have to say, it has to be said. And as for whether I'll demand to be freed from my vows…I'm not even sure myself. Not yet.
Sandro stands at the study window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out at the sprawling gardens. "Good morning, Pedretti," he says, and then he glances over his shoulder. "And DeLuca? What brings you here?"
I begin in a low rush. "Don Castellani, there's something I need to tell you. It's about Roxanne Rochford and your brother, Julian, and?—"
"Stop."
I stop.
Sandro gives Pedretti a nod. "Give us the room." He waits until Pedretti has closed the door behind him, and then sits down at his desk. "Take a seat, DeLuca."
I sit, and then I go on. "It's about the parley…" The words catch in my throat, but I force myself to continue. "It wasn't Russo, and it sure as hell wasn't?—"
But before I can go on, Sandro raises a hand, silencing me. "DeLuca, I appreciate your loyalty, and I think you are an honorable man. I like that about you. This Familyneedsmen like you. But now I need you to understand something." He leans forward, his dark eyes locked on mine. "There are complexities in this Family. InthisFamily, as I lead it, I must sometimes make difficult choices. Choices that may not align with my…own personal sense of honor." He grimaces as he says it.
"Are you saying—" I start, but he cuts me off again.
"Let me finish," he says patiently. "There are times when I must choose between my own sense of right and wrong, and what is best for the Family."
