Runaways

by Lily Harlem

  She sighed as he kissed her, pressing his tongue into her mouth and his stubbled chin catching on hers.

  He slipped his hands to her neck, his thumbs resting on the necklace.

  With her eyes closed she became lost in him. The constant thrum of the engines slipping into the distance as the kiss deepened.

  “Mmm,” he whispered. “Fancy joining the mile-high club?”

  “I bet you’re already a member.”

  He drew his eyebrows together in a frown. “Nothing in the past matters anymore, Liv. Everything’s new. New with you.”

  She smiled and pushed away thoughts of how the glossy mags portrayed him. “I guess.”

  “It’s true.” He slipped one hand lower and cupped her right breast. “You make me so hard,” he said. “Just thinking about what’s beneath your clothes, about getting you naked and doing dirty things with you.”

  “Ditto.”

  “Hard?” he asked.

  “Well, you know…turned on.”

  He smiled and slipped his hand around to her ass and held her closer. “Did you have fun with Raul last night?”

  “We went straight to sleep. After the trip from Vegas we were exhausted.”

  “So you could do with a little topping up, then? A quick orgasm before you go to sleep at thirty thousand feet.”

  Olivia couldn’t deny the idea was nice, but where? In the bathroom? In front of all the others?

  She glanced down the plane. All was still and quiet, though Paul was awake.

  And he was staring straight at her.

  “I…er…” She turned back to Harry. “Can it wait?”

  “It’s an elite club, the mile-high.” He swiped his tongue over his bottom lip. “Not many people are members.”

  “I just…” She wriggled, trying to free herself from his grasp. “I should get back to Evan, in case he wakes up.”

  He didn’t release her. “He’s a big boy, and he’s not that delicate.”

  “Harry…” She set her hands on his chest.

  “What is it?” He paused. “Tell me.”

  She resisted the urge to look at Paul again, because that way he’d know she was talking about him. But did she want to tell Harry the extra man tagging along with them was making her uncomfortable?

  And did she want to tell him she thought he was as handsome as his brothers?

  Fuck, Paul is really handsome.

  And he’s just saved the day with Evan.

  “I’m tired,” she said. “And I can’t wait to get to Nokuzola.”

  “Yeah, me, too.” He relaxed his grip on her. “But I have to admit I’m looking forward to getting to Kaskum more and starting the project. I never thought I’d get involved with building a hospital in Africa. Going on some fancy safari, or to see Victoria Falls, the Blue Train, sure, but not this. It’s going to be…”

  “Rewarding?” She smiled.

  “Yes. Rewarding, satisfying. I only hope we make a success of it.”

  “Of course we will.” She touched his cheek. “How could we not? We’re the best crew ever.”

  “You’re not wrong there.”

  He stayed close as they made their way down the aisle, then took his seat as Olivia took hers. After checking Evan was still sleeping, she settled back, closed her eyes, and let exhaustion sweep over her.

  Chapter Eight

  The descent into Cape Town fascinated Olivia. And with Evan still snoozing at her side—though he’d woken for food and to use the restroom when they’d been on the ground refueling—she enjoyed the view from the window.

  A dusty mountain range gave way to a sprawling city which was buffered by the ocean. As the Lear dropped in height, she studied the shantytown beneath her. On and on it stretched. Shacks with corrugated roofs and satellite dishes. Washing flapped, smoke rose, and as the plane got lower she spotted children playing football on wasteland, dogs gathering in packs, and bikes and cars moving along dirt roads, dust trails billowing behind them.

  Eventually they touched down. A thrill went through her. It had been the longest flight she’d ever made, and although it had been undertaken in luxury, she was stiff and hoping a hot shower and a proper bed was in her near future.

  As the pilot taxied the plane to a halt by the sleek private arrivals terminal, Evan opened his eyes.

  “We’re here,” she said, kissing his cheek.

  “Mmm…what? Already?” He rubbed his eyes then shoved his fingers through his curly blond hair, which was particularly dishevelled.

  “Yep, you’ve been out of it for hours, Sleeping Beauty.”

  He kind of grunted then undid his seat belt. He stood and stretched, raising his arms above his head, which drew up his t-shirt, exposing the line of dark blond hair that stretched from his navel to the waistband of his boxers.

  She skimmed the tip of her finger over it.

  “Hey,” he said with a grin as he dropped his arms. “I’m ticklish, you know.”

  Olivia laughed and stood. Now they were back on land, she hoped she’d have chilled, competent, confident Evan back.

  After disembarking the plane, they were greeted by Josefa and ushered into a pale gray Mercedes people carrier. Soon they were traveling at speed along Mandela Way toward tall, glass high-rises.

  Olivia loved every moment of seeing Cape Town. Table Mountain stood majestically to the left, and on the right she kept getting glimpses of the ocean. It was clear, despite the shantytown, there was also some very wealthy areas. She hoped they’d have time to explore but knew there was much to be done.

  Eventually they turned onto a short driveway. Large solid black gates swung open when Josefa hit a remote control. They creaked loudly as they revealed a long upward sloping driveway lined with trees bursting with ripe oranges.

  “This is Nokuzola, which means serenity,” Josefa said. “It is very peaceful, secure, and beautiful. The views are some of the best in the city.”

  Olivia, and all the men, were quiet as a huge white house rose from the manicured gardens. The front appeared to be mainly glass, and a long balcony, again surrounded with glass, spread out over the entire second floor. It was lined with chairs, parasols, and tables, and held tubs of vibrant pink flowers.

  “Look,” Harry said. “That must be our tent on that big van, all packed up and ready to be driven north.”

  “Yes,” Josefa said. “It arrived this morning and is all ready for you. There are also food supplies.”

  “Riley thinks of everything,” Mason said.

  “It’s his job.” Harry shrugged.

  “Well, I for one, am glad we have him,” Olivia said.

  “He’s certainly useful.” Harry glanced at his watch. “Let’s hope there’s some food in the kitchen. I’m starving.”

  “Me, too.” Raul rubbed his belly. “I will cook us something quickly. Maybe there is rum in the house. After a long journey it will be good for us.”

  “You can have the rum to yourself,” Olivia said. “I need a cup of tea.”

  “Mmm, and me,” Paul said.

  Josefa pulled to a halt, and they all climbed out. Olivia wandered to the back of the van, her shadow stretching in the evening sun, and reached for her bag.

  “I’ll carry that for you,” Paul said.

  “No, it’s okay.” She lifted it.

  He gripped the handle and tugged. “Let me.”

  “No.” She frowned. “I can manage.”

  “I really wouldn’t, mate,” Mason said, resting his hand over Paul’s. “She can manage.”

  “Oh, okay.” Paul released the bag and shrugged. “Whatever.”

  Olivia resisted the urge to tut. She didn’t like being thought of as helpless. Her men knew that. Paul would have to learn.

  They headed into the house, Olivia pausing to admire a giant-sized orange and black butterfly as they went.

  Once inside, Josefa explained the alarm system and showed them how to use the camera and intercom, which was set on the gates, so they could choose wh
o to let in and out.

  “We’re expecting deliveries,” Mason said.

  “That’s fine, but keep an eye on the gates while they’re open. The last thing you want is someone slipping in.”

  “Why would someone do that?” Olivia asked.

  “This is the land of the haves and the have-nots.” He shook his head. “In here it is paradise, people with nothing want a piece of that.”

  Harry nodded. “I get that. But we’ll be okay.”

  “I’m sure you will, but in case of emergency, this is the panic button.” He pointed to a red switch on the wall. “There’s one in each room. You’ll have an armed response here within four minutes if you press it.”

  “Armed.” Olivia shuddered.

  “It’s how it is, miss.”

  Raul wrapped his arm around her. “Come on, mi niña hermosa, let us not worry about if-what’s and go and get our dinner.”

  “What ifs,” she corrected.

  “Whatevers.” He pressed a kiss to the side of her head as he led her into a spacious kitchen area.

  After a few minutes of everyone exploring and dropping bags in various bedrooms, they began to gather around a huge granite island in the kitchen. It looked over the gardens, which sloped away, providing a stunning view out to sea.

  Olivia sat hunched on a slim round stool. Her back ached, and her stomach was rumbling. She felt all out of sync with the jet lag and the hours of not moving or eating at normal times.

  “Hey, you.” Evan dragged a stool behind her. He sat with his legs on either side of her hips and his arms around her waist. He pulled her so she was leaning back on him. He smelled of soap and shampoo—he’d showered. “You look beat.”

  “I am. I’ll be glad to wake up tomorrow and feel normal.”

  “I don’t think I’ll need to sleep for days.” He chuckled.

  “No, I’m not surprised.” She allowed herself to relax onto him, enjoying his scent and his solid body.

  “I will make pasta salad,” Raul said. “With shrimp, okay?”

  “Sounds perfect.” Olivia reached for her cup of tea and sipped.

  “This is awesome.” Harry strolled into the kitchen with Mason and Lucas.

  “Fuck yeah, and look.” Mason ambled to the window and whacked his hands on his hips. “That’s Robben Island in the distance.”

  Lucas stood next to his brother, mimicking his stance. He didn’t speak but appeared mesmerized by the view.

  “Ah, this is good,” Raul said,then took a sip of his drink. “I have rum, a good kitchen with good knives, a view sent from Heaven, and my crew.” He winked at Olivia as he dropped an onion onto the chopping board. “It is good here in South Africa.”

  “This luxury won’t last long,” Olivia said.

  “No.” Evan stroked his hand over her hair. “But that’s okay, we’ve survived with barely anything before and managed fine. This time we’re taking what we need. Hell, we’ve got a truck full of it.”

  “Mmm, what’s cooking, Raul?” Paul wandered in, also freshly showered and wearing faded jeans and a tight black t-shirt. His shoulders were as broad as his brothers’, but his biceps didn’t bulge at the sleeves the way theirs did. Other than that, with the tattoo, there was little difference between all three of their bodies.

  Olivia took another sip of tea.

  “You want a hand with that?” Paul nodded at the chopping board where Raul was expertly slicing and dicing. “I can chop or stir.”

  “You’d be a braver person than me to help Raul cook,” Olivia said.

  Harry chuckled.

  The twins turned, their arms now folded. They shared a look.

  Paul tipped his head. “Why?”

  “Let’s just say Raul has very high standards when it comes to chopping.” Olivia frowned at the memory of working as his commis chef.

  “It is important,” Raul said, frowning at her but continuing to work the knife. “To have everything the same size.”

  “Would you watch what you’re doing,” she said. “You’ll have your fingers off.”

  “No I won’t…ouch!”

  Olivia’s heart flipped. “Shit. I told you! Let me see.”

  Raul laughed and held up his hand, wiggling his fingers. “I no chop my fingers off. I am top Barcelona chef, trained by some of the best in Catalonia. My fingers stay on my hand.”

  Olivia tutted and once again rested back on Evan. “Don’t scare me like that.”

  Raul winked and scraped the onion into a pan. It sizzled, and he quickly added more oil and stirred. “It will not take long and then when you have eaten, you will feel much better, less grumpy.”

  “I’m not grumpy and I’ll feel better when I’ve slept in a bed.”

  The meal didn’t take more than ten minutes, and soon they were all eating at a large table that had equally stunning views. The sun was rapidly slipping away, and the African sky had turned lilac.

  The conversation turned to what deliveries were expected the next day—panels for the walls of the hospital, roofing, floor tiles, beams, plumbing essentials, solar panels, and the wind turbine.

  “What about my tool kit?” Olivia asked Harry.

  “Yeah, that should be coming, too.”

  “I was thinking,” Olivia said. “It might be sensible to take a welder. They’re not expensive and it will come in handy.”

  “I agree, we can grab that tomorrow, when we go to the suppliers.” Harry paused. “I’m presuming you know how to use it, Olivia, I haven’t a clue.”

  “Yes, and I’ll teach you.” She smiled and set down her fork on her empty plate. “It’s not that hard.”

  “Good plan.”

  “Someone will have to stay in for the deliveries,” Lucas said.

  “It can’t be me. I really need to go to the stores,” Evan said. “I’ve got it in my head all the extras we need and if we forget something, there’s going to be nowhere to buy it for miles around once we’re in Kaskum.”

  “Sure thing, buddy.” Harry nodded.

  “And the electrics.” Mason shrugged. “Likely you lot won’t know what I’m after. Plus the solar panels and wind turbine need some special fittings.”

  “And I’ve got to get the medical side of things sorted.” Paul looked at Harry. “Global Medics have done some of it, but logistically I need to rent a van and fill it up.”

  “Did the vaccines arrive yet, from the airport?” Harry asked.

  “Yes,” Lucas said. “Josefa has put them in the garage, it’s coolest in there.”

  “Good.” Paul nodded. “I’d prefer them refrigerated, but they’ll be okay for a couple of days.”

  “Administering them can be one of our first jobs,” Olivia said, standing. “But right now, all I’m good for is bed.” She stifled a yawn and reached for her plate.

  “Leave that, hen,” Mason said, resting his hand on hers. “I’m clearing up. You get to bed.”

  “Sure?”

  “Aye.”

  “Thanks.” She stooped and pressed a kiss to his lips. “See you in the morning.”

  “Sleep well,” Evan said.

  “And dream of sweet things,” Raul added.

  She smiled. “I will.”

  As she reached the top of the stairs, she heard footsteps.

  “Olivia.”

  She turned.

  Lucas was taking them two at a time. He wore an intense expression, and shadows sliced over his angled features.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  “No.”

  Worry filled her. “Why not? What’s up?”

  “It’s been too long since I kissed you.” He banged his chest. “It’s making me ache, here.”

  The tinges of anxiety left her, and she smiled. He looked so damn big and handsome in his intense, brooding, don’t-mess-with-me way. “So kiss me, then.”

  “I intend to.” He backed her up against the wall and cupped her face in his hands. “You have no idea what it means to be here with you, with you all.”
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  “I think I do, because I feel the same.” She held on to his thick forearms.

  “You won’t leave us, will you?”

  “No. Why would you think that?” She stared up into his pale eyes, wondering where that fear had come from.

  “No reason.” He gave a slight smile. “I just wanted to hear you say it, that’s all.” He touched his lips to hers, holding her head firm as he dipped his tongue into her mouth.

  A delicious syrupy feeling flooded through her, and her knees and spine weakened a little. She clung to him and kissed him back, memories, and longing and excitement for the future filling her mind.

  After a full minute he pulled back and ran his hands from her face, down the column of her neck, and rested his palms on her shoulders. “I’m going to stay here tomorrow, wait in for deliveries. I’ve got everything on order.”

  “Okay.” She ran the tip of her finger around his jawline and rested it on his chin. He had some soft stubble going on. “I’m not sure what I’m doing yet.”

  “I just wanted you to know what my plans were.” He dipped his head and touched his nose to hers. “I’ll see you at breakfast. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  He released her and stepped away.

  As he went down the stairs, holding his big body with precision and grace, a little fizz of regret wound through chest that he hadn’t stayed the night with her. Perhaps she’d wait in for deliveries with Lucas tomorrow. Her tool kit was coming as one entire piece so she hardly had to go shopping for supplies.

  And while they waited between deliveries they could have some fun.

  She grinned as he went out of sight, then she headed to the end of the corridor and into the room she’d picked out earlier. Tomorrow was going to be a good first day in Africa day, she could tell.

  Chapter Nine

  Olivia showered in a luxury bathroom that was made entirely of shiny white marble and was full of exclusive toiletries and thick black towels.

  Then, knowing life was going to get very basic, very soon, she slipped into a large cool bed, enjoying the soft cotton sheets on her naked body.

  She’d left one of the curtains open a fraction and when she turned the light off, the blanket of stars hanging over the dark ocean twinkled through the gap.