by Lily Harlem
“And why not?” Lucas said. “They’re both single, and Riley clearly isn’t gay as Harry thought.”
“I suppose this is true.” Raul folded his arms. “And I like Riley, he is a good man, very organized.”
“And trustworthy,” Harry added. “He’s never let my family down, and he’s the epitome of discretion.”
“I will speak to my brother, Pablo,” Raul said. “Let him know the situation for when I am in Australia and make sure he, too, is happy with it and gives his blessing.”
Olivia smiled. Maria didn’t seem like the sort of woman who would take any notice of what her sons thought about the new man in her life. If she liked Riley and he liked her, that would be it. End of story, or hopefully the start of a lovely new one for them.
“What else did Riley say?” Mason asked.
“Oh yeah, that.” Harry checked the screen on his phone then continued. “The Lear has a take-off slot at eight a.m. tomorrow. Should get us into Perth the following day with the time zones.”
“How long is the flight?” Lucas asked.
“Nineteen hours give or take, we’ll refuel in Dubai,” Harry said.
“Nineteen hours, fuck.” Evan scraped both his hands through his hair, dragging it back from his brow.
“Evan!” Olivia poked him. “The kids.”
“Sorry.” He pulled a face and dropped his arms to his sides. “Didn’t mean to. But nineteen hours, that’s ridiculous.”
“You can take a pill,” Harry said. “We’ll be there before you know it. Then Riley has organized a helicopter to take us to the farm. We won’t want a long bumpy car journey. The Lear is nice, but still, we’ll have had enough of traveling and…”
“A helicopter.” Evan’s eyes widened. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack? That’s worse than a plane.”
“A helicopter?” Darius climbed onto Mason’s lap. “I saw a picture of one of them in the book you read me.”
“Oh yes, a green one,” Mason said, wincing then adjusting Darius’s position.
“I think it will be exciting to go on, do you?” Darius was studying Mason’s face with one small hand on his cheek.
“Aye, wee fella, it will be cool.” Mason smiled.
“Cool, yes.” Darius turned to his brother. “We’re going on a plane and a helicopter, Amal.”
“I’ll draw a plane.” Amal shoved his paper aside and grabbed a fresh piece. He carefully selected a red pencil.
“See, Evan,” Harry said. “The kids aren’t bothered, maybe you need to man up a bit.”
Evan leaned across Olivia and spoke quietly, so only she and Harry could hear. “I’m all fucking man, Vidal, and you know it.”
Chapter Thirteen
Olivia felt like she’d barely gone to sleep and the alarm was going off. She sat and blinked as she reminded herself she was in Raul’s bedroom. There was light behind the blinds, the sun already crawling up the summer sky, but it would only hold watery heat at this early hour.
“Time to get up.” She nudged Raul who was asleep on his stomach, arms stretched out at angles and his right lower leg sticking from the covers. His hair, which was growing longer by the day, was loose and fanned out over his neck and crept toward his shoulders. “Hey, sleepy head.” She leaned over and kissed his upper arm, his skin soft against her lips.
He muttered something, turned, and reached for her.
“Raul.” She giggled and he tugged her flat again. “We have a plane to catch.”
“Not for a while yet.”
“We do, it’s time to get up.”
He set a kiss on her cheek, another a little lower, then started to pepper kisses down her neck. “I set the alarm twenty minutes early.”
“What? Why?”
“So I could do this.” He slid over her, easing her legs apart as he went.
She’d slept naked, so had he, and the sensation of his bed-warm skin skimming over hers was heavenly. “But I need my sleep.” She smiled up at him and stroked over his smooth shoulders.
“You can sleep on the plane.” He eased his hand between their bodies and raised himself up slightly. He wasn’t totally hard, and he stroked his shaft, encouraging his erection.
She made the most of the time to kiss him and trace the contours of his neck and shoulders. Everything about Raul was seductive and delicious.
“Are you ready for me?” he whispered onto her mouth.
“Always.”
“Good, because I am ready for you now, mi niña hermosa.” His cock tip nudged her entrance.
“Mmm, yes.”
But he didn’t push in.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I know they say it is okay, to do this with the baby, but…are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.” She pushed back his hair, which had fallen forward. “And if you think I’m going without a shag for the next nine months you’re out of your mind, my sexy Spanish husband.”
“Shag? What is shag?”
“This.” She pressed her hands onto his bare ass and tilted her hips, pushing herself onto him.
He gasped and slid into her. “Ah yeah. A shag, okay.”
She moaned at the sensation of him stretching her.
“I think I like…to shag,” he said when he’d reached full depth. “With you.”
“Good.” She smiled up at him. “Because pregnant women need plenty of shags and orgasms, it’s good for them.”
“It is?” He withdrew, almost out. “I didn’t know that?”
“It’s a well-known fact.” She wrapped her legs around the backs of his, and he rode in again.
“In that case…” He paused, and his eyelids fluttered closed. “You will have plenty, from all of us.”
She giggled a little and buried her face against his neck. But the sound ended on moan as he rubbed over her clit.
Soon he’d picked up a gentle but steady pace. Her climax began to grow. She relaxed into it, didn’t force it, and surrendered to the way her body responded to his.
“Are you close?” he asked after several minutes.
“Yes, it’s there, I was waiting…” She groaned. “For you.”
“I’m coming.” He stared down at her. “I can’t hold off…” He gritted his teeth.
He sped up, ground against her harder.
“Yes, yes…” She allowed her climax to claim her.
He grunted several times and jerked.
She closed her eyes and pressed her face to the curve of his neck again, losing herself in him as pleasure burst through her body. She hooked her legs higher, drawing him deeper.
“Ah, Olivia,” he moaned. “You hug me so tight with your pussy when you come.”
“Yes, it’s so…fucking good.” Her internal walls were pulsating around his shaft, her clit throbbing against his body. “Mmm, so good.” She dropped her head back to the pillow and allowed her legs to flop to the bed.
He set his palm on her forehead then swept her hair back from her face. “I think a shag is a very good way to start the day.”
“Yes, it is.” She swallowed. The strange metallic taste was back.
He pulled out and sat between her legs with his knees bent. “Are you okay?”
She realized she was grimacing.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No, no, it’s okay.” Her stomach rolled over. A wash of nausea cascaded through her belly and up her gullet. “I’ve just got to…” She stood, holding the dresser when she felt a little dizzy, then grabbed his gown.
“What is it?” He was at her side, helping her put it on.
“The bathroom.” She rushed to the door, fastening the belt. She swallowed again. “I’ve got to…”
Don’t be sick.
Don’t be sick.
Dashing to the bathroom, she knew it was inevitable. Not bothering to shut the door, she lunged for the loo.
Her stomach contracted, she heaved, but nothing came up. It was hours since she’d eaten.
“Ah, mi niña hermosa, you poor thing, what have we done to you?” Raul was hopping on the spot by the bathtub and wringing his hands.
“I’ll be okay in a min…” She heaved again. Sweat popped on her forehead. The cool floor on her shins was nice.
“Olivia, what is it?” Banna stood in the doorway. “Are you ill?”
Olivia’s heart nearly broke when she saw the fear in Banna’s eyes.
“It’s okay. I’ll be all right in a minute or two.”
“What can I get you?” Raul asked.
“A cloth, soaked with cold water, please.”
“Si, si, I can do that.”
Banna stepped into the room. “Olivia.”
Olivia blew out a breath and stopped hugging the basin. She hadn’t intended to tell the children she was pregnant, not yet, but she needed to give Banna an explanation. It was unfair not to. The poor girl had been through enough, and at the start of their relationship a lie wouldn’t bode well for the future.
Olivia placed her hand on her lower abdomen. “I’m having a baby,” she said. “And sometimes, in the beginning when the baby is small and the lady’s body is getting used it, it can make you feel a bit sick in the morning. But it will pass soon.”
Her eyes widened, and she stepped in. “You are having a baby?”
“Yes.” Olivia hesitated. “Is that good news for you?”
“Oh, yes, I love babies.” She grinned. “I helped look after my brothers when they were babies.”
“Well at least one of us will know what to do.”
Banna’s expression fell serious. “If you like I will help you instead of going to school.”
“Oh no, school is very important. And this baby, when he or she is old enough, will also go to school. In Australia that’s how it is for all children.”
“Okay, but before I go to school, and when I come back I will help with the baby.”
“And I’ll be very grateful.” Feeling a little better, Olivia stood.
Banna stayed close.
Raul handed her a cool wet flannel.
“Thanks.” She wiped her face. “Perhaps I’ll take a shower and then have a plain biscuit.”
“Of course.” Raul stroked her cheek. “But do not have shower water too hot, I think that will not be good for sickness.”
“I agree.” She smiled at Banna. “Go and get dressed, we have a plane to catch.”
Her expression changed, as if she’d forgotten. “Oh, yes, yes, I must get my brothers ready, too.”
“There’s plenty of hands to help do that,” Olivia said. “You get yourself ready first and have something to eat.”
By the time Olivia was dressed and ready to leave for the airport, she was feeling better. She’d had a cool shower, pulled on a cotton t-shirt with her short denim skirt, and tugged her hair into a high ponytail. A dry ginger biscuit and a glass of iced water had settled her stomach.
Maria was waiting by the door of the restaurant.
“Adiós madre, lo siento por una visita tan corta.” Raul placed a kiss on first Maria’s right, then left cheek.
“It was a short visit, but I understand.” She touched the corners of her eyes with a small white handkerchief. “You need to be with your new wife and your new friends.” She paused and her attention strayed to Harry. “It’s obvious you’re all very close, to each other and to Olivia.”
“We are.” Harry nodded.
Olivia swallowed. Maria must have seen the photograph on Twitter.
“That is what The Challenge did to us,” Raul said. “Castaway on an island we didn’t know if we were going to survive. There was no food, we were surrounded by shark-infested waters, and in the trees were snakes twenty feet long. The experience created bonds between us that cannot be broken. What we have is special.”
“I can see that.” Maria frowned. “Maybe we can talk more about it when I see you next, Raul.”
“Of course.” Raul grinned. “But you should know that I am happy, very happy, with everything in my life. This is what I’ve been waiting for.”
“I guess at the end of the day that’s all a mother wants for her children.” She turned to Evan. “And I will say prayers for you and your family at this time of loss.”
“Er, yeah, thanks.” Evan shifted from one foot to the other and looked at the floor.
Olivia studied him for a moment. Apart from their walk on the beach, he hadn’t mentioned his father’s death again. She hoped he’d be okay when they arrived at the homestead; it was no doubt full of memories…unhappy memories.
“And you also have children now, to look after.” Maria smiled at Banna who was holding Amal’s hand. Darius was holding Mason’s. “I feel like my baby is all grown up.”
Raul laughed and set his palm on Olivia’s lower abdomen. “Your baby is having a baby.”
“Qué?” Maria’s eyes widened. “Is this true?”
“Si.” Raul grinned. “It is true.”
“Oh, congratulations.” She smiled wide and tugged Olivia into an embrace.
She smelled of heavily spiced perfume, and her limbs and torso were lean and delicate.
“Thank you,” Olivia said. “We are all very excited.”
“And so you should be.” Maria cupped Olivia’s face. “Babies are a wonderful addition to every family. And if you need anything, I am here for you. All you need to do is ask.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that.” Olivia paused. “Perhaps you’ll come and visit when the baby is born.”
“Try and keep me away.” Maria released Olivia.
Jose suddenly appeared from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his white apron as he strode past the tables in the restaurant. “Adiós, chef.”
“Ah, mi amigo.” Raul grinned and drew him into a hug. “I could not be leaving Regalo del Mar in more capable hands. I thank you for all of your hard work.”
“It is my pleasure.” Jose slapped him on the back. “And I will call you now you have a phone again, later in the week, let you know how the new menu is working.”
“Si, do that.” Raul stepped away and took Olivia’s hand again. “But now we must go.”
“Yeah,” Harry said, pulling open the door. “The Lear is waiting.”
Jose laughed. “A Lear—you have gone up in the world, Raul Santigao.”
“It is true, my life has taken a very good turn.” Raul grinned. “Adiós.”
They trooped out of the restaurant and into the rising heat. The limo was waiting for them, with Riley standing next to it. He saw Maria and raised his hand, a smile spreading as he did so.
Raul spotted him. “Ah, Riley, how are you?”
“Er, good, thank you, Raul.”
“You had a nice time yesterday, out with my mother, si?”
“Er, yes, very nice.”
“She is incredible woman, no?”
“No, I mean, yes, si, she is.” A rise of color bloomed on his cheeks. “Incredibly incredible.”
Raul clasped his shoulder. “You be a good man and treat her properly.”
“Of course, but it was just lunch.”
“Just lunch? And when is the next just lunch?” Raul asked.
“I…um…actually, we’re going out for dinner tonight.”
“Just dinner?” Raul raised his eyebrows.
“Raul, mate, come on.” Evan threw his arm over Raul’s shoulder. “Leave the poor guy alone, we have to go.”
“Mmm.” Raul set his attention on Riley, his eyebrows drawn low. “I wonder if maybe I should…”
“Ah, she’s a grown woman,” Mason said. “Leave her be.”
“True, but…” Raul appeared unsure.
“No buts,” Lucas said, “Come on.”
As Raul was encouraged into the car, Olivia looked at the restaurant and the apartment above. She’d enjoyed spending time there, even if it hadn’t been long. Getting a glimpse into Raul’s life, and seeing his success and the place he was passionate about, made her feel even closer to him.
“Hey, Liv. Smile.” Harry wrapped his arm around her, spun her about, and held up his phone.
Automatically, she grinned as he took a photo.
He glanced at the screen. “Ha, that’s nice.”
“Harrington, you’ll miss the take-off slot.” Riley tapped his watch.
“Sure thing.” Harry urged Olivia to the car. “Come on, time to hit Oz.”
Once they were in, the limo pulled away. Olivia checked the kids had fastened their seatbelts, something they always forgot because they weren’t used to it, then secured her own. “What are you doing?” she asked Harry.
“Putting this on Twitter. It’s a nice photo.” He flashed the screen her way.
He’d already posted the picture he’d just taken, adding to it:
Great meal @RegalodelMar with my gorgeous girl #livingthedream #happy #inlove
“Harry,” she said. “Why do you feel the need to do that all the time?”
He shrugged. “I like it.”
“But it’s another picture Maria will see of us, rather than me with Raul.”
“I think that ship has sailed.” Harry slipped his phone away. “Besides, it’s good advertizing for the restaurant. Free advertizing.”
“The ship has sailed?” Raul frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I’m pretty sure your mother has figured out there’s something going on with us all, Raul. She’s a smart cookie.”
“Cookie?” Raul appeared even more confused then shook his head. “She is smart, si, and I have decided, when she comes to Australia to visit, I will tell her the truth, the way we did Riley.”
“Riley may have already told her,” Evan said.
“I doubt it.” Harry frowned. “As I said, he’s very discreet.”
“Maybe not if it’s pillow talk.” Lucas raised his eyebrows.
“Mmm.” Raul sat back and folded his arms. “I do not like the sound of this pillow talk.”
Chapter Fourteen
Banna, Amal, and Darius were very excitable as they settled on board the Lear. For their first time on an aeroplane, they were certainly doing it in style.
Leaving Mason, Raul, and Lucas to organize them, Olivia prioritized Evan, snagging the same two seats they’d had before and again giving him the seat farthest from the window. He didn’t like to look out.
