“You’re…hello,” she greeted in a husky voice meant to allure.
Victor smiled. He thought it was cute, a woman of her maturity openly flirting.
“Good evening, ma’am. Victor Creed to see Jack Storm.”
“Of course. Come in. Come in, Governor.”
She stepped back, allowing him entry. When Victor crossed the threshold, he could swear that she was smelling him.
He stepped into the large foyer and created a few feet of distance between them.
“You’re even more handsome in person,” the older lady crooned.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
Thankfully, Jack came jogging down a curved stairwell. “Governor, it’s good to see you,” he greeted as he approached with his hand extended.
“Jack, thanks for the invite.” Victor looked around the spacious, elegantly decorated foyer. “What an extraordinary home you have.”
“Thank you, but you know I would have come to you. With the campaign underway, this must be a busy time for you.”
“Yeah, well, I needed some air.”
Jack walked over to the older lady and cupped his son’s head. A warm, paternal feeling washed over Victor as he watched him kiss his sleeping son. He couldn’t wait to hold his son or daughter in his arms.
“Thank you, Mrs. O’Malley. Why don’t you go put him down?”
She hesitated as if she didn’t want to leave, but the look on Jack’s face left her no choice.
She pursed her bright red lips and headed up the stairs.
“Nanny?”
“Nah. Mrs. O’Malley is a friend of the family. She comes over and helps us with the kids because she doesn’t trust anyone.” Jack laughed softly. “I mean…nobody.”
“Sounds like you,” he said, turning to Gregor. “We’re good here. Give us a minute.”
Gregor nodded at Rory and backed against the wall. Rory did the same against the opposite wall.
“How about a drink?” Jack offered.
“A drink sounds good.”
“Follow me.”
It was a short walk down the hall to the parlor. When they entered, Victor nodded acknowledgment to the other men in the room.
“Victor, you remember my cousins, Gianni and Luca.”
“I do…gentlemen,” he greeted. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“What’s your poison, Governor?” Gianni asked from behind the bar.
“Scotch, neat. Please, call me Victor.”
Jack held out his hand, gesturing for him to take a seat. Victor chose a barstool next to Luca Savelli.
“Jack tells me that you have a legal issue,” he began, wasting no time.
