Page 129 of Incisive

I motion at him. “You and Ily. I honestly hadnoclue.” And, believe me, the FBI and Secret Service and several other alphabet-soup government agencies combed through their background and never once mentioned any of this.

He shrugs. “Most people wouldn’t. And no, it’s not because she can kick my ass in judo, either.” He smiles. “Although that is hot.”

This is so surreal I can’t help but laugh. “I’m sure it is.”

“We met at a club in LA,” he volunteers. “A private BDSM club. A very exclusive one. She’d been invited by a friend of hers who worked there as a pro-Dominatrix. Ily was actually considering taking a position there as one, but we met that night and…”

His gentle smile tugs at my heart. “I literally wanted to fall to my knees for her right then. We stayed and talked for hours, then went out to a coffee shop to talk some more. Here we are, all these years later and still together.”

“Did she ever take the job there?”

“No. I fell in love with her and worked my ass off over the next few months to convince her how right we were together. I guess you technically could say she worked as a pro. I told her I’d help pay her expenses if she’d just give me a chance.”

“Not exactly a Disney romance but I think it’s sweet.”

“I know, right? Thank goodness we never went back to the club after that night. It would have become a loose end in our past.”

“I’m going to admit this is absolutelynota turn I expected our conversation to take,” I say.

“I would expect not.”

“Have The Family made any other overtures toward either of you?”

He shrugs. “A senator and two House reps have tried to cozy up to me in the past year. Ily keeps a tight rein on her staff and hasn’t had anyone else approach her.”

“Me proposing to Leo will ignite a shitstorm in some areas.”

He shrugs. “Let it. That says more about them than you and Leo. Let the pigs roll around in the mud by themselves. No one says you have to get dirty with them.”

“Good point.”

“And congratulations, by the way.” He smiles. “It’s about time you finally get to be truly happy.”

“Thanks.” We both look up at the knock on my study door. “Come,” I say.

Orson opens the door. “Mister President? We’re ready for you in the Oval.”

“Thanks. We’ll be right there.”

At least I have an evening full of work to keep me busy and keep my mind off all of this. I won’t even mind being alone in bed tonight, because by next Saturday it’ll be rare I’m ever alone in bed again.

Ciro and I stand and I shake with him. “Thanks, buddy.”

He smiles. “It’s my pleasure, sir.”

Now that I know this about him it sets my mind at ease. Because I’m certain he’ll have his wife’s love and strength and support to help him through his future darkest days while occupying this same office.

He won’t be alone.

And I’m damned sure glad we chose him to be my VP.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

With my scheduledcalls in front of me it’s easy to focus on the tasks at hand and not on what Ciro and I just discussed.

Or on what Leo and Jordan might be doing tonight without me.

I have no doubts Jordan was dressed the way he was because Leo ordered it. I also don’t know if they went out anywhere, like to dinner or a show, or if they just went back to Leo’s place. I didn’t ask.