by Lily Harlem
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
TEARAWAYS
The Challenge Book #2
By Lily Harlem
Tearaways: text copyright © Lily Harlem 2017
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.
Artwork by Studioenp.
Edited by Studioenp.
Love Lily Harlem? Sign up for her Newsletter to get a free ebook, enter contests and be the first to hear of hot new releases.
Back Cover Information
Having survived The Challenge, Olivia is now hitting the road with her five sexy men. Seeing them all dressed in tight leathers, with big, growling Harleys between their legs, is enough to have her pulse racing and her mouth watering. So naturally, before long bonds strengthen, love blooms and they’re all enjoying the ride of their lives.
But with little more than bikes and the clothes on their backs, how will they survive a long, arduous journey? Having a billionaire’s heir in their midst is no help when Dante Vidal is insisting on them being cashless and having to work for their supper.
Amongst all of that, Olivia finds herself performing a complex juggling act. Having Alpha males sparring, sparks flying and tempers flaring needs a strong woman to take charge. Is she up for the challenge of keeping her men happy, connected and most of all satisfied? One thing is for sure, it’s a task she’s willing to throw herself into heart, body and soul.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
About The Challenge
About Lily Harlem
Chapter One
Olivia stood in the Vidal’s residence in New York City and gawped. Sure, she’d known it would be lavish, huge and decadent, but what she hadn’t counted on were the original Monet’s and Picasso’s hanging on the wall, the grand piano once owned by Sir Elton John and the panoramic view over Central Park sweeping toward The Empire State Building.
“Wow,” she said, walking up to the French doors which were flung open to the warm day. A wide wraparound balcony circled the living area and was elegantly dressed with lollipop-shaped topiary trees and sleek garden furniture. There was even a water feature, a large golden ball that rotated under the flow as if spinning in midair. “This is incredible.”
“You like it?” Harry asked.
“How could I not?” She placed her hands on her hips and stared around. Not only was it her first time in a billionaire’s penthouse, it was also her first time in The Big Apple. “This view…” She squinted as she tried to take it all in. Every building reminded her of a movie and the sprawling park made her itch to get down there and explore.
“Si, this will do us for tonight, Captain.” Raul strolled past her and put his hands on the balcony. He leaned right over and looked downward. “It is high.”
“Be careful,” Olivia worried.
“It is okay, I will not fall.” He tipped even farther forward.
“Jeez, man, don’t freak us out.” Harry grabbed Raul’s t-shirt and tugged him back onto the balcony.
Raul laughed. “Heights do not scare me.”
“They bloody well scare the shit out of me,” Evan said. He stepped onto the balcony, then immediately sat on one of the straight-backed chairs near the door.
“Heights scare you but you do not fear sharks or snakes?” Raul frowned.
“No, I can kill them.” Evan huffed then shook his head at Harry. “You pay to live this high up. Like seriously, man, you need your brain testing, or at least your family does.”
“It’s the best penthouse this side of Central Park.” Harry shrugged.
“And only the best for the Vidal’s, right.” Evan gripped the armrests and seemed to glare at the vista rather than enjoy it.
“Try and relax,” Olivia said. “It’s kind of Dante to let us stay here.”
“Ah, it’s not as if my father can use all of his homes, some he hasn’t been to for years. Letting us stay tonight is no skin off his nose.” Harry moved up to her and slipped his arms around her waist. He pulled her close so her body was in line with his. “But what I will say is if you’re in one of them, Liv, you can bet your life I’ll be there.”
“If you weren’t I’d be breaking and entering.” She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck, then went on tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. She was still getting used to kissing him without the scraggy beard he’d grown while they’d been castaways on Elysium.
“Get a room,” Evan muttered.
“All right. There are six to choose from.” Harry winked at Olivia then turned to Evan. “Want to join us, buddy?”
Evan bit on his bottom lip. His attention went to Olivia, and she could sense his interest in the suggestion. Evan was a seriously sexy guy and she’d be more than happy to get up close and personal with him again.
The moment spun on.
Silence.
Harry rubbed his hand up then down her back, pressing the silky vest top she was wearing to her skin.
She remembered Raul’s words on the beach, when she’d been floaty with rum and he’d been making her crazy with his touch.
‘Would you take more from Mason and Lucas? Both of them at the same time? The two brothers. Or maybe Evan and Harry together, they’d be good, don’t you think? Wild and passionate. Tell me, Olivia, is ménage a trois a fantasy? Do you have a fantasy for more than one guy filling you?’
“Babe?” Evan said, cocking one eyebrow.
Her heart rate picked up. Her internal muscles clenched. Hot, sweaty images besieged her.
Harry and Evan. Now? The reality of what t
hey were suggesting sunk in.
“What do you think?” Harry asked quietly. He stroked his fingertip over her neck as if examining the fading hickey he’d given her in the cave.
“Well I…” Harry was an intense lover and had confessed he had kinks, though was yet to reveal them. And Evan, despite his cool, calm exterior, was wild beneath it. Who else did she know who could slice off a snake’s head from ten feet away?
“I…I…” she stammered. “Can we—?”
“Ah, there you are.” Riley’s voice boomed across the penthouse.
“Worst timing ever.” Harry flashed her a grin then released her.
She missed his touch instantly. And damn it, Riley had plucked the possibility of going further with Harry and Evan right here, right now, from the table. Sure she was a bit nervous about it, but she wouldn’t have minded letting them work on persuading her a little more. The relationships, friendship and sexual, she had with all the guys were intense. On Elysium they’d reassured her it wasn’t a problem to like them all, have sex with them all, but back in the real world…would that work? It was so far from the norm to have five boyfriends.
Riley appeared at the French doors. Mason and Lucas were behind him.
“Come and sit,” Riley said. “It’s time to give you details of The Challenge.”
“Great.” Harry grinned and strode into the living area. He sat on a wide L-shaped white sofa and crossed his left ankle over his right knee. “Give it to us.”
Olivia wandered into the cool of the penthouse and stood by Mason.
“Goodness only knows what Dante has dreamed up for us,” Mason whispered, his Scottish accent thick.
“Could be anything.”
Riley used a remote control to flick on a huge widescreen TV. A map of America appeared. A red line slashed across it from New York to Los Angeles.
“What is this about?” Raul sat next to Harry.
“This.” Riley said, rolling his thumbs over his fingertips, the way he was prone to when nervous or excited. “Is where you’re going.”
“Okay,” Harry said slowly, then glanced at everyone.
Riley pulled in a deep breath. “On bikes.”
“Bikes?” Raul held up his hands; his lower right arm was still bandaged, though the burn was healing. “What bikes?”
“Harleys.”
“Result.” Olivia grinned. She’d always wanted to ride a Harley. Sure, she loved her Kawasaki, but a Harley, that was the stuff of dreams for a petrol-head like her.
“From New York to LA,” Riley said.
“Sounds simple enough.” Evan folded his arms and widened his stance. He had an air of ‘bring it on’ about him.
“It’s a little short of three thousand miles.” Riley raised his eyebrows.
“Hey, I’m used to big drives, mate,” Evan said. “Australia ain’t exactly small.”
Riley inclined his head, as if conceding to Evan’s statement. “It’s an average drive of forty hours.”
“Not exactly crossing the Pacific.” Mason shot a quick look at his twin, Lucas.
Olivia knew what he was thinking. This sounded easy in comparison to navigating one of the world’s largest oceans in a small yacht.
“On Temptress you had everything you needed.” Riley swung his gaze around them all.
“Debatable,” Evan muttered.
Harry frowned at him.
Riley chose to ignore them both. “Now all you’re getting are the bikes and a couple of tents. Apart from fuel cards that’s it, no cash. You’ll have to work your way across the continent if you want to eat as you travel. Roll up your sleeves and get on with it.”
“Work?” Harry said. “Doing what?”
“Whatever you can.” Riley looked at Harry and placed his hands on his hips. “I’m sure you can get inventive.” He paused. “And just so you know, I’ll be checking there are no credit cards secreted on anyone’s person, and, as before, no cell phones allowed.”
“We’re not going to cheat,” Olivia said. “What would be the point in that?”
“I agree.” He nodded at her. “There would be no point in undertaking The Challenge if you didn’t take it seriously.”
“We are taking it seriously,” Mason said. He gestured to Harry. “I’d call two and a half million pounds donated to charity by Harry’s father pretty bloody serious, wouldn’t you?”
“Two damn right.” Harry stood. “So when do we start?”
“First thing tomorrow,” Riley said. “The bikes will be waiting downstairs for you along with everything else you need.”
Olivia rubbed her hands together and grinned. She could hardly wait to climb on her bike, and wow, what a way to see America—framed by handlebars and whizzing along on the open road.
“And what is ‘everything else we need’ exactly?” Evan asked.
“Leathers and helmets of course, plus tents, bedding, some basic cooking equipment.”
“But no money?” Mason asked.
“Just a fuel card that’s set up so it can only buy fuel, nothing else.” Riley frowned. “But you can take whatever cash you have in your pockets now.” He set down a silver tray. “Why not do a count so you know where you’re at?” He glanced at Lucas. “You got any?”
Lucas dug into his faded jeans and plucked out a few notes. He placed them on the tray.
“Twenty dollars, that’s a start.” Riley turned his attention to Mason. “You?”
Mason held up a single note. “British pounds I’m afraid.”
“No good here.” Riley looked at Olivia.
“Sorry. I have nothing.” She shrugged. “My purse went down with Temptress. And it wasn’t exactly a shopping spree on the island so I didn’t think much of it. And now…” All her needs had been catered for since they’d been rescued so it had only crossed her mind once to replace her cards.
“It’s okay,” Lucas said.
“Yeah, no worries.” Harry smiled at her.
“I have this.” Raul set a few euros on the tray. “But I fear it is useless.”
“Useless indeed.” Riley nodded.
“Jeez, so all we have is twenty dollars?” Harry said, shoving his hand through his hair.
“You must have a few fifty buck wads in your wallet,” Evan said to him.
“No, I use gold cards.”
“Naturally.” Evan tutted and stood. “Just as well I have some then.” He pulled his wallet out and leafed through several dollar bills. “I have another forty.”
“Which makes sixty,” Olivia said. “Enough to get food tomorrow.”
“For all of us?” Harry said with a frown. “In what restaurant?”
“Well there’s these big shops,” she said. “Called supermarkets. We might have to buy ingredients and cook.” She grinned at him.
“Walmart?” he said slowly, as if he’d never entertained the idea of going into it before in his life.
“Yes. I suppose so.” She was enjoying the range of emotions going over Harry’s face. This was a guy who’d had more money than he could spend every day of his life since he was born. He didn’t cook, he didn’t work, he hadn’t had a moment of financial worry, ever. And now here he was, like a mere mortal, having to think about budgeting and surviving on very little money.
“It’ll be fine,” she said, then stepped up and took his hand. “We have a master chef with us. Heck, Raul can make a gourmet meal out of a snake, imagine what he’ll be able to do with sixty dollars and a supermarket.”
Harry glanced at Raul.
“It will be okay, Captain,” Raul said, grinning and making a chopping action with his hand. “I make wonderful food around campfire again, we eat under the stars, sleep in tents with full bellies. No worries.”
“See.” She squeezed Harry’s hand. “It will be an adventure.”
“I’d prefer an adventure with a bit more luxury.” Harry turned to Riley. “An emergency credit card would be sensible.”
“No, just a fuel card.” Riley shook hi
s head. “I’ve been given strict instructions from your father. Dante wants you all, as a team, to get from the east coast to the west with no money and having to work to survive. And once again, you must all complete it, no dropouts. If one person leaves you will have all failed The Challenge and the money will not be donated.”
“No one is leaving.” Mason tipped his chin.
“No one,” Lucas added, his eyebrows dropping low as he rubbed over his right upper arm, dragging on his t-shirt and exposing his dense tattoo. “We’re a team. A family.”
Olivia looked at him and smiled. Lucas didn’t speak often, but when he did she knew it was because what he was saying was important.
“I agree,” she said, swinging her gaze around all five of her men. “We are family, and we will not fail this challenge.”
Chapter Two
Riley gathered up a couple of bank and credit cards, leaving them only with a fuel card and the sixty dollars. After promising to be back at nine o’clock the next morning he left the apartment.
“So now what?” Olivia asked, walking up to the window and looking out at the city.
“Explore?” Evan stood next to her, his arm brushing hers. “We should go on walkabout.”
“Sounds good.” She grinned and turned to the room. “Who else is coming?”
Mason downturned his mouth. “Would love to, hen, but we’re going to drop in on a sensei we haven’t seen for several years.”
“A sensei?” she asked. “What’s that?”
“Karate instructor,” Mason said. “We practiced with him for a long time then he moved to New York. We’re going to stop by his dojo and work out for a few hours. It would be disrespectful of us not to as we’re so near.”
Olivia couldn’t deny she was a little disappointed not to be having the twins’ company, but she knew they took their karate very seriously and asking them to miss out on something important wouldn’t be fair.
“I have doctor appointment.” Raul held up his arm. “Another dressing change.” He pulled a face. “The last one hopefully.”