Page 14 of Betrayed By Sin

“The Donati’s always wanted full control. Not just a seat at the table. They wanted the whole damn table. And our family stood in their way.”

A pit starts forming in my stomach.

He swirls the whiskey absently, as if gathering his thoughts.“They were waiting for an opportunity, and they got one.”

I don’t move, afraid that if I breathe too loud, I might shatter the moment.

“Dad was young, but he was strong. Respected. He controlled key parts of the city. The ports, the West Side, half of downtown. He was keeping the Donati’s boxed in, and Salvatore hated that.”

His grip tightens on the glass, knuckles turning white.

“So, Salvatore invited our father to a sit-down. Said it was about peace. About drawing clear lines so there wouldn’t be any more bloodshed.”

I already know where this is going. My heart starts to beat faster.

“Dad brought a few men with him. I remember him kissing Mom’s cheek before he left, promising he’d be back for dinner.”Cameron’s voice dips lower, rougher.“But that night changed everything.”

I force myself to swallow past the lump in my throat.

“Salvatore didn’t want peace.”

Cameron takes another drink, his expression distant.

“They weren’t even inside the restaurant for ten minutes before the wine they drank started burningthroughthem.”

I inhale sharply. “Poison?”

He nods, his mouth twisting in something like disgust.“Took them all out before they could even draw their guns. Except for Dad. They saved him.”

“They dragged him into a warehouse on the river. Salvatore wanted to make an example out of him.”Cameron swallows hard.“So, he tortured him. He broke his fingers. Took a blade to his skin.”

I squeeze my eyes shut.“Cam…”

But he’s not finished.

“As you know, they didn't kill him. Salvatore asked him one last time. ‘Who does New York belong to?’”

Cameron’s jaw clenches.“And you know what Dad said?”

I shake my head, barely able to find my voice.

“‘Not you.’”

I feel like I’m going to be sick.

Cameron exhales sharply.“So, Salvatore carved a Donati ‘D’ into his chest. A warning to the rest of the families. Then they dumped his body in front of our gates like garbage.”

My stomach turns. I can’t imagine the horror. The fear. My mother, finding him like that.

Cameron’s voice drops lower.“Mom was pregnant with me. They were so young, and she was terrorized.”

The wind stirs the trees outside, but I can’t hear anything over the pounding of my own heart.

I swallow hard.“Why… why would he do that?”

Cameron finally looks at me. His expression is unreadable.

“Because our father was winning. He had the power. The respect. Salvatore couldn’t take it from him, so he tried to destroy him.”