After the Storm (KGI #8)(97)

She hated lying, but she had to set up an excuse to not share Donovan’s bed tonight. She couldn’t do it. She could not make love to him knowing what he had done—what he was going to do.

And it wasn’t a complete lie. Her head was throbbing. But not from her injury.

“I understand,” Sarah said quietly so Travis wouldn’t hear. “He’ll tell you, Eve. Donovan is a straightforward guy.”

The others nodded and it was all Eve could do not to scream at them. Not to tell them that it was all a lie. That they were a lie. The family she’d thought was everything she wanted was nothing more than a lie.

“Your head really does hurt,” Rachel said shrewdly. “I can see the strain in your eyes.”

“Yes,” Eve admitted.

Shea sat down beside Eve and gripped her hand tightly. “I know you’re worried, Eve, but please don’t be. Everything will be all right. Trust in that. This family has faced the worst situations you can imagine. And we always come out on top.”

Oh yes, Eve could well believe that. Ruthless. Cunning. Donovan was definitely a man who was victorious when he set his mind to a goal. Look at how easily he’d manipulated her.

“I’d rather go back . . .” She’d nearly said home, but Donovan’s house was not her home. “I’d rather go back to Donovan’s and take something for the headache. Will you call ahead for me, Sophie? I don’t want to interrupt. Surely they’ve had enough time by now. Just let him know I wasn’t feeling well and that Cammie, Travis and I are heading back over.”

“Perhaps it would be better if they stayed,” Rachel murmured. “We’ll look out for them, and you need the time to talk to Donovan so he can ease your fears.”

Already shattered by what she’d discovered, it wasn’t hard for Eve’s imagination to shift into overdrive. Was it a setup? Were Donovan’s sisters-in-law in this with him? Did they plan to separate them so Eve would be a much easier target?

Sweat beaded her forehead and her head began pounding even more viciously.

“No,” she said vehemently, and then regretted her forceful outburst.

The other women looked at her with concern. Fake? Or was it real? Eve didn’t know what was real anymore. And she couldn’t afford to assume any longer.

“No,” she said in a softer, less challenging tone. “They’ll go with me. We’ve taken up enough of your day. Perhaps another day. When all of . . . this . . .” She nearly choked on the words.” . . . is over we can get together again.”

“We’ll look forward to it,” Sophie said in a resolute tone. “And Eve, it won’t be that long. Once they form a plan, they’ll be swift in carrying it out. Donovan wants nothing more than for the four of you to be free of worry and fear. He wants a life with you.”

Eve nearly begged her to stop. To end the torture she was currently enduring. Every word, every lie that crossed their lips just twisted the knife even deeper into her heart.

Instead she rose, proud of how steady she was on her feet. She went over to where Cammie was still playing with Charlotte and extended her hand down.

“It’s time to go, darling. Will you help Charlotte pick up her toys?”

Cammie looked disappointed, but she didn’t argue. Travis came over and began helping both girls put away the toys they’d dragged out of the wooden toy box in the corner.

“I’ll call Donovan now,” Sophie said.

Eve directed a forced smile in her direction. “Thank you. I’ll see you all later.”

After a chorus of good-byes and Cammie hugging each of the women and Charlotte—twice—Eve headed out the door with Travis and Cammie right behind her.

“Is everything all right, Evie?” Travis asked anxiously. “Is your head hurting you badly?”

This time Eve’s smile was genuine and she looked up at her brother, pain slicing through her chest at the thought of being separated from him.

“Just a little ache,” she said. “But I’m sure I’ll be much better when we get back h—to Donovan’s,” she amended.

Cammie slid her hand into Eve’s as they walked the path back to Donovan’s house.

“I like Cece,” Cammie said as she bounced along, her ponytail flopping with her motions.

Eve smiled down at her. “I’m glad.”

“Will I get to play with her again?”

Cammie’s eyes brimmed with anxiety as she stared up at Eve.

This time she wouldn’t have to lie.

“Yes, darling. You’ll get to see Charlotte a whole lot more.”

“We’ll be cousins,” Cammie said proudly. “That’s what her mama said while you were gone.”

Again the twist in her chest, robbing her of breath.

As they approached the house, Eve saw several vehicles pulling out of Donovan’s drive. Either they had finished or Sophie’s call had halted further discussion. It wouldn’t do for Eve to be present while they plotted her demise.

Donovan came out the front, concern etched on his forehead as he stared at their approach. Sophie would have told him, of course. That she had a headache and was acting “off.”

Eve sighed, bolstering herself for the hours ahead. She’d have to pretend that nothing was wrong. A simple headache. And a heartache that medicine couldn’t fix.