Stolen Lust (Beauty in the Stolen 1)

Usually, we use electricity sparingly and save energy where we can, but the ostrich egg lampshades burn in my honor. So does the chandelier with a similar eggshell decoration. Hand-carved wooden benches with lion motives in the back rests and claws for armrests line the walls. The cushions covers are woven from colorfully died wool. The place screams luxury safari.

When I bought it, it was falling to pieces. The political climate and civil unrests scared away tourists. The small community living on the property helped rebuild the lodge. Little by little, we restored it to its former glory and rebalanced the ecosystem. The money I poured into the project saved the tribe from starvation, but that’s not what bought me their loyalty. It’s working to maintain the animals and the land that won me their lifelong dedication. We share the same passion for the land. Africa is part of our blood. It flows through our veins.

I inhale the scent of the grass and the soil when I step onto the deck with my entourage in tow. Leon and Ruben had hidden out at the chalet in Lesotho for a couple of days before crossing the border into Zim. They would’ve only gotten here a few hours ago. Ruben sits on a deckchair, drinking a beer. A few more cans are stacked in a small metal tub filled with ice by his feet. Next to him, three rifles are propped up against the table. He salutes when he sees me.

Leon goes over and cracks open a can, watching me with a broody look from over the rim as he drinks. I tune him out. Our discussion can wait.

The sound of the river cutting a broad path toward the falls rushes in my ears. A lion grunts somewhere. A monkey swings down from the African Ebony tree and dashes over the deck to snatch one of the Madeira loaf cakes Shona has put out on the garden table. She grabs the grass broom leaning against the wall and chases the monkey away with colorful insults in Tswana. The little creature protests loudly and bares its teeth.

I smile.

This is home.

For the first time in months, I relax. I let nature seep into my bones. It’s been too long.

“The roof needs thatching,” Shona says. “The women can cut when the grass is dry.”

I don’t tilt my head to the roof. I trust her judgment. “Do it.”

“It’s good to have you back, Baba,” Garai says, patting my shoulder.

Scattering into different directions, they leave us to enjoy our little welcome home party of Madeira cake and beer.

The peace and quiet don’t last long.

When I go over to the table, Leon takes a beer from the ice tub and slams it down in front of me. Stretching and cracking my neck, I give him a smile. The flare of his nostrils tells me the gesture infuriates him. Fine. He’s not feeling friendly. I can’t blame him.

Ruben gets up and goes to check on a fishing rod in a holder planted in the mud next to the river. The line and bobber float peacefully on the water. No bites. He’s just giving Leon and me space to sort out our shit.

I ease myself into one of the deck chairs and give Leon my full attention. “How did it go?”

He crosses his arms. “I should ask you the same thing.”

Fuck that. Cas isn’t any of his business. She’s no one’s but mine. “Did you order the equipment?”

“The guy will confirm when he can deliver.”

I take the can and crack it open. “Good.” The beer foams over the rim, thanks to Leon’s slamming.

“You shouldn’t have gone back for her.”

I don’t reply, because he’s right.

“You took a hell of a risk.”

I don’t deny this truth either.

“You’re fucking lucky you’re here,” he says.

Yep.

“There are enough pretty girls here to fuck. Get this pussy craving out of your system and don’t fuck with our lives again.”

Putting the beer aside, I stand. “Anything else?”

His look is hard. “That about sums it up.”

I grab a rifle and go down the steps.

“I was worried about you,” he calls after me.

I stop and turn. “Yeah, I know.”

“Do I need to worry more?” he asks, caution creeping into his dark eyes.

“Leave the worrying to me. That’s my job.”

He clamps his lips together.

Ruben shoots me an expressionless look.

Turning my back on them, I follow the path to the main bungalow. The biggest of the five, it sits on a grassy bank that faces the river. The big deck in the front allows for spectacular sunset views. The deck is open in the front and covered with thatch at the back for use in rainy weather. Watching the river when the skies pour down is a sight to behold.

A bedroom sits on the left-hand side of the deck and a bathroom on the right. The rooms are spacious and luxurious. The walls are adorned with ethnic motives. The clay floors are polished to a deep, burgundy shine. Large windows frame the magnificent vista. Leon and Ruben each occupies two of the four smaller bungalows, and Shona and Banga live in the others. Garai and Wataida stay with their families in the huts on the eastern border of the property.