by Lily Harlem
Next to them, and at least ten times as long as their raft, was the most enormous body. It was floating at their side, and the head end was out of the water.
She stared into its huge glassy eye.
In an instant fright was taken over by wonder. The whale was beautiful. She could see the intelligence in its stare. A gentle giant in an ocean of volatile nature.
“It’s incredible,” she gasped.
Mason shone the torch down its length, highlighting all its fabulous curves. He settled on the tail which had lifted from the water, drips pouring from it in small rivers.
The tail raised higher, higher still.
“Get us the fuck out of here,” Harry said, wrapping his arm around Olivia and clutching the side of the raft. “Now.”
She was cocooned between him and Raul as Lucas and Evan rowed frantically. Mason kept the light shining on the whale.
Its back was a graceful arc as it curled into the water.
Evan and Lucas were breathing hard, working the oars fast.
But all Olivia could concentrate on was the whale. She’d never been so close to one. It was an incredible moment.
It slipped, seamlessly, into the water. Though when the tail hit, a giant slap sent a wave hurtling their way and water sprayed high into the night sky.
Harry and Raul gripped her.
“Don’t let go of the damn oars,” Mason said, slipping downward so he wasn’t perched on the edge.
The small tsunami hit them, sending the raft flying high, then crashing down.
Then all was still.
They were alone again.
“That was amazing,” Olivia said. “It actually made it all worth it.”
“What?” Mason said, shining the torch at her face. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. Yes I am.” She burst out laughing. It was hysterical laughter. Tinged with fear. But still, it was laughter and that was better than crying.
Within seconds Mason and Evan had joined in. Then Raul and Harry. Finally Lucas also laughed and she looked around at her crazy hot crew laughing in the face of adversity.
They were well and truly lost, and it seemed they were losing their minds too.
Chapter Twelve
“You know what,” Raul said. “We need a bloody drink. In Española that is what we would do at time like this.”
“I agree,” Mason said. “And it’s what we’d do in Scotland.”
Raul reached into the sack-like bag he’d passed down to Olivia and pulled out a bottle of dark liquid.
“You got it,” Harry said, shaking his head, but smiling.
“Si, of course.” Raul pulled off the top. “Ladies first.”
Olivia took it. She guessed it was rum, but she was a virgin rum drinker.
“Go on. It will help,” Raul said.
“I hate to say it, but he’s right. Just a few sips.” Harry gave her a squeeze.
She looked at the mouth of the bottle.
“Go on, hen,” Mason said. “Just swallow.”
She raised her eyebrows at him. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”
He chuckled.
“Go on,” Raul encouraged.
She did—filling her mouth up with the strong liquid, then swallowing it down. The alcohol was a slap on her tongue and left a trail of fire over her tonsils and gullet. She had to stop herself from spluttering.
“It is the good stuff,” Raul said. “From Jamaica.”
“It’s traveled a long way,” she croaked. “Here.” She passed the bottle to Harry and blinked as her eyes watered.
He took a big gulp, then handed it along.
When it got back to Raul, he helped himself to two big slugs, then replaced the lid. “Not too much, just for medicine.” He tucked it back into the bag slotted between his legs.
The rum had already given Olivia a slight buzz. Suddenly she felt tired too. She rested her head on Raul’s shoulder.
“Sleep, now,” he said, wrapping his arm around her waist. “When you wake, the island paradise will be there for us.”
“I hope you’re right.” She closed her eyes.
She must have slept, or dozed at least. A few disjointed dreams raised their heads—whales, flames, radios and palm trees. When she came round, Mason had his arm around her. Harry and Raul were rowing and the sun was rising in the sky.
“You okay?” Mason asked quietly, his lips moving against her temple.
“Mmm.” She moved reluctantly from his warm body and stretched her arms over her head. She yawned and was reminded of the taste of rum.
Their situation came crashing back to her and in the light of day it seemed worse than the night somehow. Because now there really was no Temptress and there really was nothing but ocean for miles and miles.
“Where’s the island?” she asked.
“Nothing yet.” Mason shrugged and glanced at the compass balanced on his thigh. “Sorry.”
“Hardly your fault.”
He scratched his chin. “But it should be here soon. We’re heading due west, it’s not rocket science.”
“Perhaps it’s low lying?”
“A low lying volcanic island?”
“Stranger things happen.”
“True.”
“There’s food in there,” Harry said, nodding at the survival pouch.
He’d taken his t-shirt off and as he rowed the morning sun caught on his thick biceps and strong rounded shoulders. He had more than a five o’clock shadow now and his expensive, chiselled looks were being exchanged for tanned, rugged chic.
“Thanks. I’ll find something.” She had a look through and plucked out a protein bar that contained mainly nuts and seeds.
It was tasty, and washed down with a bottle of Evian, it was a fine breakfast all things considered.
“You want me to row?” she asked.
“Do you want to?” Harry said.
“I feel I should do my part.” She nodded at Raul’s arm. It was red and blistered. “He should rest with that, and stay hydrated.”
“Yeah.” Harry nodded. “Take over then.”
She scooted across the raft, trying her best not to jiggle it too much, then took the oar from Raul.
The surface was smooth and she gripped it tight, fearful of losing it into the mouth of the ocean. It took a few minutes to set pace with Harry, and she suspected he’d eased up for her sake, something that both irritated her and she was thankful for.
Taking deep breaths, she set to the task. Soon it became second nature and she was glad to feel the warmth seeping into her muscles after the chill of the night. Before long she’d be too hot, but until that point, she was happy to be comfortably warm.
Lucas and Mason were sleeping. Mason had his head on Lucas’s shoulder. Their faces were so similar and in sleep it was only the ring on Mason’s thumb that told them apart.
Evan was fiddling with the radio, holding the chargers to the sun, as if hoping that would make them power up quicker.
Soon Raul was also asleep, his poor blistered arm stretched out on the raft as though it pained him even when resting.
The sooner it had medical attention the better.
“Liv,” Harry said under his breath.
“What?”
“Look.”
She glanced at him, then at where he was looking. “Is that a mirage?”
“I don’t think so.” He picked up pace with his oar. “I’ve been watching it for a few minutes. It’s getting bigger.”
“It’s land?” She wasn’t sure she could trust her vision. In the distance the shimmering rise from the ocean was so small.
“Yes, I’ll bet you a million dollars that’s what we’re looking for.”
She giggled. “Okay for you to say. I don’t have a million dollars.”
He threw her a grin.
From the shape of his mouth, and the glint in his eyes, she knew what he’d said was right. The island they’d been looking for was within reach. Okay it was uninhabited, but
as land mammals they’d have a better chance of survival if their feet were dry and they didn’t run the risk of drowning at any given moment.
She upped the pace, to match his. Throwing all her effort into it. A giggle burst upward. Harry joined in.
“What’s going on?” Evan asked.
“Look.” Olivia nodded in the direction they were headed. “Land.”
“Bloody hell, no way.” He snapped his attention forward. “Thank the dear Lord above.”
“Yeah, we’re not there yet,” Harry said.
“What is it?” Mason lifted his head.
“The island you predicted.” Olivia worked her oar harder. “It’s on the horizon.”
Mason’s eyes widened. He spun around, jostling Lucas who woke. “Hallelujah.”
“Huh?” Lucas rubbed his eyes.
Mason wrapped his arm around him. “Look, paradise awaits.”
Lucas straightened. He glanced at Olivia then back at the horizon. “Result.”
“Here, fresh arms.” Mason reached for Olivia’s oar. “Let’s get there.”
“Sure.” She was happy to let him take over.
“Harry?” Evan said, holding out his hand.
“Have at it.” Harry passed him the oar.
Suddenly they were moving much quicker through the water. Olivia kept her sights on the horizon and as they got closer the mirage evaporated and in its place solidity appeared.
“It’s paradise,” she gasped as palm trees came into view, reaching up to the clear sky. The sea became crystal clear aqua as they approached the ribbon of white sand and its gently breaking waves.
But for about ten minutes they seemed to get nowhere.
“What’s going on?” Raul asked.
“Current.” Evan rowed harder. A slick of sweat sat on his brow and damp patches stained the underarms of his black t-shirt.
“Shit.” Harry looked at the water, as if he’d be able to see the tug of the ocean.
“It’ll be okay,” Mason said. He was breathless.
“Want me to have a go?” Lucas asked.
“Aye.” Mason handed him the oar.
“I’ll take yours,” Raul said to Evan.
Evan nodded gratefully.
“Damn, this is strong,” Olivia said.
Harry pulled a face. “Means it’s going to be a son of a bitch to get off.”
“If we have to row off,” Evan added.
“Hopefully we’ll get picked up soon, from the beach. Sea plane maybe.” Olivia looked at the sky, imagining a sea plane on its way to save them.
Of course there was nothing, just clear blue, the shining orb of the sun, and several gulls who’d become curious about their raft.
“We’re getting somewhere,” Raul said.
“At last.” Mason wiped his forearm over his brow then peeled off his t-shirt. For a moment Olivia studied his tattoo, it was the first proper chance she’d had. She’d known it was designed to look at if he wore armor over his shoulder and upper arm, but now sitting close she could appreciate the complexity of the image. Within it, on the roundness of his shoulder, a lion roared, each strand of his mane carefully depicted. Below that was a Celtic cross highlighted with blue. Around the edge of the armor, in black, was chain mail and at the very end, pointing toward his elbow, a buckle.
He caught her looking.
She turned away. The island was much closer. “We’re getting there.”
“Thank God,” Evan muttered. He pointed at the water. “I can see the base, but there’s some wicked coral down there. Enough to shred feet.”
There were fish amongst the coral and they skittered away as the shadow of the raft went over them, and the oars disturbed their peace.
“I’m gonna swim,” Harry said. “Throw me the tether when I stand up on that sand bank. I’ll pull the raft onto the beach.”
He didn’t wait for an answer, instead he slipped into the water and set off at a fast crawl.
Evan stripped off his t-shirt then followed suit. Within seconds the two men were away from the coral and standing on the diamond white sand with small waves splashing around their legs.
Olivia stared for a moment. They were both so damn hot, but so different. Harry broad and dark, with black body hair coating his chest and a brooding look on his stubbled face. Evan a little leaner, his skin the color of a perfect apple pie crust, and his curling blond hair flopping around his smiling face.
She tore her gaze away. “Let’s try and keep all this stuff dry.” She tucked the solar radio into the waterproof pouch.
“And my bag,” Raul said, nodding at his big sack.
She twisted the top and tucked it up as best she could. But there was nothing waterproof about it.
“I’m so glad we decided to navigate Temptress here,” Mason said, as waves began to jostle the raft. “Imagine if we’d decided to give these islands a miss. We’d be up shit creek without a paddle.”
“Last push,” Raul said, “nearly there.”
A larger wave caught them. Olivia clung to the rope around the raft and steadied herself as she gripped the bag with her legs.
“The tether,” Harry called.
Lucas stood and threw the long rope.
Harry caught it.
Lucas then slipped into the water, looped his hand over the raft and swam, tugging it with him.
Soon the base hit sand, then with a soft whoosh it was dragged up the beach.
Olivia jumped out, along with Raul and Mason, and helped haul it from the waves’ reach.
A little out of breath, she then put her hands on her hips and looked around. “Wow.”
“Wow is the right word for it,” Mason said.
“Paradise.” Evan blew out a breath. “Beautiful.”
“Si, there are worse places to be stranded,” Raul added.
The beach was a huge crescent. One end appeared to be blocked by an enormous rock with sheer cliffs, atop it stood a single tree. The other had an outcrop being pounded by waves, spray flying high into the air. Inland it seemed there was nothing but palm trees. They were bulging with coconuts and their fronds swayed and whispered in the breeze.
Olivia stepped forward, her feet sinking into the warm sand. There were a few bits of driftwood and shells lying around but very little else.
“Okay, so the plan is,” Harry said, clapping his hands. “We get the radio in the sunshine, charging. And in the meantime we rig ourselves up a shelter so we can keep the sun off us, and if we don’t get picked up by nightfall we have somewhere to sleep with a roof.”
“Get picked up by nightfall?” Evan said, shaking his head. “Dream on.”
Harry frowned. “It’s a possibility.”
“You really think so?” Evan tipped his chin. “We’re hundreds of miles from anywhere, all we’ve got is a crappy little radio to rely on. We’re here for a while, mate.”
“Twenty-four hours tops,” Harry said, folding his arms.
“Wanna bet?”
“Yeah, actually I do.” Harry took a step closer to Evan, his body tensing.
“Not money though, that means nothing to you,” Evan said, clenching his fists.
“So what then?” Harry huffed. “What do you want to bet?”
“Guys, guys.” Olivia stepped between them and placed her hands on their warm chests. “What the hell are you playing at? We’re here, all in the same boat, now all on the same island.” She looked at first Harry then Evan. “And bickering isn’t going to get us anywhere. I agree with Harry, we need to plan as if we’re going to be here for a night or two. Because Evan, you’re also right, it’s going to be a while before a rescue crew gets to us. You’re both saying the same thing and arguing about it is ridiculous. We need to all get on, don’t we?”
Both men were silent as they eyeballed each other.
“Don’t we?” she repeated, giving them each a small shove. Their squabbling was driving her crazy.
“Yeah, I reckon,” Evan said.
“Sure.”
Harry stepped away then turned and walked up the beach.
Evan reached for her hand, which was still on his chest. He drew it to his lips and kissed her knuckles. His usual grin returned. “Thank goodness you’re here to talk sense into us.”
Chapter Thirteen
Raul and Lucas tied the raft in place at the treeline as Olivia set the radio on a rock in direct sunlight. She made sure the solar panels were facing upward.
“Shouldn’t take long,” Mason said, walking over to her. “I’ve used one of these before.”
“Was it any good?”
“Yeah, did the job.” He hesitated. “Wasn’t in the middle of nowhere like this, though.”
She straightened and studied him. “What aren’t you saying?”
He rubbed his hand over his tattoo and twisted his lips.
“Mason?”
“I’m worried about range. The one on Temptress was a satellite system—it was global. This is basic emergency use.”
She held out her hands. “Why the hell wouldn’t they think of that? Why not a satellite radio on the raft? It’s not as if money was a problem.”
Mason frowned and glanced around.
Lucas was listening to them, but that didn’t appear to concern him. “I guess no one thought it would ever be used. Same way as it wasn’t charged.”
“Bugger.” She looked at the small radio.
“But don’t worry.” He pressed his hand on her shoulder. “We don’t know yet. It might be absolutely fine.”
Olivia appreciated his reassuring words. But they were empty. He wouldn’t have brought up the problem if he didn’t think it was a real possibility. Was he managing her expectations? Or was she the one, other than Lucas, Mason wanted to share his fears with?
She didn’t know.
“Ow! Fuck!” Harry’s voice boomed from the trees.
“What?” Olivia asked, peering into the shadows.
“There’s really fucking sharp twigs and shit in here,” he said, limping into view. “I just stood on one.”
“It is okay. It is okay.” Raul held up his hands and swung his gaze around everyone. “I have solution.”
“What are you going to do? Sweep the whole island?” Harry asked as he plonked down on the sand and studied the sole of his left foot.
