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"I can take a look at Amber Alerts," Sean said quietly "If they ran, it’s possible they would have been reported "

Left unsaid was the fact that Eve could very well be labeled a kidnapper and a danger to the children Donovan knew that was bullshit, but it didn’t reement "Just make damn sure you come to me with any information and don’t breathe a word to anyone else I know I’ you to work off the books on this and if you aren’t co that could compromise your job, I understand"

Sean made a derisive sound "If you believe in her, then so do I, Van I trust your judg up what I can find You’ll be the first to receive any info I discover"

"Appreciate that, man," Donovan said quietly

Then he turned his attention to Steele

"Until I know precisely what I’ with, you and your team are out Nathan and Joe can take this This is our ho to allow some asshole to come in and threaten Eve and those kids But at the same time I want to make damn certain our family is protected and atch our sixes at all times Which ers and o out alone"

Donovan directed the last at his brothers

Sari as they’re here, inside this co can hurt theoing to oes nowhere that places her or Caer"

The others voiced their agree the current topic "Swanny threw together dinner I’er before I wake her to eatand talk"

Even as the others filtered into the kitchen, Donovan walked down the hall to Eve’s bedroom and peeked inside His heart softened when he saw Cammie nestled into Eve’s ar a e still vibrant in hisaround with plates and forks scarfing Swanny’s lasagna Donovan rescued enough for Eve and her siblings to eat later, putting the plates into the oven so they’d stay war he was heading ho the nextand report back to Donovan One by one, Nathan and Joe’s team left as well, followed quickly by Steele and Maren, who promised to return the next day to exaain

Donovan closed the door behind the a short distance away He knew that look both his brothers wore He sighed androo to be lectured by my older brothers, I at least want to be comfortable," Donovan said dryly

Neither Sam nor Garrett refuted the lecture crack, so Donovan knew he’d been right

"So what’s up?" Donovan asked

Salances with Garrett Al to speak up first

"Just spit it out," Donovan said i on your minds beyond what’s already been discussed"

"I’uess we’re worried that this is some sort of wish fulfillment on your part"

Donovan reared back in surprise "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Garrett shifted and then shoved his hands in his pockets "Look, est hoe family It surprised the hell out of us that you weren’t the first to get married and have a house full of kids"

"We’re just worried that you see Eve and her siblings as a shortcut," Sam interjected "A ready-etting into You know nothing about Eve or her situation And you know nothing about what you er you could be placing our faer siers, finally balling theht fists in an effort to rein hi he wanted to do was do or say soret in the heat of the er any of my sisters- in-law or my nieces and nephews or any of the faive my life for them in a heartbeat And if you know me so damn well, then you know I’d never turn a blind eye to any woman or child so desperately in need"

"That’s the point we’re e soft spot for women and children Especially children We don’t want to see you get attached and then have them taken away You have no idea about the mother or the father in the picture or if Eve herself is the danger to Caht to keep his cool He understood his brothers’ concerns He got it But it still pissed hi by the looks on his brothers’ faces, they kneas pissed

"You knoe’ll always have your back," Sas We just don’t want to see you get hurt We’re concerned that you’re beco too emotionally involved, and you have to turn it off Treat it like any other mission Help her and her brother and sister, but keep a distance and keep your heart out of it"

"Sarah was supposed to just be a ed "Remember how quickly that becaot involved with Sophie while on awas fucking around with a woman ere hot on the trail of Mouton Do either of you regret that now? Look at what you have Wives Children, and children on the way How can you know that Eve is not the one for me? Would you deny me the same shot at happiness that you received yourselves while on a ‘mission’?"

Discomfort crawled across Sam’s face, and Garrett flinched

"I know Eve isn’t just a goddamn mission I know that I also know that a lot has to be resolved I have to gain her trust so that I can be prepared to face whatever she’s running from I don’t believe for a minute that she’s so whatever it takes to protect her family Wouldn’t we all do the same? Whatever it takes Just like you do for your own families Your wives Your children"