Stowaways Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  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

  STOWAWAYS

  The Challenge Book #4

  By Lily Harlem

  Stowaways: text copyright © Lily Harlem 2018

  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

  When tensions soar in Africa, Olivia has to rise to the new set of challenges she faces. Having six husbands to keep happy and satisfied was never going to be easy, and soon she finds herself caught in the middle of a whirlwind of uncertainty and a cyclone of illicit desires.

  Throw in dangerous creatures, someone who just won’t conform to his new role, and a volatile relationship within her harem, and she knows she’s playing with fire. The last thing she wants is to get burned, or for her dreams to turn to ash.

  And with new charges on the horizon, a watery horizon, how will she face the future? A future that’s going to drop her into the real world where she’ll have her unconventional relationships scrutinized. But does she care about other peoples’ opinions? What are her priorities? And can they really stowaway and not get caught?

  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

  About THE CHALLENGE

  About the author

  Chapter One

  “Nothing,” Olivia repeated, frowning at first Harry and then Evan. “You look ready to kill each other. Don’t tell me nothing is going on here.”

  “I should knock his fucking head off.” Evan breathed deep and scowled. “That’s what’s going on.”

  “I’m right here,” Harry said, pressing against Olivia’s palm that was flat on his bare chest. “Try it.”

  “Hey,” she said. “Stop. Now. I mean it.”

  Harry stilled.

  “This isn’t who we are,” she said firmly.

  “I don’t know who the hell we are anymore.” Evan stepped away. He shoved his fingers through his messy blond hair and left them there with his elbows sticking out to the sides. “He’s…” He glared at Harry. “He’s…”

  “What?” Harry asked. “What am I?”

  “Never mind,” Evan said. He dropped his arms, turned, and stomped to the doorway.

  “Wait,” Olivia called. “Let’s talk this through.”

  He paused but didn’t look back. “No, let’s just forget it ever fucking happened, okay.”

  He disappeared from view.

  Fear and frustration bubbled inside her. She wanted to go to him but also wanted to stay with Harry. His cheeks were flushed and he’d twisted his mouth into a grimace.

  “Harry.” She took both of his hands in hers. “What’s going on between you?”

  He closed his eyes. “I’ve fucked it up. The best buddy I’ve ever had and I’ve ruined it all.”

  “Because you kissed him.”

  He flicked his eyes open. “You saw?”

  “Yes.”

  “Shit, now he’s really going to hate me.” He groaned.

  “Evan doesn’t hate you, Harry. He’ll calm down.”

  “You think?” He huffed. “Evan’s a chilled out guy, until something yanks his chain then he’s like a volcano erupting.”

  She couldn’t deny that.

  Harry sighed. “Damn it, what am I going to do? Maybe I should leave Africa and—”

  “No. We stick together.” She couldn’t bear the thought of them being apart. They were married now. They had to be with each other, all of them. “Tell me what happened. From the beginning.”

  He puffed up his cheeks then blew out a breath.

  “Harry. Why did you kiss him? Where did that come from?”

  “I’m not gay.”

  “I never said you were.”

  “I don’t want to bend him over and shove my cock up his ass. It’s not exactly an addition to my to-do list.”

  “Harry!” His coarse words had surprised her.

  “Well I don’t so I might as well say it. And I’d have told him that if he hadn’t been about to kill me.”

  “So what then…what’s this about?”

  He stepped away, toward the window, and looked out at the African plain.

  When he didn’t speak, she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She rested her cheek on his bare shoulder.

  “I love you,” he said quietly. “You’re my wife, my lover, the woman I want at my side.”

  “I love you, too, Harrington Vidal.”

  “And I’m not looking for what we have, me and you, with anyone else.” He paused. “All I did was suggest to Evan that when the three of us are in bed together, maybe it would be okay if we had a little fun, too, relaxed the rules, the odd kiss, touch.” He stroked his hand down her arm. “It was so hot to be inside you at the same time as he was, his cock next to mine, you coming so hard. I just…” He sighed. “I guess I just believe if it feels good, do it.”

  Olivia thought back to when they were all joined, and how sexy it had been. It was one of the most erotic experiences of her life, and she wanted it again. And if Harry’s and Evan’s hands strayed to each other’s bodies, if they shared a three-way kiss, it would crank up the heat level even more.

  “Talk to me,” he said. “Have I annoyed you as much as I have him by suggesting that?”

  “No, no of course not. We should talk about our desires, our needs, and if you and Evan decide to relax the rules that’s fine by me. Hell, I’d think it was pretty damn sexy to be a part of.”

  “You would?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well it’s not going to happen now, is it?” He turned withi
n her embrace and slipped his hands around her waist. His brow was creased, and his lips pressed in a tight, worried line.

  “Oh, Harry.” She squeezed him close. “I’m sorry you’re feeling so bad.”

  He kissed the side of her head. “Thank you for understanding. For not judging?”

  “What is there to judge? You suggested something, that’s all. You did nothing wrong.”

  “Sure I did.”

  “What? What did you do wrong?”

  “You saw for yourself, I kissed him.”

  She hesitated, and then asked again, “Why did you do that?”

  He pulled in a deep breath. “Because for a moment, after I said there could be something between us, all three of us, I thought he wanted me to kiss him.” He paused. “Kind of like an experiment, I don’t know.” He glanced away. “To see how it would feel between us.”

  Olivia was quiet. She knew what she’d seen. Her men had shared a moment of passion. It had been brief, a split second, but it had been there.

  “One thing has confused me, though,” Harry said, tucking a strand of Olivia’s hair behind her ear.

  “What?”

  “For the tiniest amount of time…he…” He bit on his bottom lip.

  “He what?”

  “I shouldn’t say it, I’ve done enough damage.”

  “Tell me, it’s between us, no one else.”

  He hesitated then, “Evan kissed me back—before he shoved me away as if I were some kind of leper, he kissed me back.”

  Olivia agreed with Harry. Evan had returned the kiss. He’d clung to Harry’s forearms, slanted his head, and pushed close. Maybe that was why he was so mad, not at Harry, but at himself for responding to something he hadn’t expected to.

  “Have you ever kissed a man before?” she asked.

  “No.” He huffed. “Of course not. It’s just this unique situation, the three of us, that made me do it. I’m not homophobic, I couldn’t care less what other people are into, but I’m not gay.”

  “You’re open minded, that’s all, and unconventional suits you.”

  “Just as well, huh. With this set up.” He stroked his finger over his soft leather collar, and then did the same to her diamond one. “I’m sorry for this mess, Liv, really I am.”

  “Don’t be sorry. It’ll be okay. I’ll talk to Evan, tell him what you’ve told me.”

  “You will?”

  “Yes, once he’s calmed down.” She paused. “And being truthful is good, don’t regret speaking it.”

  “Thanks, but I do. Oh, and be sure to tell him I’m not having sexy dreams about him. It’s you I dream of.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” She smiled.

  “You won’t mention it to the others, will you?”

  “Not if you don’t want me to.”

  “No, I don’t know how the twins would react…I want to figure it out myself first. Try and pick up the pieces.”

  “The pieces will be just fine, you wait and see.” She went onto her tiptoes and kissed him.

  He dragged her closer, aligning their bodies and sweeping his tongue into her mouth.

  She loved him so much. She loved Evan, too. It was clear this new desire of Harry’s to connect the three of them more intimately had rocked the boat. And it was up to her to keep the waters calm, not let a storm brew within her harem.

  Eventually Harry broke the kiss, but he kept her near. “I need to get this flooring fixed. It’s loose in the corner.”

  She glanced at the two boards that were set upright against the wall. A hammer and nails were sat beside them. “Yes, you get on with that, then maybe you’ll help me tow the Jeep nearer to the tent, away from any leopard hiding places.”

  “Damn thing is so brave, I don’t even think it’s bothered about hiding.”

  “I know. Lucas is working on the van now, getting it ready so we can trap it, hopefully, and transport it out of here safely.”

  He released her and walked over to the hammer, picked it up. “Can’t happen soon enough. I’ll come find you when I’m done here, shouldn’t take long.”

  “Okay, and Harry…don’t worry about Evan, he’ll come round.”

  “You don’t think he’ll hate me forever?”

  “No, I really don’t. Your friendship is strong, have faith in it.”

  She walked out into the heat with the sound of Harry banging the floorboard back into place rattling around her brain. He seemed to be bashing the nails in with extra energy, as if using up his frustration.

  Lucas, though, had stopped banging in the van. Several pieces of the internal shelving were on the dusty ground along with the amber-colored skylight. She could see him fiddling with something at the back of the vehicle, his head stooped as he stood in the shadows right up against the cab wall.

  Glancing around, she searched for Evan.

  Paul and Mason were seated at the entrance of their tent, eating. Raul was stacking wood, ready for the fire. He had his shirt off, and his dark skin gleamed in the sunshine. He didn’t burn, and his olive tone had become a rich shade of chocolate, his muscles defined and rippling beneath his flesh as he moved. A little fizz of appreciation went through her—her Spanish husband was a hunk, and with his hair overly long and a little bit of facial hair growing over his top lip and chin, he was the stuff of fantasies.

  Except for her he was a reality.

  He must have sensed her looking his way, because he raised his head and smiled. “Hey,” he called.

  “You seen Evan?” she asked.

  “Si, he went that way, toward the lake.”

  She turned to the west side of the village. “Oh, okay.”

  “But do not go after him alone,” Raul said. “I will come with you.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ll leave him for now.” If he’d gone to the lake, chances were he’d done so to sort through what had happened with Harry. She’d give him some time alone.

  The horizon shimmered as though water lay on the dry, dirt surface. Giraffe grazed on a group of trees in the distance, as they often did, and huge birds circled near the sun.

  She’d never tire of the beauty of Africa. Despite its harsh landscape providing challenges to humans, there was something so magical about the array of animals and the way the land supported the circle of life.

  It was then she saw it.

  Just to the right of the van Lucas was working in.

  Leopard.

  Its shoulders were hunched, its head low, and its tail rod straight. It was stalking…toward Lucas.

  Fear gripped her. Another five feet and it would have him trapped in the van. Sure they’d talked about bait, but not one of them.

  “Lucas!” she called. “Watch out, the leopard.” Adrenaline burst into her system. She thought she might be sick.

  Mason and Paul leaped up, so did Raul.

  She rushed forward, fearful of the leopard but more terrified for Lucas. He was unarmed, and although he was a karate black belt, he’d be no match for a killer cat.

  He turned. Shock widened his eyes, and he dropped whatever small tool he’d been holding.

  “Shit, do something,” Olivia called. “Harry!” Where was he with his gun when they needed him?

  Mason and Paul were rushing to the van, dust puffing up behind them as they ran. But they didn’t go to the leopard. Instead, they jumped onto first the hood and then the roof. The whole thing rocked, and the bang echoed around the metal interior.

  The leopard seemed unperturbed by this and continued its deathly slow walk. The sun glinted off its rich black and gold coat, and its teeth were bared.

  “Lucas.” Mason shoved his hand through the opening in the roof of the van. “Get out of there, man.”

  Lucas glanced upward, and then looked back at the leopard.

  One big pounce and it would be upon him. He wouldn’t stand a chance.

  “Now!” Paul shouted, also reaching into the van.

  Olivia’s heart thudded, her pulse loud in her ears. The cat ha
d been determined to get a human and now it was about to.

  Lucas—her sweet, loyal husband who she loved so much.

  Frantically she looked about, willing Harry or Evan to come and help.

  “Stay back,” Raul said, rushing past her. “Right back.”

  She ignored him and paced forward. She had no idea what Raul’s plan was, but if he was going to help Lucas, so was she.

  As she moved, Lucas reached upward and grabbed his brothers’ hands. He then sprang into the air.

  The leopard leaped into the shadow of the van.

  Olivia screamed.

  But it didn’t get him. Mason and Paul dragged Lucas through the skylight and onto the roof. He landed with a thud, one foot either side of the hole. The three of them stood there, the sun behind rendering them in silhouette, and looked down into the van.

  The leopard roared and batted a huge paw at the space where Lucas had just been.

  Lucas quickly stepped out of its reach. He was breathing fast, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

  “Got you!” Raul grabbed the van’s rear door, which was wide open.

  “No, be careful,” Olivia called.

  Raul was within feet of the leopard, and the damn thing moved with such speed. It could easily give up on trying to reach the skylight and turn.

  Raul slammed the door shut.

  Relief poured through her. She ran up to him, her legs like jelly.

  The handle was a little stiff, and together they pulled it downward to lock it securely.

  “Oh, my God,” she said. “We did it…did we?”

  “Si.” Raul wiped his brow with the back of his hand. “It is in there.”

  The van rocked and shifted on its suspension as the creature within bellowed and hurled itself against the sides.

  “Bloody thing is trying to get out the roof,” Paul shouted down.

  “Throw that up, Raul,” Mason called, pointing at the skylight on the ground. “We’ll shove it back on.”

  Raul grabbed the heavy square of Perspex, then passed it up to Mason.

  “Cheers,” Mason said.

  Olivia stepped back and watched as Lucas and Mason secured the skylight. It took a few attempts as a big paw managed to bat it away a couple of times.