The Boys: Reverse Harem Romance (The Challenge Book 7)

by Lily Harlem

  The Boys

  The Challenge

  Spin-Off Book #6

  By Lily Harlem

  The Boys: text copyright © Lily Harlem 2019

  All Rights Reserved

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from Lily Harlem.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the author’s written permission.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  Please note this book is intended for mature readers and features MF, MM, MMF and MFM scenes. Artwork and editing by Studioenp.

  Table of Content

  Chapter One – Raul

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five – Evan

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine – Mason

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen – Harry

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen – Lucas

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  A note from the Author – free ebook

  About the Author

  Back Cover Information

  Even paradise comes with challenges.

  For Olivia and her husbands, life is good. Five years on from becoming her harem, the men are happy, and love abounds. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t obstacles to overcome. With five children, long-kept secrets, hidden desires, and a sprawling Australian sheep station to care for, there’s always going to be complications.

  But these are not people who shrink from what their hearts need. They’ll also fight for what they believe in and stick together with a fierce loyalty that cannot be broken.

  Read THE BOYS after you’ve enjoyed the entire series THE CHALLENGE and find out from Raul, Evan, Mason, Harry, and Lucas how their unconventional relationship with Olivia is faring.

  Chapter One

  RAUL

  “Thank you.” Raul took the small crystal tumbler half full of rum and ice and grinned at Olivia. “I deserve this, don’t you think?”

  She laughed and set down the inflight magazine she’d been studying. “You certainly do. It’s going to be a week of celebration after all your hard work.”

  “I’m sure there’ll be more hard work involved this week.” He sipped the fragrant liquid, enjoying the way it warmed his throat.

  “Yes, but fun work. A book launch is fun, after all.”

  “True, mi niña hermosa , very true. And I cannot wait to show you more of Barcelona. Perhaps we will take a boat out, see the city from the water.”

  “You have me very excited about all the treats in store.” Her brow creased.

  “What is it?” He reached over the partition separating their first-class seats and took her hand. “Your face doesn’t match your words.”

  “I am excited. It’s just…” She paused.

  “You can tell me.”

  “It’s just the longest I’ll have been away from the children. I know I go off ranching for a couple of nights at a time, but this, a whole week… And so far away, we’re thousands of miles from home.”

  “I know. I feel the same.” He pressed his hand over his heart. His children, and his brothers by marriage, were his world. “We’ll FaceTime every day.”

  “Yes, we should.”

  He was quiet for a moment, his mind fast forwarding to the week ahead. He’d had no choice but to take a trip to Regalo del Mar, his Michelin Star restaurant. There was too much at stake—his reputation and the continued success of Regalo del Mar and the launch of the recipe book he’d been working on with Jose for over two years. He was immensely proud of the book, and it would catapult his head chef, Jose, into the limelight of celebrity, which was what he wanted.

  But not what Raul wanted. He enjoyed the quiet life. Well, as quiet as it could be with five children, eight horses, more sheep than they could count, plus a bunch of other critters that lived around the station.

  He skimmed his lips over Olivia’s knuckles, breathing in the sweet, flowery scent of the hand cream she’d rubbed in not long ago. “It will be a special time for us, and it will go like we have just swallowed.”

  She frowned. “Do you mean blinked?”

  He chuckled. “Si, that is what I meant. It will pass by in a blink.”

  “I know. And I’m really looking forward to seeing Maria, and the restaurant, and I’m sure Riley will have gone all out for the launch.”

  “It’s his specialty, all that fussing and organizing.” Raul sipped his rum. “It’s a long time since he’s had to do any of that for Harry. Do you think Harry misses it?”

  “Being in the public spotlight?”

  “Si.”

  Olivia was quiet for a moment. “No, not really. He grew up with that. I think living isolated, with people who know him for who he is, not for a playboy billionaire son, suits him. He goes into town with the children, with us, and no one takes any notice. And he has to pull his weight around the station, the way we all do. There’s always a stack of jobs to be done.”

  “And he has cracked his Twitter addiction.”

  She laughed. “Yes, thank goodness. I’d taken all I could with that.”

  “All of us had.” Raul laughed. “Remember when Evan threw his phone into the snake pit?”

  “Down by the creek. Yes, I do.”

  “Harry’s face was a picture.”

  Olivia giggled again. “Poor Harry, it took a while for him to get used to being treated like a normal human being, but he got there in the end.”

  “Luckily he still has moments of flamboyancy, like booking these seats when Daddy’s Lear wasn’t available.”

  “Mmm, I’m not complaining about that.” She stretched her legs out and rolled her ankles.

  She’d slipped her shoes off and wore fluffy pink socks that rucked at the base of her black leggings. She’d dressed for comfort, so she’d said, but damn she was cute.

  “This is a good way to travel,” she said.

  “We should get some sleep soon. When we land, it will be so busy.”

  “I’m excited to see your apartment again. It’s been a long time.”

  “Si, it has. But it has had a fresh coat of paint, will be clean and fresh for us.”

  “Better than a hotel.” She rested her head back, her eyelids getting heavy.

  “Much better.” He studied the endearing slope of her nose and her pretty lips. “And of course it is full of memories.”

  “Yes, it’s where I found out I was pregnant. Though, of course, we didn’t know it was twins then.”

  “There is that, and…”

  “What?” She raised her eyebrows.

  “Do you remember?” He leaned in. “How much fun we all had together.”

  She paused, then, “I could hardly forget.”

  “You tied to the bed, us all touching you, licking you, fucking you.”

  “Raul.” Her eyes widened, and she looked over her shoulder.

  He chuckled. “There is no one listening.”

  “Yes, but…�
��

  He shifted on his seat, his cock tingling at the memories of Olivia naked and harnessed with black silk ties, her body writhing, frustration and pleasure dragging gasps from her throat. Perhaps he’d recreate the moment, but this time have her all to himself.

  Si, that would be fun.

  “Olivia, it is so good to see you.” Maria turned from Raul, who she’d hugged until he’d gasped for breath, and scooped Olivia close.

  Olivia hugged her mother-in-law back. “Hi, Maria, I’m so happy to be in Barcelona again.”

  “Riley and I have been very excited about your visit, as well as the book launch.” She pulled back and held Olivia’s shoulders. “And you look amazing, my beautiful girl. You get younger each time I see you.”

  “Well, I don’t feel it. Not with five children to care for.”

  Maria grinned. “And how are my gorgeous grandchildren?”

  “Growing up fast.” Olivia delved into her purse. “Here, I’ve brought you an up-to-date photograph.” She pulled out a picture set in a silver frame.

  Banna, Darius, and Amal were sitting on one of the swing chairs outside the kitchen, the twins, Isabel and Cameron, spread on their laps and giggling as their older siblings tickled them. It was a natural pose taken just before school one morning, and they were all super sweet in their uniforms and with their lunch boxes and school bags scattered around.

  “Oh, these guys. Look Riley. Oh, the twins are beyond cute.”

  Riley smiled and stepped close to his wife. He’d collected them from the airport, so they’d already had a chance to catch up with him.

  “They’re getting big.” He smiled and pointed at Banna. “She’s going to be a heartbreaker, that one.”

  “Isn’t she just,” Olivia said. “Not least because she has no idea how beautiful she is, and her legs, they just get longer. I swear I have to buy her new jeans every few months.” She smiled, thinking of her last shopping trip with her adoptive daughter. Despite having everything she could ever need, Banna had stayed humble and grateful. She had her priorities right—people, not things.

  “And Amal is still riding?” Maria asked.

  “Si,” Raul said. “Every day. He is more comfortable on a horse’s legs than his own.”

  “He is a good help with herding,” Olivia said. “He often goes out with one of the guys.”

  “And how are the others?” Maria asked. “Harry, Evan, Mason, and Lucas.”

  Raul glanced at Riley. Like Maria, he was one of the few people on the planet who knew their marriage arrangement. Okay, it had been a tribal ceremony conducted in Africa, and instead of rings, Raul, his ‘brothers’, and Olivia all wore wedding necklaces, but it was real to them, their five-way marriage.

  Riley caught his eye for a moment, then rubbed his index finger and thumbs together as if rolling a pill, the way he was prone to.

  “They are well.” Olivia smiled. “Busy, always lots to do on a sheep station of that size.”

  “And the arrangement is still…working.” Maria raised her perfectly plucked eyebrows and continued to study Olivia.

  Riley’s fingers sped up. It was clearly a subject that still bothered him, most likely because Harry’s parents, the Vidals, Riley’s employers, didn’t know the facts.

  “It is.” Olivia nodded cool as anything. “Very well. Everyone is happy and healthy. Thriving, in fact.”

  “Si, all is good for us in Australia, madre.”

  “I feel blessed to hear that. It is all I pray for. Happiness for my family.” She linked arms with Olivia. “Come and sit in the restaurant. I have had Jose prepare you a light snack. I didn’t think you would want too much to eat after that long journey.”

  “Perfect,” Olivia said, “and although I slept some of the way, I’ll probably have a lie down after I’ve eaten.”

  Raul admired his wife’s sashaying ass and felt a stir of desire. Tiredness might be trying to get the better of him, but he’d have some fun the moment he got her alone. His thoughts on the plane had wandered down some deliciously erotic avenues, memories and fantasies colliding. It was unheard of to have her to himself for such a length of time, and he intended to make the most of it.

  He grinned, pleased with his plan and happy to be in Regalo del Mar.

  “Jose!” Raul burst into the kitchen, the familiar scents and sounds wrapping around him. “Mi amigo.”

  Jose looked up from a chopping board, dropped the knife, then, wiping his hands on his apron, strode across the kitchen. “Raul.” He grinned. He was more tanned than usual, his hair a little longer, and a new tribal-style tattoo swirled up his right forearm.

  Raul hugged his friend and colleague. The one man he could entrust his restaurant to.

  “It is so good to see you.” Jose slapped him on the back.

  “And you, too. Enough of FaceTime, this is real time.”

  “It is.” Jose’s smile was broad. “And we’re glad you’re here, so much to do. With the launch, and the press, and Riley has interviews set up, there’s social media stuff, and I’m not sure about one of the dishes and—”

  “Stop.” Raul held up his hand and laughed. “One thing at a time. My brain is…jet lagged.”

  “Ah, it is a long way from Australia to Barcelona, no?”

  “Si, it is.” He stifled a yawn and refused to work out what time it was back home.

  “There is food for you and your wife in the restaurant. Maria’s idea.”

  “It’s a good idea.” Raul glanced at his watch. “I’ll eat, shower, rest, then come back down, and then I’m all yours.”

  Well, some of the time.

  “That is a good plan.” Jose nodded and reached for his chopping knife again. “Oh, and the books.” He pointed with the blade. “Were delivered last week. They are still boxed, in the office. They will need signing by both of us.”

  “Thank you. I’ll take a look.”

  Raul enjoyed a fizz of excitement. So many hours of painstakingly hard work had gone into their joint venture. It hadn’t been easy doing it remotely, but their publisher had been patient, and they’d gotten there in the end.

  He ambled past the large ovens, sliding his finger on the stainless steel counter opposite them. So many nights he’d slaved in here, making his name, making his restaurant and his dreams. It was still his dream, his pride and joy, but it had faded since becoming a husband and a father. He’d hit success young and was happy to relax back, knowing he’d ticked that box.

  The office was tidy, much tidier than when he’d been there. Maria did all the accounts now and kept it super organized. He smiled at a bunch of photographs of the children on a pinboard, and a birthday card to Grandmother. He’d always known his mother had a big heart with lots of capacity to love, and she’d more than proven that in her acceptance of his way of life.

  He spotted a box with Terrapin Publishers written on the side in purple writing. With his heart rate knocking up a notch, he reached inside and plucked out a book. It was satisfyingly heavy, big, too, and the bright cover was eye-catching. Beneath his and Jose’s names it held an image of the restaurant, the sleek silver-and-glass front reflecting a sail boat floating on the Mediterranean.

  Raul had loved that image the moment he’d seen it. He’d fallen in love with Olivia on a yacht—Temptress—so it added another personal touch to the book.

  He flicked it open and pulled in a breath as excitement laced with trepidation took over him. What if he spotted an error? One wrong ingredient quantity or cook time? It was too late to change it. Thousands of these books were being sent around Spain, the world, right now.

  It was proofread until your eyes blurred.

  He tried to calm himself and read the dedication.

  To all our dedicated staff, beautiful families, and sensational customers, let the feast begin…

  He scanned the contents page, then the first recipe. It was for salmorejo, a classic Andalusian dish. Although the cold soup and egg and ham topping had been especially hard to pho
tograph, it had come out well. He flicked to the next recipe. Pisto with a Catalonian twist. Again the picture had come out well, with even a trickle of steam coming from the bowl. Raul had become quite an expert at food photography, which he’d found out was much more complex than he’d first thought.

  After skimming the book, he tucked it under his arm and wandered out. His stomach was rumbling. Not only that, he wanted to be with his wife.

  Chapter Two

  Raul found Olivia sitting at the back table in the restaurant. It was one that afforded a small amount of privacy. Maria was with her, but there was no sign of Riley.

  “Here it is,” he said, holding out the book.

  Maria grinned and rubbed her hands together. Pride glowed from her eyes. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

  “Si, I am very pleased.”

  “Let me see.” Olivia pushed a small bowl of pasta aside then wiped her fingers on a white linen napkin. “This has been a long time in the making, but I know it’s going to be worth it.”

  Raul slid onto the seat next to her and shifted close, so their shoulders touched.

  “I love the cover.” Olivia traced it with her fingertip.

  “Me, too. Look inside.”

  She chuckled and flicked it open. After reading the dedication, she set a kiss on his cheek then began to flick. “Oh, this paella is really lovely,” she said to Maria. “The kids go wild for it.”

  Maria sipped on a glass of white wine and smiled.

  “And this one…” Olivia sighed. “One of my favorites.”

  “Si, I made that for your birthday.” Raul nodded. “The trick is to use a good red wine for the sauce, something dry not sweet.”

  “And this…” Olivia held up one hand. “Perfection. Readers are going to love this. You and Jose have put together such a wonderful blend of traditional and modern, plus there’s nothing super complex to scare people off.”

  “Didn’t Einstein say to truly understand something you have to be able to explain it simply?” Raul grinned.