Peach Salinger I frown. Where’s this coming from?“Shady business?” I reiterate.Reginald immediately senses the tension and steps in. “You owe me ten bucks, Marienne. Peach actually came in.”I snap my head to his direction. He’s standing by the kitchen threshold. “Wait, you guys made a bet that I wouldn’t come in?”“Yeah. Marienne was so sure you would refuse.” his lips curls into a cocky grin. “I on the other hand already knew how to get you to.”Arghh.He really knows how to push my buttons, doesn’t he? I immediately go after him but he darts to the other side of the room, away from me. “I don’t see why you’re so mad, Peach,” he says with that cocky grin that makes my blood boil. “You tricked me, asshole!” I shout.He laughs. “Did I? You came in out of your own free will.”“Shut up!” I snap, taking a step forward. “I swear, if I get my hands on you, I’ll—”Before I can finish, Reggie darts away again, that same infuriating grin on his face. “You’ll what, buttercup? Rip my heart
Patch Salinger When I get to the office the following morning, I see on the company calendar that Rhys will be out of the office all day. Although, I don’t know what it would be be like seeing him in the setting of the office after I kissed Reggie last night.I feel like a cheating girlfriend and it even makes it even harder. I don’t like Reggie like that. I mean, there’s these tension and it’s probably from the unresolved feelings from our childhood. But that’s it. I prefer sex with Rhys. As the hours go by, I begin to miss him and yet I also begin to feel uneasy. I wonder what he’s doing right now. Who’s he with and that thought immediately makes me feel like a clingy stalker. What is wrong with me?I mean, he didn’t even inform me he would be out of the office for the day. He should’ve, I think. Based on the relationship we have, he should’ve at least said something to me instead of me having to find out on the company calendar. I guess don’t mean anything to him. I mentall
Peach SalingerI hesitate. Then, “My stomach,” I tell him, “sliding slowly up to caress the silky skin beneath my breast.”He sucks in a breath.“And now onto my nipple,” I whisper. “Sliding over it.”“What does it feel like?”“Pebbly.”He growls. “Down now. We’re doing this. Are you with me?”I slide my hand down under the elastic in my underwear.“We’re doing it.” He lets out this shuddery breath. Things feel heated. Wild. “How wet are you? Tell the truth.”“Pretty damn wet,” I whisper. “You know I am.”“I know, baby,” he says. “Slide over it. Slow and hard. No mercy..”I slide the tip of my finger up through my folds. Everything feels heightened. My skin is too tight. The sounds of the city are incredibly distinct. The pillow is perfectly cool under my cheek. My pussy feels more sensitive than ever, my clit throbbing with need.“Taste yourself. Tell me how sweet you taste.” I lick two of my fingers and hum. “Yeah, like that. God, you sound hot like that. Next, rub your clit and sin
Peach Salinger Day two of the one week intern’s break and I’m bored out of my skin. Rhys has been really busy and we’ve barely talked since the phone sex we had two days ago. I almost called him earlier today but I held back the urge to. The company’s 34th anniversary is definitely a big deal and he’s the boss, he’ll be hella busy. I don’t want to distract him. I don’t want to come off as a clingy bed mate either.With nothing to do, I decide to agree to Reggie’s idea of going camping. He took a week’s leave from the hospital and wants to go camping. He wants Marienne and I to go to. He also thinks this might be a chance for me and Marienne to re-bond and find our lost friendship.I’m not even sure what’s really on her mind. She told me I was up to some shady business and haven’t been noticing her. I agree I’ve paid less attention to her because of my fling with Rhys. But at least she should know I also have my personal life and it doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around her
Peach SalingerI swallow hard. It’s only for three few days.We light the bonfire, the flames crackling and snapping in the quiet night. The warmth feels good against the chill. Reggie’s sitting across from me, poking at the fire with a stick, while Marienne is off to the side, staring into the flames. “Alright, ladies,” Reggie says dramatically. “I’ve got a story for you. Ever heard about the ghost that haunts these woods?”I roll my eyes. “Come on, Reginald. We’re not twelve.”“Oh, this isn’t a story for kids,” he says, leaning in closer, his face half-lit by the fire. “There’s a legend around here about a girl who went missing in these very woods. They say she wandered off from her campsite one night and never came back. Her friends searched for her, but all they found was her backpack...covered in blood.”I can feel my heart start to race, but I don’t say anything. I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he’s freaking me out.Reggie continues, his voice dropping lower. “Peop
Peach Salinger I rush over to Reggie’s tent. My heart is pounding in my chest and the cool night air is biting at my skin. My head’s spinning with thoughts of what could’ve happened to Marienne. I can’t believe she just stormed off like that into the woods in the middle of the night.“Reggie,” I whisper loudly, crouching down and shaking his shoulder. “Reggie, wake up.”He groans, half-turning before blinking up at me groggily. “Peach? What’s going on?”“Marienne’s gone. She…she walked out of the tent, and I can’t find her anywhere.”That wakes him up. He sits up quickly, reaching for his flashlight beside the sleeping bag. “Shit. Alright, we need to look for her.” He stands.“I... I don’t know if I can go into the woods, Reg,” I admit. “Not after that stupid story you told.”He gives me a mock smiles. “You can stay here if you want. I’ll find her.”The thought of being alone in the tent with my nerves is worse than facing whatever’s out there. “No, I’ll come with you.”He takes
Rhys Van Acker It’s just 11 in the morning and my day is already so shitty. And it keeps getting shittier that it’s almost unavoidable at this point. First, I’ve been cooped up in my bedroom for four days, reviewing campaign ads pitch for the upcoming company anniversary. The only time I stepped out was when I went looking for Peach. Which brings me to the fact that my sexy little devil has gone ghost on me for two days now. She’s not returning my texts and her cell is unreachable as well. I even went to the Arconia in search of her but her apartment was locked. It’s driving me nuts not knowing what she’s up to or who she’s with. And now, few seconds before finally losing my mind, Avery texts me to inform me that grandpa and my mother are coming over to my house. But get this, with Nichole’s family. Yeah, sounds pretty serious. We’ve not really taken things any further than the forced engagement at the hospital. I’ve not met Nichole’s parents yet. I’ve done a great job postp
Rhys Van Acker I drive with full speed, my hands gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. The campsite is the only place I can think of. My phone vibrates with text after text from my mother, but I don’t bother looking. I know what she wants. What they all want. The car screeches to a halt when I pull up at the campsite, and I step out, scanning the area. A group of campers come into view, huddled around a fire, laughing and talking. And then I see her. Peach. My heart jumps into my throat when I spot her, that signature long black hair falling over her shoulders, and her long legs are on full display in that ridiculously short skirt. She’s in a huge, oversized shirt and definitely not wearing a bra. Her pointy nipples are so evident in that big shirt. Definitely not hers. I already know who it belongs to, and just as I think it, he appears. Reggie. I hate him. Always have. Even though Peach once told me they were just friends, something’s still off about him.
Rhys Van Acker Attending a family meeting isn’t basically something I had planned on doing. But when my mother, Catalina Van Acker summons, there’s no turning her down. If you do, she’ll have an episode and check herself into a hospital for chest pain or some other catastrophe that will drag on for at least a week. I really don’t have time for that with the company anniversary coming up. Though, I have a feeling it has something to do with me walking out on Nicole’s family the other day. I sit in my car and glare at the road. The only way out would be if my EV malfunctioned in a significant way. I’d be ecstatic if its battery burst into flames.Unfortunately, my car doesn’t cooperate. It drives like a dream. Fucking modern engineering.I park my car in front of grandfather’s mansion and climb out. The yard is huge and the surrounding shrubs have been trimmed low to ensure everyone has an unobstructed view of the garden. The main structure is huge, with ivory walls and turrets
Peach Salinger Before I can stammer out another half-baked excuse, the front door swings open and in walks Reginald. He looks completely unfazed. I blink in surprise as he steps forward, his eyes locking onto my grandmother’s.“She was with me all night,” Reginald says smoothly.My head snaps toward him. What is he doing? My grandmother's gaze shifts slowly from me to Reginald, her eyes narrowing as she studies him. For a tense moment, no one speaks. Then, something changes in my grandmother’s face—her stern expression softens just a fraction.“Reginald?” she says with surprise and something almost like fondness.Reginald nods. “Yes, Mei Mei, it’s me.”Without another word, she beckons him over, her hand extending towards him in what looks like a welcoming gesture. I breathe a tiny sigh of relief, thinking for a brief second that the worst is over, that maybe this will be easier than I expected. But then, as soon as Reginald leans in for what he probably assumes will be a hug,
Peach Salinger I must’ve fallen asleep in Rhys arms last night because when I wake up, it’s morning. Opening my eyes, I stare at the familiar surroundings, my body sore and aching from the sex we had last night.I had forgotten what it was like with Rhys, how cathartic the roller coaster ride of pain and ecstasy could be. I feel both empty and exhilarated at the same time, wrung out, yet invigorated by the maelstrom of emotions.Sitting up gingerly, I wince at my sore back. Casting a glance around the room, I spot a door that I assume leads to the bathroom. Rhys is not in the room, so I get up and go over there, feeling the need to wash up. The bathroom contains a huge shower, as well as a sink and toilet. There’s a plastic-wrapped toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash tucked inside a little shelf on the wall. I use all three and follow up with a quick shower.Then, feeling infinitely more refreshed, I go back into the bedroom to get dressed. I grab one of Rhys’s t-shirt and his s
Rhys Van Acker I pace the length of my living room, running a hand through my hair for what feels like the hundredth time. The sound of the rain beating against the windows is relentless and it makes my blood boil even more.It’s driving me crazy. It’s like every nerve in my body is on edge. I glance at my phone, hoping for another text from her. Nothing. Just silence. The rain pounds harder, and I feel this tight knot forming in my chest. She should be here. Under me. Fucking her till her pussy spasms on my cock. But instead, she’s probably curled up in her apartment. The blood in my veins roars. My skin stretches taut, and I feel like a beast starved for her.Suddenly, the doorbell rings, cutting through my thoughts. My heart jumps in my chest, and for a second, I freeze. Who the hell would be here in this weather?I stride over to the door and yank it open, and then I see her.Peach.She’s standing there, completely soaked from head to toe. Rainwater is dripping from her hair a
Peach Salingers I walk back toward the camp, trying to calm myself down, but my heart is still pounding. Rhys has this way of making me want him and now my head’s a mess. As I approach, I see Reggie glance up from packing, his face curious, like he’s waiting for an explanation.“What took you so long?” he asks, standing up straight.“Just work stuff,” I lie, brushing him off as casually as I can. “Mr Van Acker was giving me some last-minute details.”Reggie’s eyes narrow, but he doesn’t press. I know he doesn’t believe me. I can feel it from that familiar long hard look he always gives me. But I don’t have the energy to explain, nor do I want to. Especially not about Rhys.“It’s our last day here,” Reggie says after a moment. “We should start packing up.”I nod and we start packing our stuff, loading the gear into the car. Marianne barely acknowledges me. She’s been cold ever since we got here, and I don’t even know why. Not that I care right now, I’m tired of trying to find o
Rhys Van Acker I drive with full speed, my hands gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary. The campsite is the only place I can think of. My phone vibrates with text after text from my mother, but I don’t bother looking. I know what she wants. What they all want. The car screeches to a halt when I pull up at the campsite, and I step out, scanning the area. A group of campers come into view, huddled around a fire, laughing and talking. And then I see her. Peach. My heart jumps into my throat when I spot her, that signature long black hair falling over her shoulders, and her long legs are on full display in that ridiculously short skirt. She’s in a huge, oversized shirt and definitely not wearing a bra. Her pointy nipples are so evident in that big shirt. Definitely not hers. I already know who it belongs to, and just as I think it, he appears. Reggie. I hate him. Always have. Even though Peach once told me they were just friends, something’s still off about him.
Rhys Van Acker It’s just 11 in the morning and my day is already so shitty. And it keeps getting shittier that it’s almost unavoidable at this point. First, I’ve been cooped up in my bedroom for four days, reviewing campaign ads pitch for the upcoming company anniversary. The only time I stepped out was when I went looking for Peach. Which brings me to the fact that my sexy little devil has gone ghost on me for two days now. She’s not returning my texts and her cell is unreachable as well. I even went to the Arconia in search of her but her apartment was locked. It’s driving me nuts not knowing what she’s up to or who she’s with. And now, few seconds before finally losing my mind, Avery texts me to inform me that grandpa and my mother are coming over to my house. But get this, with Nichole’s family. Yeah, sounds pretty serious. We’ve not really taken things any further than the forced engagement at the hospital. I’ve not met Nichole’s parents yet. I’ve done a great job postp
Peach Salinger I rush over to Reggie’s tent. My heart is pounding in my chest and the cool night air is biting at my skin. My head’s spinning with thoughts of what could’ve happened to Marienne. I can’t believe she just stormed off like that into the woods in the middle of the night.“Reggie,” I whisper loudly, crouching down and shaking his shoulder. “Reggie, wake up.”He groans, half-turning before blinking up at me groggily. “Peach? What’s going on?”“Marienne’s gone. She…she walked out of the tent, and I can’t find her anywhere.”That wakes him up. He sits up quickly, reaching for his flashlight beside the sleeping bag. “Shit. Alright, we need to look for her.” He stands.“I... I don’t know if I can go into the woods, Reg,” I admit. “Not after that stupid story you told.”He gives me a mock smiles. “You can stay here if you want. I’ll find her.”The thought of being alone in the tent with my nerves is worse than facing whatever’s out there. “No, I’ll come with you.”He takes
Peach SalingerI swallow hard. It’s only for three few days.We light the bonfire, the flames crackling and snapping in the quiet night. The warmth feels good against the chill. Reggie’s sitting across from me, poking at the fire with a stick, while Marienne is off to the side, staring into the flames. “Alright, ladies,” Reggie says dramatically. “I’ve got a story for you. Ever heard about the ghost that haunts these woods?”I roll my eyes. “Come on, Reginald. We’re not twelve.”“Oh, this isn’t a story for kids,” he says, leaning in closer, his face half-lit by the fire. “There’s a legend around here about a girl who went missing in these very woods. They say she wandered off from her campsite one night and never came back. Her friends searched for her, but all they found was her backpack...covered in blood.”I can feel my heart start to race, but I don’t say anything. I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he’s freaking me out.Reggie continues, his voice dropping lower. “Peop