by Lily Harlem
“You acted cool about them going for ice cream, but the moment she was in her swimsuit around the pool, your face turned to thunder, Raul.”
His jaw tensed.
“I mean it, be nice. The last thing Greg is going to do is mess our daughter around. You’ve made it quite clear she has not one but five dads looking out for her. Enough is enough.”
“Hey, we’re sorry.” Lucas wrapped his arms around Olivia from behind and kissed her cheek. “We’ll be better behaved now.”
“You didn’t say or do anything, Lucas.” She rested her hands on his forearms and sighed.
“Aye, but I thought stuff.”
She rolled her eyes.
“It’s over now, Liv.” Harry held out his hands. “Clean slate, nothing but pleasantries.”
“Mmm.” She scowled at him.
“I mean it.” Harry chuckled. “Greg is our guest and will be treated as such.”
“Good, do it for your daughter if nothing else.” She twisted, kissed Lucas on the lips, then slipped from his embrace. “I need to watch the twins.”
She walked away, her ass wriggling in her bikini.
Evan berated himself. It had been wrong to be flinging knives around when Greg and Banna had arrived back at the station, and he should have been more welcoming.
It was just that his emotions were all over the place today, what with finding the belt and having told Harry its history.
“I might take a shower,” Evan said. “I need some headspace.”
“Sure thing, buddy.” Harry clasped his shoulder. “Take as long as you need.”
“Aye, we’re going in the pool,” Mason said. “So there’s plenty of us to watch the kids.”
“Including Greg,” Raul added quietly. “He needs eyes on him too.”
“We’ll just have to watch him with a bit more subtlety.” Mason shrugged. “Keep our wife happy.”
Evan slipped out of his trunks in the downstairs pool room and wrapped a towel around his waist.
After another cold drink, he wandered up the stairs to the main bedroom. He liked the en suite in there the best. It was huge, big enough for three or four people, and the water pressure was at the highest. Dotted around the house were several other bathrooms, and Banna had her own girly one attached to her bedroom.
He pushed up the door, dropped the towel, and flicked the faucet to tepid.
He didn’t need warmth. He was hot enough.
He stepped in and held his face to the stream, closing his eyes.
As was often the case when his father had crept into his consciousness, images of him flickered behind his eyelids. He did what Harry had suggested; he allowed them to stay until they faded, telling himself they had to be acknowledged before they’d go forever.
He hated his father.
He loved Harry.
He ran his hands through his hair and puffed out a breath, water blowing with it. It was a relief when the image in his mind’s eye was replaced with Olivia, looking sexy in her horse riding gear and smiling as she rode beside him. They’d had a few days out together last week, checking the fencing, sleeping beneath the stars. He loved her so much he felt his heart would burst with it.
He was lucky. He had to accept that. Love was the emotion that ruled his life now. Love ruled this house. Not hate and fear. He’d turned it around—not alone, he’d needed help—but no one who stepped foot on this property would ever be scared or uncomfortable.
Damn, that’s what I did to Greg.
He clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth and reached for the shampoo. His behavior had been shameful. He’d have to right it with Greg and Banna at the first chance he got.
“Want some company?”
As sweet words were whispered in his ear, slim arms wound around his waist.
“I wouldn’t say no,” he said, a tug of relief pulling his chest.
He needed Olivia. He needed her close with her words, her body, and her strength.
“You okay?” She pressed her breasts against his back and kissed his shoulder.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what.”
“For not being as hospitable to Banna’s guest as I should have been.”
“He’ll get over it.” She took the shampoo and squirted some onto her hand. “And you’ve had a rough day.”
He huffed. “Nothing I shouldn’t be able to cope with by now.”
She slid the shampoo into his hair and lathered, massaging his scalp.
He closed his eyes and rested his palms on the cool tiles of the shower wall.
“The thing is, Evan,” she said, softly, “we chose to live where it happened to you, so there’s bound to be skeletons sitting around.”
He didn’t reply.
“And I know you don’t want to talk about it with me.”
“I’m sorry for that, too, Olivia. I really am.”
“Shh.” Again she kissed his shoulder. “I’m not asking you to, I’m just pleased you can talk with Harry.” She paused. “Did you, today?”
“Yes.”
“And it helped?”
“Yes. It did.”
“I’m glad.” She eased him to the right. “Rinse this off.”
He ducked his head under the water, and she fingered his hair as the stream flowed through it. Her touch was gentle and soothing; it replaced all the negative emotions he’d been battling.
“Thank you,” he said after a few minutes.
“No thanks necessary.” She slid her hands to his chest and rested her cheek on his back.
He ducked his head, hands still on the tiles, and watched his cock thicken and rise. It was impossible not to be turned on when she was close and naked.
Without speaking, she slowly ran her touch over his abs, through his pubic hair, and took hold of his shaft.
He moaned softly. “Olivia.”
“I’m just picking up where we left off this morning,” she said. “Let me enjoy you.”
He groaned softly as she pumped her hand along his length, the tip of his cock peeking from her fist.
His balls retracted, and he locked his knees. A release would be good right now, just what he needed.
“You’re so hard,” she said.
“I want you.”
“In a minute.” She used her free hand to tweak his nipple. “I want to play first.”
He surrendered to her, enjoying the lazy way she was stimulating his cock. It meant he could enjoy it without worrying about coming too quickly. And with her warm, wet body close, he could forget about everything else.
“Evan,” she murmured. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.”
He turned, forcing her to release him. She was so tiny and perfect standing before him, her wet blonde hair flattened to her head and her lips and cheeks flushed. Her breasts were small but perfect, her nipples hard.
God, I want her.
“Come here.” He stooped, picked her up, and gripped her ass cheeks.
She looped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. “Evan!”
“Remember that first time, by the waterfall?”
“How could I forget? It was so special.”
“Every time with you is special. I love you more each day.” He angled the tip of his cock at her entrance. “And now I’m going to show you.”
“Yes.” Her eyes flashed as she reached for a kiss.
He backed her up, so her shoulders were touching the wall. He had purchase with his cock, but he didn’t ram in. He took it slow so he could enjoy the way her pussy stretched around him, how the wet warmth enveloped his shaft.
She moaned as he tunneled in, her tongue tangling with his.
His body tensed, his hands tightening on her ass, and he kept on going. When he reached full depth, he broke the kiss and gazed into her eyes. “Every time is like the first time.”
“Yes.” She tangled her fingers in his hair. “Yes, it is.”
“I couldn’t live withou
t you, without you all.”
“You don’t have to.”
He hated that he sounded so needy but couldn’t help it. This was him, raw and vulnerable. He liked to project an easy-going persona, but with Olivia and his beautiful family, he didn’t need to hide it when his past bit him on the ass.
“Oh God, yes, make me come,” she said, grinding her hips. “Make us both come.”
“I intend to.”
The water sluiced over their bodies, their chests sliding together. The air smelled of shampoo and sex.
His cock hardened further, and she gripped him with her internal muscles.
On each long, indulgent thrust, he made sure he rubbed over her clit. He knew he was getting it right—her short gasps and pants and her clenching muscles told him so.
Soon the rhythm picked up, and his control started to slip. The pressure was growing, his release imminent.
“Olivia,” he gasped. “Are you…?”
“Yes, yes…don’t stop.” She clasped his face, holding him to her.
He groaned, a deep growl that echoed around the cubicle. He couldn’t hold off any longer. It was there.
He rode harder over her clit. Her wetness increased around his cock as she tensed and held her breath.
“Come,” he gasped.
She cried out, the sound muffled by his mouth landing over hers.
Her pussy spasmed, and he allowed his climax to claim him. It was intense, fast, and his toes curled. His cock throbbed as his release shot up, once, twice, three times.
Olivia’s pleasure extended, and he stayed with her, his cock being squeezed and released by her pussy in a fast, pulsing beat.
Eventually, her grip on him loosened.
He slowed then stilled but kept himself buried deep.
“I enjoyed that,” she said, smoothing his wet hair back from his face. She was breathing fast.
“Mmm, me, too.” He kissed her and relaxed his grip on her ass. “The best thing that’s happened to me all day.”
“Good therapy, huh.”
He chuckled. “Babe, you are the best medicine a man could ever have.”
Chapter Nine
MASON
“Dad, look, it’s there.”
Mason studied the empty sky in the direction Darius was pointing. “Can you see it?”
“I can hear it.”
Mason strained to hear the whirr of helicopter blades, but all was silent around the vast sheep station they called home.
“I really can.” Darius shifted from one foot to the other. “I promise.”
Mason ruffled his son’s curly hair.
Darius jerked away. “Hey.”
Mason laughed. It was a hard habit to break, but at thirteen, Darius wasn’t so keen on affection anymore. Occasionally, if no one was watching, he’d accept a hug from Olivia, but that was about it.
Thank goodness he has a mom, he so nearly didn’t.
It seemed a long time ago they’d adopted Darius, Banna, and Amal, and Mason couldn’t imagine life without them. And with Cameron and Isabel, too, they were a big family.
Perhaps we’ll soon add to it.
He turned at the sound of Olivia’s small-wheeled suitcase on the deck. “You ready?”
“I am, and it’s just as well.” She pointed over his head. “The helicopter is here.”
Mason spun around again. In the distance, a small speck was getting larger.
“Told you,” Darius said.
“You were right.”
“Good luck in the tournament, young man,” Lucas said, holding out his hand to Darius. “Get those points and remember your training, okay?”
“I will, Dad.” Darius shook Lucas’s hand, his mouth in a serious straight line.
“And call me with the details.”
“I will.”
“Promise?” Lucas tipped his head.
“Yes.”
“Good man.” Lucas gripped Mason’s shoulder. “And you have fun, too. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Of course I will.”
Lucas chuckled and stepped up to Olivia. He drew her into a hug and whispered in her ear.
“Hey, the chopper’s here.” Harry stood at the door, hands on his hips, chest bare, Ray-Bans in place.
“Yep.” Darius shot him a grin. “Time to go and win trophies.”
“That’s the attitude.” Harry grinned.
“And no reason why you shouldn’t with all that practice before and after school,” Evan added.
“I have made you fudge, for energy.” Raul pressed a tub into Darius’s hand. “Your favorite.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Darius tucked the small box into his rucksack.
The helicopter grew louder. Mason stared at it. It was still hard to get used to the fact that whenever they wanted to go to Perth, unlike everyone else who had to sit in a car on endless roads, they just took a helicopter and were in the city in less than an hour.
‘Money is for making life easier,’ Harry was fond of saying.
“You ready?” Mason turned to Olivia. “Said goodbye?”
“Yes.” She gave Banna then Amal a quick hug. “Be good.”
“We will.” Banna smiled.
Amal pointed to the stables. “I’m going to fix a fence in the west paddock with Lucas and Evan.”
“I’m sure you’ll do a great job.”
“Come on, hen.” Mason reached for her suitcase. “Time to go.”
“I’ll take that,” Harry said, taking the suitcase from him.
“Thanks.”
The whirr of the helicopter was deafening. Sand was lifting into the air in huge upward swirls.
Isabel and Cameron hid behind Evan, holding on to his shorts.
As the helicopter landed on the dry earth, Mason gripped Darius’s hand. He might be growing up, but he wasn’t risking him going near the rear blade, not for anything.
Darius didn’t object as they stooped and headed for the chopper. The noise was exhilarating, the strong draft disorientating.
But within seconds they were in the cabin with the door shut and strapping themselves in.
Olivia’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes wide with excitement. “Have you done it up properly?” She nodded at Darius’s belt.
“Yes, Mom.”
Mason reached for her hand and looked out of the window.
Harry was jogging to rejoin the group, sand skittering around his ankles.
“Welcome aboard.” The pilot’s tinny voice came through the headphones. “Should be an easy ride into Perth today, the weather is calm. Sit tight and enjoy the view.”
Darius wriggled on the seat, broad grin in place, and waved at his family.
Olivia waved, too.
Mason knew it tugged her heartstrings to leave the station, but equally, she was excited to accompany Darius to the National Karate Championships. And it was only for a few days.
He, too, was excited to be spending quality time with his wife as well as supporting his son. It was going to be a good trip. He could tell.
The helicopter lifted, and his stomach rose with the motion.
“You okay?” he asked Olivia.
She nodded and gripped his hand. “Yes, but I’ll never get completely used to this form of transport.”
“We’re going so high,” Darius said. “And there’s Troy.” He pointed out of the window.
His horse was running across the paddock, escaping the updraft, tail aloft and mane flowing.
“He should be used to it by now,” Mason said.
“He is really.” Darius grinned. “He’s brave.”
The helicopter continued to ascend for a few more minutes then flattened out. The dry, sandy earth slipped beneath them. Olivia kept hold of his hand.
Darius cracked open his fudge and munched. He ate like he had hollow legs but stayed so slim. Mason was constantly amazed. Olivia said that once he stopped growing upward, maybe he’d grow out. His slender size didn’t stop him being strong, though,
or quick. Mason had high hopes for his chances at the contest. Apart from being dedicated to his karate, Darius also had talent.
Soon they came to the end of their property, marked by a vast white fence, and motored over the huge desert wilderness toward the coast.
It was too noisy for much conversation, and besides, both Olivia and Darius appeared mesmerized by the passing landscape.
Eventually properties peppered the wilderness. They became more frequent until eventually it was clear they were over the outskirts of Perth.
Darius took a few photographs with his phone, then slipped it away. Getting the older three children a phone each for Christmas had required a family meeting, but the decision to do so had been a good one. They were all sensible, and so far, not heading down the route Harry’s obsession had gone.
“Landing in ten,” the pilot said.
Olivia squeezed his hand, the action reminding him of how small and delicate she was in comparison to his own masculinity.
He leaned close and kissed her cheek. The flowery scent of her perfume filled his nostrils.
“What hotel are we staying in?” Darius asked. “Is it near the tournament?”
Olivia nodded. “It’s called Crown Towers, and yes, it’s right next door.”
“I think that’s where Niall is staying.” Darius grinned.
“Yes, it is.” Olivia nodded. “I spoke to his mom. You should be able to see plenty of him.”
Mason approved of Niall. Like Darius, he was committed to his training but also enjoyed a sunny outlook on life and was honest and polite. The two boys had become firm friends which both he and Olivia were keen to encourage.
A landing pad came into view, the tarmac glistening in the heat and the huge white H shining bright.
The pilot touched down with a soft bump. Immediately, the rotors slowed, and the sound began to fade.
Mason unclipped, then waited for the ground staff to approach and open the door.
Once out, he helped Olivia. She hooked her arm with Darius, and as one they walked quickly from the landing pad.
“Thanks.” Mason gave the pilot a wave.
“There should be a car waiting for us,” Olivia said, taking hold of her small case.
“There is, madam, just outside.” A member of staff nodded and directed them to the exit.