Page 92 of Allegiance

He wanted to.

Dakota wanted more than the life he had, and until now, he didn’t realize it was a family. That was the part that was missing. He hadn’t wanted one with Sarah.

He wanted one with Eve.

He could picture teaching Violet, and then maybe the child Eve carried.

“If your mother says it’s okay, then I can. If not, you need to listen to her. She knows best.”

That was an answer Eve respected. Someone wasn’t the same man. She could see that he felt bad.

As he should.

“Bach,” Eve said.

He nodded.

“Yes.”

Violet was impressed.

“How long did you play? Do you play often? Can you show me the music?”

He laughed at her enthusiasm and made sure to answer each question. Someone was a curious child.

That he got too.

“Since I was ten, I don’t play often since we don’t have a piano at the Hunter house, and I’ll get you the music so you can learn. I’ll drop it off tomorrow.”

Eve hated that she’d been mesmerized by his fingers on those keys. Clearly, there was a lot she didn’t know about this man.

Violet wasn’t done.

“Can I come over to see everyone?” she asked. “I miss Stella and Jinx. I miss Tommy too. He makes the best cookies. Sorry, Mom. His are just really good.”

Eve laughed.

“No hurt feelings, Violet. I suck at baking,” she admitted.

When she laughed, Dakota’s heart skipped in his chest at the sound.

He missed that too.

“We are only two blocks away, so if your mom will let you, you can visit us anytime. Just let us handle a few things we’re working on, so it’s safe.”

Eve lifted a brow.

She wasn’t sure if he was trying to be cautious or not let Violet go there.

“Chevy?” she asked.

He nodded.

“We haven’t found him. He’s gone deep, and we’re not winning this one.”

She got it now.

“When they find the bad guy, you can go,” Eve said. “We have to be safe.”