Page 32 of Bound in the Dark

"I have a job for you."

"I thought you said you had information?"

"It is a bit of both." The Don sighed. "You know me. I try to let my son stand on his own. So that he can learn and grow. Someday take my place."

Diana snorted. The man was very good atthe appearanceof letting his son stand on his own without actually doing it. "Of course. But you said on the phone this had to do with Petrov. Is your son changing sides?"

What would she do if he was?

Turning on the Dark Sons and by association her sister wasn't an option. The thought of betraying Highdive churned her stomach. No, she had given her word and even for this man she wouldn't betray them. But she also didn't want to burn this relationship.

"No. But as are many of the young, he is too trusting. His childhood friendship blinds him to the snake in his midst."

Only one man was considered Tomasso's childhood friend. The same man who was the reason she never worked directly for the Don's son. Tony. It wasn't a surprise that the man would try to partner with someone like Andrey Petrov. It was shocking that he would turn on Tomasso. Only a fool would willingly get on Don Minetti’s bad side. His anger and vengeance would be biblical in response.

"You're sure? You know I have no love for Tony, but I never thought him dumb enough to cross you."

"He has abrilliantplan to frame the Dark Sons for my son's death. All while stealing millions. He even has a not so secret tropical paradise arranged to escape to if he thinks I've figured him out."

That did sound like Tony. The man believed he was better, smarter than everyone around him.

"Why are you telling me and not Tomasso?"

Donavan sighed. "Because if I show my son the proof he will get angry because I don't trust him and have been spying on him and his men. If I don't, and just stop it from happening my son will hate me for killing his friend. I've warned Tomasso for years that that bastardo is nothing but an anchor around his neck. But does he listen? No."

Trust was an odd thing. In Tomasso's place she would have assumed the Don was watching and had plants within his closest associates. But for some reason others considered that too controlling.

What would it be like to have someone care about her like that? She shook her head. Didn’t she already have someone like that in her life?

Highdive would do that and more to try and keep her safe. It was literally what he did for the Club. His trying to stop her from going out alone was a perfect example of his protective nature. Maybe she needed to consider forgiving him for being high handed. Not that she would let him dictate her actions, but she could be understanding of why he tried.

"What's the plan? You give me the proof and I take the blame for spying on his men?"

It wasn't a bad plan but depending on the quality of the evidence Tomasso might not believe her. The hostility between her and Tony would cloud the issue.

"No. It is time for my son to learn a lesson the hard way. He must feel the knife in his back so he won't make this mistake again."

"What is the plan then?" Diana had the feeling she really wasn't going to like what the Don intended.

"First, I need you to agree to the job. I will give you everything I have on Tony and Andrey Petrov but only if you agree to do this my way." Steely determination filled Donavan's words. Arguing with him would be pointless. He wasn't the friendly man who gave hugs anymore. This was the ruthless Don who ruled his empire with a bloody grip.

"I'm listening."

"You will kill Tony, but only after my son knows fear. He must see with his own eyes that he has been betrayed. He must learn that he has been blind and enemies can smile while standing by your side."

Diana didn't like the picture he was painting. She avoided taking risks like that. Preferred a clean kill when the target was unaware.

"If I wait, your son could be hurt or killed. Are you really willing to risk that?"

Pain flashed across his face but was quickly replaced with resignation.

"Tomasso chose to be part of this life. He wants to lead the family some day. I've foolishly sheltered him hoping he would change his mind." He sighed. "He is too soft. I won't always have someone there to protect him. I should leave him to face this on his own with only the people he has chosen at his side. It's what my father did, but I can't. I need to know he has some chance of surviving."

"And if Tomasso dies?"

"I won't blame you."

She had her doubts that it would be that simple. It would be better to just take Tomasso's anger than risk the Don's grief. But that wasn't an option. She wouldn't break her word if she gave it.

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