by Lily Harlem
It was all Olivia could do not to rush after her as the three children went through the door with Tina and Raul.
Silence wrapped around her, and a strange stillness seemed to fall over the room like a heavy cloak.
“They’ll be okay,” Evan said. “We’ve done the best we can for them.”
“I know.” She sniffed. “But it’s still hard to say goodbye.”
“You wouldn’t be human if it wasn’t.” He pulled her into a hug. “Come on, let’s go and see how Mason is doing.”
He led her to the door, and they stepped outside.
Mason was standing, head bowed, near the limo. Harry and Lucas were talking to him.
He’d built up such a strong bond with Darius. It had been instant love for Darius and not much longer for Mason. She could hardly recall seeing them apart since they’d met. Their relationship was so natural and comfortable, despite being little and large. And Darius was the only person she knew who could tell the twins apart instantly, before they spoke or moved.
Riley was tapping on his phone, and standing in the shade the building provided.
“Mason,” she said, stepping up to him.
He turned away, his palm pressed over his eyes.
Harry and Lucas shared a look. Harry downturned his mouth as though sad for Mason and unsure of what to do.
“Hey.” She hugged Mason from behind and felt his breath hitch. “It’s okay.”
He didn’t speak.
She slid her way around his body so she was facing him. “He’ll be okay.”
“I know.” He dragged in a breath and blew it out slowly. “I know.”
“And so will you be.”
“I just miss him…already. Stupid, isn’t it. He’s not even my kid.”
“But it felt like he was.” She paused. “They all felt like they were my children this last week or so. We’re all they have.”
He stared at the office. “That’s why it’s hard. If I was giving him back to his parents, his father, I wouldn’t feel like this. But the aunt…does she even exist?”
“Of course she does.” Olivia paused. “Banna is sure of it.”
He sighed. “I just hope they’re kind to him, wherever he ends up. He’s a smart kid but he’s had a tough time, made him a bit delicate, you know.”
“Yes. I know.” She hugged him tighter. “I’m sure their new family will be kind to them all. And we’ll stay in touch, so we know that’s the case.”
“Hey, Harry,” Riley called. “I’ve found the perfect honeymoon.” He paused. “Except it seems your wife is now embracing another man.”
Chapter Two
“It’s okay,” Harry said with a shrug.
“Well…” Riley said, “I know you’re all close, but now you’re married, Harrington, maybe you should rethink that closeness.”
“It’s how it is, Riley, go with it.” Harry held up his hand as if to stop the flow of Riley’s words. “I’m cool with Olivia’s relationship with the rest of the crew, so you should be, too.”
“But what about…?” Riley frowned.
“There’s no buts.” Harry removed his shades and drew his eyebrows together. He set his attention on Riley. “And I’m not prepared to explain it to you. Olivia is my concern, not yours.”
Olivia wondered if he was going to elaborate, remind Riley that he was an employee and an opinion on Harry’s lifestyle and relationships wasn’t part of his job description.
But he didn’t.
Luckily.
“Er…okay. Of course, sir.” Riley nodded and went back to his phone.
Olivia continued to hug Mason. She wouldn’t rein in her support for the man she loved just because Harry had told his personal assistant she was his wife. Which was true, but she was also Mason’s.
“Be cool,” Lucas said, gripping Mason’s shoulder. “The wee guy will be okay.”
“Aye, I know.” Mason released Olivia and turned to his brother.
Lucas dragged him into a brief hug and slapped him on the back twice. Mason kept his arms hanging at his sides.
Harry stepped closer to her.
She saw her reflection in the shades he’d slipped back on.
“You holding up? I know how much the kids meant to you, Liv.”
“Yes. I’m okay.” She wasn’t really, but it had to be done. They weren’t their children. The right thing to do was to hand them over to the authorities so they could be reunited with their family.
He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and smiled a little sadly.
Evan appeared at Harry’s side. There was a flash of emotion in his eyes, and his lips were in a flat line, so different to the usual grin he sported.
“We’ll be all right. And so will they,” Olivia said, reassuring herself as much as anything.
Lucas released Mason, and they both turned to her.
“We have to be. Even though it will be strange without them,” Evan said.
“But we’ll keep tabs on them.” Harry glanced at the building the children were in. “I’ll make sure Riley finds out how their immigration process is going. He can update us later on that.”
“Talking of Riley.” Olivia frowned over at him. He was out of earshot if she talked low. “Why did you feel it necessary to tell him about our marriage, Harry?”
The other men all turned to Harry.
Evan raised his eyebrows. “Yeah, what the hell was that about?”
“Soon Raul is going to be telling his family you’re his wife,” Harry said.
“But doesn’t telling Riley we’re a married couple make it weird that I’m also married to Raul?” Olivia said. “We’re not in Africa anymore where it was accepted.”
“Yeah, and I’m sorry.” Harry shrugged. “I guess I got excited. I haven’t had the chance to tell anyone my good news, and I saw Riley, and it just came out.”
“And the romantic honeymoon for two?” Lucas cocked his head.
“Well…maybe Liv would like that.”
“No, Harry.” Olivia spoke sternly and then felt a little bad. She took his hand. “Much as I’d love a romantic break in Italy, I want to be with all of you. If we do a honeymoon, it will be for six.”
“Which means we can do the wedding thing? My parents would love that.” Harry grinned.
She pressed her palm to her forehead. “I don’t know. It’s so complicated and such a big event that will get so much publicity. It’s not really my kind of thing.”
“Let’s talk about it later.” Evan rested his hand over hers and Harry’s. “This is all a bit shitty, having to say goodbye to the kids. And Raul is still in there.”
“Aye, and this is his time and his place,” Mason said. “We should let him enjoy showing Olivia off to his family and introducing us to his restaurant. It’s all he’s talked about for days.”
“I agree.” Lucas nodded.
“It seems only fair.” Olivia glanced around at her men, then her gaze settled on Harry. “Don’t you think?”
Harry was quiet for a moment, then, “Sure, this is Raul’s time.” A grin spread on his face. “And I’m actually looking forward to seeing everything he’s talked about. I bet it’ll be pretty cool. He’s a dark horse, our Raul.” His shoulders relaxed, and he squeezed her hand.
Relief washed through Olivia. She’d held them together. The real world was going to be tricky for them to navigate, not least if Harry got excitable about grand gestures. And then of course there were his huge number of Twitter followers and the press who liked to know his every move.
But here, in Barcelona, he wasn’t so famous. Hopefully they’d be afforded some privacy, for a while at least.
“They are settled.” Raul strode toward them. He wiped his fingers over his brow. “Tina is magic with kids.”
“And well done you for bringing some fudge,” Olivia said.
“Aye, it’s Darius’s favorite.” Mason nodded.
Raul smiled at him. “You okay, mi amigo?”
“I’
m fine.”
“Good.” Raul glanced at the office. “We’ll be kept updated, right?”
“Sure.” Harry gestured to Riley. “We’ll know exactly what’s going on. And with a bit of luck, this time tomorrow they’ll be in England with their extended family and their frightening trip on the container ship will be a thing of the past.”
“I actually think they quite enjoyed it, once we found them and they realized Victor wouldn’t hurt them.” Evan shoved his hands into his pockets. “And you were great with them, Harry, always teaching them something.” He paused. “Perhaps you’ve missed your vocation. If you weren’t a filthy rich billionaire in no need of any kind of career other than farting about on Twitter, you’d have made a great teacher. The kids love you, you’re a natural.”
“You reckon?” Harry appeared surprised by the sudden compliment.
“Yeah, I do.” Evan shrugged.
“Cool.” Harry grinned.
“Right, you guys,” Riley said, striding out of the shade. He glanced at his watch. “I’ve organized health screens for you. You’ve been all over the world, it won’t hurt to have some routine checks.”
Evan rolled his eyes. “Really?”
“Free health care,” Harry said. “Might as well take it.”
“It’s in this department.” Riley nodded to a shiny blue door. “Shouldn’t take long.”
“I’m up for it,” Olivia said. She thought back to where they’d been. Out in the plains of Africa, deserted islands, and she did feel tired after the long trip on the big rattling ship. Perhaps her iron was a little low, she’d been anaemic once before.
“Good stuff.” Riley pointed at the door. “You go first, Olivia.”
An hour later, Olivia was back in the limo with her husbands. No Riley—he’d stayed to help smooth things through with the children’s paperwork.
She had a small blob of cotton wool taped to the inside of her elbow covering a puncture wound, and had been weighed, given a pot to pee into, and her chest listened to.
“We will soon be at Regalo del Mar,” Raul said, peering out of the front window of the limo. “You will love it.”
“What’s that translate to?” Mason asked.
“Regalo del Mar means gifts from the sea. It is what my restaurant specializes in—fish, oysters, squid, but of course if you want a steak, you can get that, too.” His grin slipped a little. “I hope my head chef has been working as I told him. That we have full tables every night and happy eaters.”
“I’m sure he has.” Olivia held his hand. “You told me how much you trusted the staff.”
“Si, and my mother, she will be cracking her whip over them.” He laughed. “Making sure they work to standard. They will not want to anger her.”
“Oh, really?” Olivia said.
“She’s involved in the restaurant?” Evan asked.
“Si, she is great cook, but also very keen eye. She will not allow slacking of the menus or the workers.”
“Will she be there now?” Olivia asked, a now familiar bubble of nerves attacking her.
“Si. She will.”
“And your father?” Olivia asked.
“No.” He shook his head. “My father is…how you say…bag rat.”
“Rat bag,” Evan corrected. “I know the sort.”
“Si, rat bag. He lives in Seville with his other woman. My mother has had nothing to do with him for many years now. It is why I only have one brother; she didn’t find another man to marry after he left, so no more children.” He paused. “Look…here it is, my restaurant.”
The limo pulled to a halt. To the right the Mediterranean sparkled into the distance, and on the left a tall glass and silver-fronted building stretched along the sidewalk. It was clearly ultra trendy with white linen laid tables, white leather chairs, and chunky silver lighting. The only color other than white was pale green in the form of plants, napkins, and a few modern art, splash-like pictures, on the walls.
“Wow,” Harry said. “Cool place, buddy.”
“Thank you.” Raul stepped out and set his hands on his hips.
Olivia joined him on the curbside and studied the restaurant in more detail. It was closed right now, and in semi-darkness despite the bright day. On the door was the Michelin star Raul was so proud of. It was joined by a host of other accolades in the form of brass plaques. The name of the restaurant, Regalo del Mar, was etched into a silver bar above the entrance along with Raul Santiago.
“It’s so exciting to finally be here.” Olivia linked her arm with his and squeezed.
“So far so good,” he said. “The windows are clean, and the tables appear neat and set for tonight’s covers.”
“I’m sure everything will be as you left it.” She pointed at another door, to the right of the main entrance. “What’s that? Part of the restaurant?”
“No, it is my home.” He gestured upward. “I live above my work; I felt it best to design it that way.”
“You designed all this?” Evan asked. “Wow.”
“Si, it was a ruin when I bought it.” He turned to the ocean. “Falling down old fish shop, trade mainly, so I recreated it. It seats fifty, the kitchen is…how you say…state of the heart.”
“Art,” Olivia corrected.
“Si, state of the art. Chefs want to work there. And on the very top is roof terrace to enjoy the sea view and look across at the marina. But that is private, just for me, not customers.”
“It’s wonderful, even more so because you created it.” Olivia grinned.
“Thank you, mi niña hermosa.” He set a kiss on her cheek. “Now come, let us see what is happening in the kitchen.”
“Nothing.” Mason shrugged. “You don’t have any customers. It’s shut.”
“Ah, it is shut, but the kitchen will be busy, getting ready for opening time.”
“Oh, okay.” Mason shrugged. “Let’s go then.”
Raul pulled a set of keys from his jeans pocket and unlocked the door. He held it wide as they all stepped in, then he locked it again. The limo pulled away.
Olivia breathed deep. It smelled of fresh herbs, spices, and washing powder, as though the tablecloths had just been laundered and replaced. The ceiling was mirrored, something she hadn’t noticed from the outside. And for a moment she stared at the reflection of the room, then the tops of their heads.
“Come…this way.” Raul slipped his arm around her waist.
He whisked her past a reception desk, a fish tank holding small, colourful fish and bright green weed, and several tables.
As they approached a set of double doors, each with a small porthole window like the ones on Joan D’Arc, she heard loud, Spanish voices.
“Ah good, they are working,” Raul said, pushing a door open. “Hola!” He burst in and held his arms in the air. “I am here. I have returned to Regalo del Mar.”
The chatter and clattering stopped instantly. Several chefs turned his way, their knives midair and their eyes wide.
“Chef!” the one nearest said. “No te esperábamos.”
“I know you weren’t expecting me.” Raul dragged Olivia to his side. “But speak English, please. It is the language of my wife.”
“Your wife!” The chef who’d first spoken glanced around the room, then studied Olivia. “Congratulations.”
“Si, congratulations,” said another.
“Gracias.” Raul kissed Olivia’s cheek. “She is very beautiful, si?”
“Si.” The chef nearest put his knife down and wiped his hands on his white apron. “It is a pleasure to meet you…?”
“Olivia.” She grinned. “And it is a pleasure to meet you, too, and to be here. Raul has told me so much about this place.”
“Raul! Eres tu!” A tall elegant woman, her dark hair held back in a neat bun, and wearing smart black pants and a red silk blouse strode into the room on high heels.
“Si, madre, I am here…with my new wife.”
Chapter Three
“Your wife! Puedo
creer esto?” Raul’s mother grabbed Raul’s hands and stared at Olivia.
“Yes, you can believe it.” Raul laughed. “It is very true.”
“You are the girl from the boat. I saw the photographs.” Raul’s mother continued to study Olivia.
“Yes.” Olivia nodded. She was entranced by her new mother-in-law’s impeccable make-up and stunning dark eyes which were so like Raul’s. “I am. And it’s lovely to meet you, Mrs Santiago.”
“Oh, you, too, and please call me Maria.” She released one of Raul’s hands and reached for Olivia’s. She drew it to her mouth, did the same with Raul’s, and kissed each of their knuckles in turn. “I never thought this son of mine would get married. He is too obsessed with his work and the restaurant. But I knew The Challenge would be good for him—this good, I could never have guessed.” She beamed, her red lips stretching wide and her eyes flashing. “Welcome to the Santiago family, Olivia. I will have to arrange for my other son, Pablo, to visit with his family; he and his wife and children will be delighted with this news and keen to meet you.”
“And I them.” Olivia smiled and turned to Raul. “He lives in Madrid, right?”
“Si. He does.” Raul took his hand from his mother’s and gestured to the others. “This is the crew. Harry, the captain.”
“Hola, Harry.” Maria smiled. “You have more beard than in your pictures.”
“Er, yes.” Harry rubbed his chin. “It’s in need of a trim.”
She smiled.
“And this is Evan Tate, he is from Melbourne.” Raul held his hand out toward Evan.
“Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” Evan nodded.
“And you. I’ve always wanted to visit Australia.”
“It’s an amazing country,” Evan said. “Wild and beautiful.”
“And this is Lucas and Mason.” Raul pointed at the twins.
“Ah, yes, from Scotland, right.” Maria eyed their dense tattoos.
“Aye, we are,” Mason said. “But right now, there’s no place we’d rather be. Your son is a great chef, and being here is an honor.”
“Si, he is.” Maria reached for Raul and kissed each of his cheeks. “And I have much to tell you about.”
