by Lily Harlem
“Er…okay.” Lucas held Amal rather awkwardly, as though he hadn’t held a child before.
Amal was clearly not happy about it. His little face crumpled, and he let out a wail.
Quickly, Banna stepped forward and took him. “Shh, shh, it is okay. These are good people.”
“We are,” Olivia said, squeezing her shoulder. “I promise we’ll do everything in our power to help you. And I’ll be back soon, wait here.”
After reaching up and pressing a quick kiss to Lucas’s cheek, she slipped from the room.
Her heart was thudding. Adrenaline surged in her bloodstream. She never could have guessed this would happen. Suddenly Victor and keeping Harry and Lucas hidden didn’t seem so important. What was important was the children who were cold and hungry and needed to feel as if there was someone in the world who cared about them.
Chapter Nineteen
Olivia soon reached the ship’s kitchen.
Raul was sitting on a stool with his ankles crossed on a table, which held a pile of recipe books. He was sipping from a steaming mug and flicking through a sheaf of papers.
“Hey, mi niña hermosa, you hungry again?”
“I’m not, but the children are.”
“Children?” He uncrossed his ankles and dropped the papers onto the table.
“Yes. Mason and I found three small children hiding out in a storeroom. They’re thin and cold and have no one.” She paused as emotions swelled in her chest. “It was such a shock to see them there, we thought it was rats. But it’s real children, the poor things, and I…”
“Hey, hey.” Raul was in front of her, his hands on her shoulders. “Slow down. What is happening?”
She pulled in a deep breath. “They’re trying to get to England to find their aunt. She’s all they have left in the world.”
“How many did you say?”
“Three. A girl, Banna, she’s the eldest, and her two small brothers, Darius and Amal. They’re so small and malnourished. They’re orphans.”
Raul tugged her close and slotted her head beneath his chin. “It is a good job you find them and not Victor.”
She gripped his t-shirt and inhaled his scent. “We’re going to have to tell Victor. We can’t keep them secret.”
Raul was quiet for a moment. “What do Harry and Evan think?”
“They agree. Harry will have to buy their passage most likely, and his own.”
“Victor will not be happy. Only earlier he was saying how he lets nothing on his ship without him knowing about it.”
“That’s a joke, he hadn’t even checked the inventory for all the containers. Evan has been doing that.”
“You and I know it is a joke. But Victor believes he runs a tight and secure ship.” Raul hooked his finger beneath her chin. “I knew it was risky having Lucas and Harry on board, but now…children. I do not want Victor to blow his head up with anger.”
“No. I don’t want him to blow his head up with anger, either.” She smiled a little. “But what choice do we have?”
“Can we keep them hidden? With Harry and Lucas?”
“I don’t know.”
“We should consider it.”
“Okay, let’s discuss it. But first they’re hungry.” She gestured to a bowl of eggs. “And so thin. We need to help them get their strength up. They are all tiny for their age.”
“Of course, and that we can do. There is plenty of food. What do you think they like?”
“Eggs, toast, juice, maybe some fruit.”
“That is easy and quick. Come on, you help.”
“I’ll chop fruit, and pour juice.”
“And I will make eggs for them. Special eggs, how I make in my restaurant.”
“I’m sure it doesn’t have to be Michelin star eggs, but it’s all going to be good for them.”
“Has to be good for the tastebuds, too. Perhaps their appetite is not strong if they have been without.”
Soon Olivia and Raul were heading back to Harry’s room with two trays piled high with warm, nourishing food. They paused a few times as the boat swayed.
When she opened the door, balancing the tray as she did so, all faces turned to her.
Banna smiled and held out her arms. “What do you think, Olivia?”
Olivia grinned. Banna was now dressed in soft cotton jeans, a pale pink t-shirt, and a woollen cardigan. She also had on soft pink shoes. “You look lovely.”
“Evan brought us all this,” she said. “Look.”
“Wow, you did well, Evan.”
“It was needed.” He shrugged and continued to rummage through a box of clothing. “Here you are, Amal, you should have this, too.”
Amal took the small t-shirt that had a picture of a football on the front. He slipped it on, adding it over the red t-shirt he was already wearing. “Feeling cold are you, mate?” Evan said with a laugh.
Mason was still holding Darius, but the small boy was now dressed in dark blue shorts and a t-shirt which appeared to have small images of dinosaurs dotted all over it.
“That’s cute,” Olivia directed at Mason.
“It’s what he likes, apparently.” Mason shrugged. “Monsters.”
“Let’s hope he likes eggs, too.” She nodded at the tray she’d set down.
“Eggs. Yes, we like eggs.” Banna licked her lips.
“Eat,” Raul said. “It is good for you.”
“Is that for us?” Amal asked.
“Si, all of it. Now eat up, you need to get strong for our long journey on the sea.”
Darius finally wriggled within Mason’s grip.
Mason bent double and set the small boy down. His new soft shoes tapped quietly on the flooring as he rushed to the tray.
Olivia smiled as Amal did the same.
“Thank you.” Banna wrapped her arms around Olivia’s waist. “Thank you for being kind to us.”
“Kind? We are only doing what’s right.” Olivia stroked her springy hair.
“It is kind. Many people have been unkind to us. We are so grateful that you are on this ship.”
Olivia stooped so she was level with Banna. “And I’m grateful we’re on this ship, too. It meant we found you. Try not to worry, we will help you get to your aunt. Now you should eat.” Olivia nodded at the tray. “Before your brothers finish everything.”
“But do not worry if they do.” Raul took a seat on the bed next to Lucas. “I have plenty more in my kitchen and I love to cook for children best of all.” He grinned.
Olivia looked at Harry. “What do you think about keeping them hidden?”
“We can try,” he said. “But I feel ready to confess to Victor and face the consequences.”
“Which will be what?” Evan said.
“His head will pop.” Raul frowned.
“And then we can take over the ship and everything will be okay.” Mason laughed.
“I vote to keep them hidden, in here,” Lucas said. “For as long as possible.”
“Si.” Raul shrugged. “The closer we are to Spain before he finds them the better.”
“And then what? How will we get them to their aunt?” Olivia asked.
“I can have Riley organize that, and medicals for them,” Harry said. “Make sure they’re healthy before their onward journey.”
“Okay,” Olivia said. “That’s the plan, then, keep them in here, fed and hidden.”
She studied the children. The scared faces had gone with the presentation of food, clothes, and adults who were ready to put them first. An overwhelming sensation of protectiveness washed through her. It was strange, she’d only just met these three small children, but there was no way she’d be parted from them until she was sure they were going to be cared for. They were kids, they should be carefree, looked after, not having to undertake long, scary journeys alone.
“Come on,” Mason said. “I need to get to the bridge. Victor will no doubt want to see you as well, hen.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
�
�I’ll come, too,” Evan said, then groaned. “He said something about me sweeping out the engine rooms.”
“And I need to start on his lunch; today he wants more steak.” Raul rolled his eyes.
“So it looks like you two are babysitting.” Olivia nodded at Lucas and Harry. “Can you handle that?”
“Do we have a choice?” Harry raised his eyebrows.
“I guess not.” Olivia walked up to him and ruffled his hair. “I’ll see you both in a while.”
Up on the bridge, Victor was in a foul mood. He was banging about, swearing, complaining, and swigging from a silver hip flask.
“Ah, good, you are here,” he said, spotting Olivia. “I have work for you; this is not a free ride, you know.”
“Yes, Captain. Of course, Captain.” She moved a little closer to Mason who’d quickly bent over the maps.
“The propulsion system needs a check over, some routine maintenance. Damn ports don’t give us enough time to do any of this essential stuff.”
“That shouldn’t be too much trouble, Captain.”
He huffed. “It won’t take you long, then.”
Olivia had no idea how long it would take her. Propulsion systems on cargo ships were hardly something she was used to dealing with. But she’d give it a go.
“And where is my food? That husband of yours is supposed to be cooking it.”
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” Olivia resisted touching Mason’s arm and left the bridge.
The captain always left her with a sense of unease. He was like a firework, which had had its fuse lit. He would explode; it was just a matter of when.
Quickly, she made her way toward the engineer’s room, wishing there was someone on board who was familiar with the engines of the huge ship. But there wasn’t, so she’d just have to get on with it. The last thing she was going to do was ask Victor for help—she’d rather figure it out by using the manuals.
“Hey, mi niña hermosa, are you okay?” Raul was walking toward her holding a tray covered in a red cloth.
“Yes, fine, just getting on with my jobs.” She nodded at the tray. “Hopefully that will put Victor in a better mood, he’s asking for it.”
Raul tutted. “Creating fine food takes time. Why does no one understand that?”
“I do.” She smiled and inhaled the scent of Victor’s breakfast. But rather than making her hungry, it turned her stomach.
He drew his eyebrows together. “What is it?”
“I guess this rocking boat has made me a bit queasy. Don’t think I could eat that big breakfast.”
“I know what you mean, it moves differently to a small sail boat, si. I prefer small, it is less…rolling.”
The ship swayed to the right.
The containers creaked.
“And that noise freaks me out,” Olivia said, looking up at the giant metal boxes. “I know they’re strapped down, but it’s like they’re trying to escape.”
“They will not escape. You go and sit for a while, work when you feel better.”
“I might. I need to do some reading up anyway.”
He smiled and rushed off toward the bridge.
Olivia swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and slipped below deck and into the engineer’s room. She sat heavily and closed her eyes. She was tired. The excitement of the morning had taken its toll.
Two hours later she felt able to do some basic checks of the propulsion system. But before she set to work, she decided to go and check on Harry, Lucas, and the children. Her mind kept wandering to her five stowaways hidden below deck.
She’d discovered a large packet of mints in one of the drawers of her new desk, so she scooped it up and took it with her.
When she reached cabin number one, she paused. All was quiet. Slowly she opened the door.
Amal, the youngest child was curled up asleep on the bed. He had a blanket tucked around him. Lucas was standing, hands on his hips, looking out of the porthole. Harry was sitting on the opposite bed, Banna and Darius either side of him.
Silently she stepped in.
Lucas turned and a smile caught his lips.
Harry and the children didn’t notice her.
“So try it again,” Harry said, passing Darius a pen.
Darius held it poised over a pad of paper set on Harry’s knee.
“You can do it,” Harry said. “Just copy what I did.”
“It’s just the first ten letters,” Banna said. “Try again, Darius.”
“Okay.” He bit on his bottom lip and carefully began to write.
Harry and Banna seemed to be almost holding their breath as they watched him.
When he’d finished, Harry wrapped his arm over his shoulder and gave him a squeeze. “Well done, that’s perfect.”
“See, you can write.” Banna grinned.
“What are you doing?” Olivia stepped up to them and set the mints on the bedcover. “It all seems very studious in here.”
“Ah, we’re just passing the time,” Harry said. “Decided to practice the alphabet. It seems school has been hit and miss for these guys.”
“And it sounds like you’re doing a great job with your writing, Darius.” She leaned down to look at his attempt.
It was a little shaky, and some letters needed a bit of work, but it was a good start. “Hey, that’s very good, young man.” She rested her hand on his head.
He beamed up at her. “Harry said he will be my teacher while we are on the boat.”
She nodded at Harry. “And I’m sure he’ll be very good at it.”
“It appears I have excellent students,” Harry said, tapping the paper. “Banna has just written out the entire alphabet, and considering she went to a school that had no pencils or paper most of the time, I think that’s pretty impressive.”
“Me, too.” Olivia couldn’t imagine trying to learn to write without the basic tools for the job. “I’m just checking in. I’ve got work to do. Do you need anything?”
“Aye, something to do,” Lucas said, folding his arms.
“You can come and help me in the engine room. I don’t think Victor will appear—he’s up on the bridge, drinking and eating and telling Mason how great he is.”
“Aye, I’ll do that. I’ll go insane in here.” He shrugged. “No offense, Harry.”
“None taken, buddy.” Harry flipped over the page. “We’re going to be doing numbers next.”
“And then will it be dinner time?” Darius asked.
“Are you still hungry? Even after that big breakfast?” Harry studied the little boy at his side.
“No, but I will be…soon.”
Olivia chuckled. “Okay, I’ll warn Raul, have him make you more food soon.”
She opened the door and peered out. The corridor was empty. “Come on, Lucas, let’s go.”
Chapter Twenty
The bowels of the ship were gloomy, hot, and noisy. Olivia sipped from a bottle of water as she worked.
Lucas was a good help, passing her things and knowledgeable when she got a little stuck. Having someone to bat ideas and problems around with was useful when working on something new.
“Victor is lucky he’s got you on board.” Lucas straightened and stretched his arms over his head. His sweats slipped low on his hips, outlining his package beneath.
“Mmm.” She dragged her gaze up to his face and also stood. Her back was aching from being bent over. “Let’s hope it’s done to his satisfaction.”
“I’m sure it will be.” He grinned and reached for her. “And talking of satisfaction.”
Her breasts squashed up against his hard chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She smiled up at him. “Are you in need of some?”
“Always.” He kissed her and ran his hand up the inside of her t-shirt, tracing the shape of her spine.
She melted inside, a need for him growing. His cock was hardening and pressing onto her belly. Could they? Down here? They’d been alone for most of the afternoon. No one had disturbed them.
“I want you,” he said, kissing across her cheek.
“So have me.”
He rucked up her skirt with his other hand and cupped her ass.
She winced a little; her skin was still tender.
“What’s up?” He frowned.
“Harry spanked my ass earlier.” As she’d spoken the words, heat flooded her buttocks again. It had been sexy and infuriating, not to mention humiliating the way he’d given her no choice. She was getting spanked, end of story.
“For fun?” Lucas raised his eyebrows and gently stroked her ass over her knickers.
“Kind of.”
“Go on.”
“He doesn’t want me to talk about Paul anymore.”
Lucas frowned, and a tendon in his cheek twitched.
“He said Paul isn’t part of my life now, and I have you all to think of.”
“That’s true.” Lucas nodded. “And I guess if that’s what Harry wants, that’s what you should do.”
“But can I talk about him with you?”
He smiled, just a little. “You can always talk about anything and everything with me. I love you. I want to know what’s going on in your head and your heart.”
“Thank you.” She kissed him, harder than before, and pressed in close.
He groaned as his cock was squashed between them, and stroked his tongue into her mouth.
His shoulders were warm and hard and dewed with perspiration. She traced their outline as desire swept through her.
“I’m going to make love to you,” he said.
“Yes.” It was exactly what she wanted. “Please. Now.”
“What the hell is going on in here?”
Over the clanging of the engine and the roar of the pistons, Victor’s voice thundered through the room.
Panic flooded Olivia. She went to pull away from Lucas, but he kept her locked in his arms. “Let go,” she said, taking in Victor’s shocked expression.
He stood only a few feet from them, his eyes wide and his hands on his hips.
“No,” Lucas said. “I’m never going to be ashamed of holding you, or try to hide it.”
“So it really is like that, huh.” Victor shook his head. “First I see you with Pretty Boy, and now my navigation guy. What would your husband say?” He tutted.