After the Storm (KGI #8)(74)

Garrett was gruff. Grumpy and a complete hard-ass, but he was a loyal son of a bitch. Loyal to his toes and he’d sacrifice his life for any one of his loved ones. Hell, he’d taken a bullet for Sophie. And he’d do it again for any of his sisters-in-law.

“Guys, I want you to meet my older brother Garrett. Garrett, this is Eve and her sister, Cammie, and their brother, Travis.”

Travis hastily rose, grimacing when he got up too fast. But he straightened and solemnly extended his hand toward Garrett.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. We’ve heard a lot about you.”

Garrett eyed the teenager, respect gleaming in his eyes. He took Travis’s extended hand and shook it.

“I’m glad to meet you too, son. I’ve heard a lot about you too. Donovan is very proud of you for the way you looked out for your sisters. A lot of grown men don’t have the integrity you’ve shown.”

Travis flushed, pleasure evident in his expression over Garrett’s praise. Then Garrett turned his attention to Eve and Cammie, his smile warm and welcoming.

“Hey, little bit. I’m glad to meet you. I have another niece your age. Charlotte. I think you two will become great friends.”

It was Eve who looked immeasurably pleased by the fact that Garrett had called Cammie his niece. She’d picked up on his acceptance and even now, a glitter of tears shone in her eyes. She looked briefly away as if to compose herself and not become too emotional. But Garrett didn’t miss it.

“I brought you a special treat, Cammie,” Garrett said, keeping his tone light, though he kept his gaze on Eve.

Cammie perked up, a shy smile emerging around her thumb. Her hand slipped away, allowing the tip of her thumb to rest on her lips. “What is it?”

He reached for the pan Donovan was holding and tore off the aluminum foil.

“Caramel num-nums. I don’t know exactly what they’re called, but they got their name from me because when you eat them all you can say is num-num-num because they’re so good.”

Cammie giggled and tentatively reached for one of the squares. Garrett lowered the pan so she could easily reach it, and then Garrett offered it to Travis before setting it in front of Eve.

“I’m very happy to meet you as well, Eve,” Garrett said quietly. “And I want you to know, as I’m sure Donovan has already told you, but I want you to hear it from me. First, I and my brothers and all of our organization as well as our entire family will do everything we can to help you and make damn sure nothing ever hurts you or your brother and sister again. And second, welcome to the family.”

Eve lost the battle to hold back her tears. They streamed down her face and she wiped self-consciously at them. Travis reached for Cammie, but Donovan intervened, scooping her up before Travis could hurt himself by lifting her.

Garrett then bent over and enfolded Eve in a fierce hug. She hesitated at first but then rose and returned Garrett’s hug. Garrett grinned as he stepped away and then slapped Donovan on the back.

“You’re a lucky son of a gun, Van. Can’t say the same for them, getting stuck with a geek like you, but you certainly lucked out with them.”

Donovan rolled his eyes. “How many times do I have to tell you? Geeks are hot.”

Eve laughed but nodded vigorously. “Intelligence is very attractive on a man.”

Garrett joined in her laughter, and then he ruffled her hair affectionately. Acting just like an older brother. And Eve soaked it up, loving every minute of it. Her eyes shone with happiness.

“I’ll get out y’all’s hair. I just wanted to pop in and introduce myself. Heads up, bro. I’d expect similar visits from the rest of the clan, just so you know. The wives are all champing at the bit to see the woman who landed you, and of course they’ll want to give their stamp of approval. You know how protective they get of you and Joe since y’all are the only two unattached ones. And I guess now it’s down to just Joe.”

Donovan glanced at Eve, taking in her reaction to Garrett speaking of his and Eve’s relationship like it was a done deal. A fait accompli. Her cheeks were flushed but she didn’t seem embarrassed. She seemed . . . happy. A fact that made Donovan every bit as happy.

Her acceptance was the only obstacle in their relationship. As ridiculous as that sounded, given the fact that she was a wanted criminal and she and her siblings were on the run from an abusive ass**le, but those things could be overcome. Her acceptance couldn’t be forced. She had to give that freely and of her own accord no matter how Donovan wished that he could will it to be.

“Come on. I’ll walk you out,” Donovan said, eager to have his family to himself again. He wasn’t ready to share them with the rest of his family. Not yet. That would come. And he most definitely wanted to introduce them to his big, boisterous, loving family. But for now he just wanted to hide them away and savor the shine of something so new and very precious.

Garrett said his good-byes and then headed toward the door, Donovan on his heels. When they got outside, Garrett turned to Donovan, his expression serious.

“She’s beautiful, man. And you’re right. Very fragile. Christ, I look at her and it pisses me off that some ass**le had his hands on her.”

“It’s worse,” Donovan said, anger bubbling in his chest. “He was making moves on Cammie when Eve intervened and got them out of there.”