But even as I hit my earpiece to send out a Manor-wide call for eyes on Donnie Russo, and head to the formal dining room to catch a minute with Don Castellani, my lips are still tingling.
Despite not having a direct voice in the talks, the Boss and a few of our senior guys are sitting in on negotiations to observe. When I arrive at the formal dining room, I only have to wait a few minutes before the men file out for the afternoon break, and from the looks on their faces, things aren't going great.
Inside, once the Bernardis have gone, the usual suspects are gathered at the end of the table, their voices low as they discuss something. Johnny Jacopo, Leo Bernardi, Julian—and the Boss. He's seated at the head, and he looks as tense as the Bernardis did. He sees me come in, but he still finishes what he was saying.
"…and the Morellis will not like this," is all I catch him saying. "We must find a way to prevent it."
Interesting.
"DeLuca." Sandro gestures me forward. "You have a report?"
I come closer, my grim expression changing the mood by the time I reach them.
"What is it?" Jack asks sharply.
"Donnie Russo put his fucking hands on Darian," I tell them, my voice tight as I picture the scene again. "Had Darian cornered in his break room." I don't elaborate on the details. If I do, I mightlose my temper completely. "He broke the peace of the parley, Boss."
Sandro's eyes close briefly as he processes exactly what this means. Julian needs no time to think about it, his cold eyes already promising retribution.
Jack's face hardens. "Not okay," he says. "Not okay at all."
"Is Darian alright?" Leo asks.
"He says he is, but you know how he is, keeping up appearances," I reply. "But I promised him we'd deal with this." I look to the Boss expectantly.
"And we will," Sandro says.
"I'll bury the man alive myself," Julian says, in an oddly light tone that belies his words. "In the concrete they're using to fill the cells downstairs. He can suffocate and rot."
I'm a little taken aback by the intensity of Julian's response—but only a little. We all know how highly he regards Darian.
"We could cut off his hands," Jack suggests casually.
"Or his dick," Leo growls. "Really give him something to think about."
"Enough," Sandro cuts in sharply. "The parley is still underway, and even I cannot break its sanctity. Russo will be called to account, but we cannot harm him until the parley is dissolved."
"Boss," I break in, unable to contain myself. "Darian deserves justice. We can't let Russo walk away from this untouched."
Sandro fixes me with a level gaze, and for a moment, I feel as though he's reading my thoughts. It's uncomfortable. "We are inagreement, DeLuca," he says calmly. "But the peace of the parley must be upheld, and I already know that AJ Bernardi will insist that his Consigliere be allowed to stay with him. However, Russo will be confined to his room for the remainder of the parley. And once negotiations conclude, he willdeeplyregret his behavior."
The look in Sandro's eyes gives me some comfort. I know he has to balance loyalty and pragmatism for this parley, even if I'd rather he just do what everyone else has suggested: castrate the fucker and drown him in cement.
Sandro goes on: "Keep close to Darian. I don't want him disturbed further during these proceedings. And please, extend my personal apologies to him if you see him before I do. I will find him and speak to him myself after I have spoken with this wretched dog and his master." His lip curls in derision and he stands, dismissing us all.
As we file out of the room, I still feel a lingering sense of injustice. The desire for vengeance burns hot in me, especially when it comes to Darian. But at least the Boss has given me permission to stick close to him.
I was going to, anyway. But it's nice to have it sanctioned.
I find Darian in the grand salon, brow furrowed in concentration as he meticulously shines the glass case around the sapphire necklace that's always on display under the portrait of Julian's mother.
"Hey, there. Need some help?" I ask.
Darian's head snaps up, wary, but then he breaks into a warm smile. "Oh, hello, Raffi."
"I spoke with the Boss. He's going to come and see you himself, but he's dealing with Russo first." I step a little closer, watching to make sure he really does want me here with him. "Listen, Darian, I want to apologize again for kissing you after…well, you know."
"You didn't kiss me, Raffi," he replies softly. "Ikissedyou. And I'm the one who should apologize for being so forward."
