After the Storm(74)
The idea of her in his shirt gave him a ridiculous sense of satisfaction.
He returned and thrust the shirt into Eve’s hands. Cammie was struggling to remain awake, and Donovan knew that as soon as Eve crawled in beside her, the little girl would be out like a light.
“Five minutes, Eve. And then I’m coming in to give you an injection.”
Not waiting for a response, he strode out of the room to where the others were gathered in the living room.
“Can we do anything?” Joe asked.
Donovan nodded. “After you go out and get clothing for Travis, I need you to stop by Sam’s and pick up clothing that Sophie and Shea are getting together for Cammie and Eve. Shea is closest to Eve’s size, so she’s running some stuff over to Sam’s, and Sophie is getting some of Charlotte’s clothes for Cammie. I have no idea what their shoe sizes are, but we’ll tackle that at a later time. They won’t need them anytime soon anyway because they’re not leaving the house.”
“No problem, man,” Joe said. “I’m on it.”
Donovan looked toward Steele and Maren and baby Olivia in Steele’s arms. “Thank you for coming so quickly, Maren. I really appreciate it.”
“Is there anything else I can do?” Steele asked pointedly. And Donovan knew he wasn’t referring to medical help.
Donovan shook his head. “After they’re all asleep, I’m going to have everyone over so we can discuss a game plan. I’m going to get Sean involved as well. If you want to hang out so you don’t have to drive back out to your place and then turn right around again, make yourself at home. Swanny is preparing dinner for everyone when he gets back.”
Steele nodded. “Do I need to call up my team for this?”
Donovan thought for a moment and then shook his head. “Not yet. Until we at least know what we’re up against. Nathan and Joe’s team can handle things for now. It’s perfect for them and they’re all right here local. No sense pulling in your or Rio’s teams until I have to. I’ll have to fill my brothers in and I don’t intend to tell the same story more than once. So I’ll wait for everyone to get over before I say what’s on my mind.”
Swanny and Joe took off to do their respective tasks, and Donovan excused himself to go tend to Eve. When he entered the bedroom, Eve had already crawled under the covers with Cammie, who was huddled into Eve’s body.
It was such an endearing sight that for a moment all Donovan could do was stare. At what could be his. At what he already considered his. He was struck by the rightness of it all. But he also knew he couldn’t afford to get distracted by the fantasy. Somewhere out there, a monster lurked. Waiting for an opportunity to strike. At his family.
The hell that was happening.
He uncapped the syringe Maren had prepared and then made his way closer to the bed. He slid onto the edge, his thigh resting against Eve’s body.
“I need to give this in your bottom,” he explained. “All you have to do is pull up your shirt and lower the band of your underwear. You can remain covered the rest of the way. It’ll just take a minute and then you’ll feel much better.”
“Thank you,” Eve said, barely above a whisper. “I don’t think I’ve said it properly—or at all, for that matter. But thank you. I have no idea why you’re going to so much trouble for people you don’t even know, but I can never hope to repay your kindness, Donovan. What you’ve done for Cammie and Travis. And me. I don’t know why—I can’t even comprehend it all—but I thank God that you’re here. That we’re here.”
He smiled and ran a finger down the curve of her cheek, fiercely satisfied that she seemed to finally be accepting his help. “You’re more than welcome, Eve. But get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere and neither are you.”