Tearaways

by Lily Harlem

  They stepped out.

  “Wow,” Evan said, then released a whistle. “Our lucky day or what.”

  “Bloody hell.” Mason shook his head. “There’s some money on wheels in here.”

  Lucas stepped up to the one closest to him and ran his finger over the front mudguard.

  “Nice?” she asked.

  He nodded. “Very.”

  She placed her hands on her hips, wondering what everyone would go for. There were five bikes in total.

  Five bikes?

  She looked at Riley. He was pill rolling again, jerky little movements of his fingers, and watching Harry’s reaction.

  Olivia stepped up to Harry and slipped her hand in his. “Why are there only five bikes when there’s six of us?”

  Harry frowned. “I don’t know.” He nodded at Riley. “Where’s the other one?”

  “What other one?”

  “There’s six of us, we need six bikes.”

  “Your father imagined Olivia would ride pillion, on the trike.”

  “What?” she gasped. A familiar bloom of anger rose within her. They’d presumed because she was a girl she’d be happy to be driven? Of all the nerve. This was a life-long dream, there was no way she was going to jump on behind Harry or Evan or whoever the hell rode the trike and sit there like a goddamn piece of luggage. “No way.” She tugged from Harry and slammed her hands on her hips. “I want to ride. I want my own bike.”

  Riley glanced between her and Harry.

  “You heard her,” Harry said, folding his arms. “She wants a bike.”

  “But… but I only ordered five.”

  “So pick someone else to be babysat on the backseat.” Olivia jabbed her finger at Mason then Lucas. “Tell one of these guys they have to.” She raised her eyebrows at Riley. “I dare you.”

  Riley eyed Mason and Lucas, who both wore deep scowls. “I… er… is that an option, fellas?”

  “What do you think?” Mason said gruffly.

  “We’re a team,” Harry said. “And we’ve been set a challenge. Olivia wants to complete it the same as we do, driving her own vehicle.”

  “But can she even drive?”

  “Bloody hell.” Olivia had to resist stamping her foot. “I’m probably the most experienced rider here. I’ve been riding bikes since I was fifteen, passed my advanced five years ago and I hit the road every day on a damn Kawasaki NZ.”

  “Oh… I didn’t know.” Riley looked a little sheepish.

  “So you’ll see what you can do,” Harry said, though it hadn’t sounded like a question.

  “Of course. Yes. Give me five.” Riley turned, pulling his cell from his pocket.

  Harry grimaced at her. “Sorry about that.”

  “Didn’t he read my resume? It’s clearly documented.”

  “He must have forgotten.”

  “Makes me so mad.” She gave in to the urge to bang her boot on the tiled floor and stomped it down.

  “Hey, hey.” He reached for her upper arms. “I get it, really I do.”

  “How can you? You’re not a girl. People don’t presume things about you because you have breasts and blonde hair.”

  His mouth twitched as if he were holding in a grin. “No, that’s true. But plenty of people do presume things about me simply because my father is rich.”

  He’s got a point.

  She stared up at his handsome face. “It’s not nice, is it?”

  “No, and it’s not fair either. But you have to realize you’re an enigma, Liv.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You look all cute and girly, as if you need taking care of by a big burly guy, or five guys as the case might be, but truth is, you’re not and you don’t.” He ran his hand to her chin and nipped it. “You’re perfectly capable of many things most people aren’t, from fixing complex engines, sailing in all weathers, and staying cool in dangerous situations. You have to accept your exterior can mislead people. But isn’t that fun? To know you’re so much more than a pretty face and cute butt?”

  She let his words sink in and felt the frustration receding. “Yes, I guess you’re right.”

  “I know I’m right.”

  “Thirty minutes.” Riley turned to them and slipped his cell away. “And another will be delivered, one of these.” He pointed to the bikes without ape bars.

  “Good,” Harry said, then stepped up to the trike. “I’ll take this one. Is the equipment in here?” He slapped his hand on a black storage box secured to the back.

  “Yes,” Riley said. “Two three-berth tents and some basic cooking equipment. The other bikes have bedding, a few toiletries, first-aid kit, and some bottles of water to get you started.” He paused. “After that you’re on your own with your sixty dollars.”

  “No sweat.” Evan walked up to a bike with ape bars and swung his leg over it. “This is cool, man.” He grinned so wide his cheeks balled and small creases darted from the corners of his eyes.

  “Si, so cool.” Raul took the bike next to Evan, easily reaching the high handle bars. “I cannot wait to go.”

  “Can you handle a bike, Raul?” Evan asked.

  “Of course.” Raul banged his hand on his chest. “All hombres Españoles can ride big bike.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Evan grinned.

  Thirty minutes later, a brand new Harley was wheeled into the lobby via a side entrance by the elevator. The bright overhead lights glinted from its chrome handlebars and the wide tyres squeaked on the floor as it was manoevred.

  “Ah, good.” Harry rubbed his hands together. “Now we’re all set. One each.”

  Finally Olivia’s heart rate settled. “Let’s hit the road.” She stepped up to the bike and ran her fingertips over the iconic Harley badge on the fuel tank.

  This is a dream come true.

  Harry pulled a dark-gray neckerchief from his pocket; it was decorated with small black skulls.

  “Love it,” Olivia said, grinning

  He tied it around the lower half of his face. “I don’t want to swallow a fly.”

  “Or get recognized?”

  “That too.” He jammed on his helmet and fastened the buckle beneath his chin. His dark shades glinted in the bright light.

  Evan pulled his scarf up, the way Harry had, secured his helmet and kicked the stand on his bike. His shades had a metallic blue tint. “Can we open up these front doors?” he asked.

  “Sure.” Riley nodded at the two men who’d wheeled the last bike in.

  They hurried to open the wide doors that led to the sidewalk.

  Mason and Evan donned shades and helmets and claimed their bikes.

  Raul kicked the stand on his.

  Olivia put on her sunglasses, jacket and helmet, then followed the guys out onto the noisy street pushing the last bike that had arrived.

  A crowd had formed as they wheeled their bikes to the road and bumped down the curb.

  Excitement ran through her veins—anticipation was a drug sending her high.

  She was aware of people taking photographs. The six shiny new Harleys created quite a spectacle. And that was before anyone knew Harrington Vidal was part of the posse.

  “Come on, Challengers,” Evan shouted over the sound of his engine. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

  Olivia grinned and threw her leg over her bike. She turned the key and the sexy low vibration of the engine rumbled through her body.

  Harry was revving the trike, filling the air with noise and fumes. “Onward.” He pointed forward then roared off.

  Evan followed, Raul behind.

  Olivia glanced at the twins.

  Lucas nodded for her to go ahead of them.

  Her bike came to life the way a dragon might emerge from a cave—powerful, full of energy, ready to take on the world.

  She adored the capability of the machine she was in control of. Soon she was nipping through the traffic, following Raul’s route as he in turn followed Evan and Harry.

  In her mirr
ors she could see the twins close behind.

  Pedestrians turned to look at them roaring past. Taxi drivers pulled out of their way and a cyclist steered clear.

  Harry led them over the Hudson then west through suburbs Olivia had never heard of. Although the traffic was heavy, they kept on moving, the bikes having the ability to weave their way forward.

  She loved her Harley. It was big and powerful, and so responsive. And the rumble of the engine was deep, growling and sexy. She felt sexy, too, in her leathers and riding such a beautiful creation of engineering.

  Life was good.

  Chapter Seven

  Once on the open road, Olivia was reminded of being out at sea. They’d been traveling for a couple of hours and were now able to get some speed under their belts. The wind caught her cheeks, the sunshine bounced off the road surface and the sensation of being free filled her soul.

  In her mirror she spotted a bike behind her coming closer.

  One of the twins was closing in. She glanced at the handlebars, spotted Mason’s silver thumb ring.

  “You okay, hen?” he called.

  “Never better.” She grinned.

  “It suits you.”

  “What does?”

  “The big beast between your legs.”

  She laughed. “Glad you think so.”

  “You think we’ll stop soon?” he asked.

  “Getting hungry?”

  “Aye, I could eat a horse.”

  “Go ahead and tell Harry. Must be a supermarket around here. Presuming he knows what one looks like.”

  Mason laughed then revved his engine so much it made her eardrums ring. He took off past Raul then Evan and drew level with Harry’s trike.

  After a brief conversation, he fell in behind Harry.

  She guessed they’d be stopping soon. Not that she was starving, but she could do with a drink. Road dust was clogging up her throat.

  Ten minutes later a sign for Kmart came into view. Olivia hoped Mason and Harry had spotted it.

  Lucas drew level with her and nodded ahead. “You want to stop?”

  “Yes.”

  He leaned forward, twisted his wrist and took off past Raul, Evan and his brother. When he had Harry’s attention, he gestured to the rise of buildings coming up.

  Harry nodded.

  After changing lanes and waiting at a set of lights, they pulled into the lot of Kmart.

  Olivia was well aware of the attention they were drawing. Loud and gregarious, the bikes couldn’t be ignored. Which meant neither could they.

  Harry chose a spot away from other vehicles and they rolled to a halt.

  “Everyone okay?” he asked, removing his helmet but not the scarf over the lower half of his face.

  “Aye, we’re crackin’,” Mason said.

  “That means you’re okay, right?” Harry asked with a frown.

  “Aye.” Mason laughed. “Never better. These bikes are awesome.”

  “Loving it,” Olivia said, dismounting and rolling her shoulders. “What a way to hit the road.”

  “Have to say,” Evan said, “it’s almost as good as being at sea.”

  “Even if we have more clothes on.” Raul laughed.

  “That’s what takes the edge off it.” Evan winked at Olivia then turned to Harry. “You ready for your first trip into Kmart?”

  “I’ve been in before.”

  “Yeah right.” Evan huffed. “When?”

  “I… well… there must be one in New York, near the apartment block.”

  “Dude, you have butlers to do your shopping. You’ve never been in this kind of place, admit it.” There was mocking in Evan’s tone.

  “I have, probably one in LA.”

  Olivia could tell the conversation was irking Harry.

  “Probably.” Evan laughed. “No chance. It’s all green wheat smoothies and sushi there.”

  “I don’t even like sushi,” Harry said, walking past Evan, and almost, but not quite, catching his shoulder with his. “Come on, let’s get this over with.” He stomped off toward the entrance.

  “You’re wicked,” Olivia whispered to Evan as she fell into step with him.

  “I can’t help it. It’s too much fun to wind up the rich bloke. Just dangle the bait and he takes it, every time.”

  “Don’t push it too far.”

  “I can’t promise that.” He slung his arm over her shoulder and drew her close to he could kiss her head.

  “You should be careful he might thump you.”

  Evan chuckled. “He can try.”

  As they walked into the supermarket’s air conditioning the scent of doughnuts filled her nostrils. Olivia’s stomach rumbled but she refused to get excited about sweet treats. They needed to spend their money sensibly and make it stretch as far as they could.

  “I have the money,” Raul said, tapping his pocket. “I will make us good dinner, paella, si.”

  “Works for me,” Evan said.

  “You make fire?” Raul asked.

  “Sure.” Evan nodded.

  “Good.” Raul strolled off, scanning the shelves as he went.

  Olivia strolled up to a stand containing free cookie samples. She munched a couple, enjoying the sugary texture. Harry came next to her, tugged down his face scarf and did the same.

  “Free food,” she said, grinning up at him. “Nice, huh.”

  “Yeah, suits me.”

  “Me and Lucas’ll go get bread, eggs, and beans,” Mason said, also popping a chunk of cookie into his mouth. “So we’ll have breakfast as well as dinner.”

  “Good plan.”

  “And I’ll get something for now.” Evan nodded at Raul, who appeared to be picking out some expensive fish. “And make sure the chef doesn’t go for high-end ingredients and blow the budget.”

  “They do high-end in here?” Harry asked, glancing about.

  “Not your version of high-end.” Evan rolled his eyes. “And probably not—”

  “You do that.” Olivia shoved Evan’s arm, making him stagger to the right. “Go keep an eye on the chef.” The last thing she needed was Evan winding Harry up when they needed to think about what to spend their cash on.

  Evan laughed and wandered off.

  “Don’t let him get to you,” Olivia said. “He does it on purpose.”

  Harry clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth. “I might be rich but I’m not an idiot.”

  “He knows that. We all know that. He does it for the fun of it.” She paused. “And besides, right now, you’re as poor as the rest of us.”

  “True.”

  She headed to a fruit stand and plucked a grape from a bunch, popped it in her mouth.

  “You can’t do that.” Harry glanced about.

  There were several other customers around, but Olivia and her men stood out dressed entirely in black leather and being a small gang.

  “Ah, I was just trying it. If it had been the perfect grape I’d have bought some.” She winked and ate another. “I can’t decide though.”

  “Olivia.” He looked over his shoulder. “They’re not free samples.

  “There must be more free samples somewhere. Come on, let’s go see.”

  She strutted ahead of him, and knowing he was looking at her ass, added a little roll to her hips.

  “Goddamn it,” he muttered and stayed close behind. “A hard-on in leathers is going to get real uncomfortable real quick.”

  “What was that?” She turned and grinned.

  “I said, over there, that stand, what’s on it?”

  “We’ll check it out.” As she walked she ran her hand from her waist to her hips and back, still sashaying.

  He groaned.

  The stand held pancake samples. According to the cardboard sign they were infused with maple syrup.

  “Here.” She plucked a chunk up and turned to him. “Try this.”

  He opened his mouth. As she placed it in, he caught her wrist and held it.

  After he’d swallowed he lower
ed his head. “Have I mentioned how goddamn sexy you look wearing skin tight black leather…” He tugged her a little closer and set his other hand on her ass. “… And fuck-me boots?”

  “No, you hadn’t mentioned it.” She bit on her bottom lip, enjoying the flash of desire in his eyes. “What are you going to do about it, Harry?”

  He kind of growled. “Not a damn thing, in here. But I’ll tell you what I want to do.”

  A thrill went through her. “What?”

  “I’d like to bend you over that deli counter, rip those pants off and turn your ass red.”

  “Red?”

  He was breathing fast, so was she.

  “Yeah, red.” He dragged her closer, so his mouth was by her temple and her chest pressing against his. “I’d like to spank your sexy pale English ass. See the outline of my handprint on it. See it go bright red and burning hot. So hot it feels like it’s on fire.”

  Her buttocks tingled and her belly clenched. She gripped his upper arm. “You’re a kinky bastard, you know that?” she whispered, heat flushing her face.

  “Yeah, and you’d love it, Liv.”

  She wasn’t sure. She’d never been spanked before and Harry wasn’t short in the muscle department. What if it hurt in a bad way?

  “It’d make you so wet,” he went on, his voice a deep, low murmur and his lips now touching the shell of her ear, “So desperate for fucking. You’d be begging for it, your body a writhing mass of want by the time I’d finished with you.” He pulled back and stared down at her. “You’d be losing your mind with the desperate longing to be fucked… hard.”

  “Harry.” Her nipples were tight and she pressed her legs together. She wanted him now and hard would work pretty damn well.

  He smiled—a slow sexy grin that had a cocky edge to it. “What is it, Liv? Tell me. Do you want it now?”

  She nodded.

  “And what else do you want to tell me?”

  She hesitated. “I haven’t…”

  “Been spanked before. I know. There’s lots of things on my to-do list I’d like to tick off with you. Most you haven’t done before.”