Rhys Van Acker The airport is bustling with activities as I pace back and forth in the private lounge. I try to distract myself by the distant clatter of suitcases, and the low murmur of travelers moving through their own routines. Yet, all I can focus on is the slight twisting in my gut as I wait for Peach.I’m not sure she’ll show up, it’s 9:54am and she’s supposed to be here before 10am. I just hope my plan works. I already told Cole not to come until tomorrow so basically, I’ll be going to Tokyo alone with Peach—that’s if she shows up.If she does, then I get a chance to change her mind about the contract. My blood boils in anticipation as I continue to pace. But it’s ridiculous, really. I’m Rhys Van Acker. I don’t get swept up by what-ifs, but here I am, silently hoping on something.I really must be out of my mind.A sudden burst of movement catches my eye, and I turn just in time to see Peach step into the lounge. My breath hitches, but I force myself to remain still, lea
Peach Salinger I exhale sharply, breaking myself free from his daunting gaze. I take an abrupt half step back, and point to a door to my left. “I’ll take that room. Good night, boss.” I start walking away.“Good night, Miss Salinger.” he says automatically to my retreating back. As I walk slowly to the room filled with antiques from some ancient period in Japan, I’m left with the question—why is it so hard for you to pull yourself together whenever he’s around you, Peach?I’ve already let my anger towards him go—not that I have a choice. He’s my boss. But I turned down the contract, and he didn’t fire me for it so definitely, he’s moved on from it. So have I. Now simply to continue the boss-employee relationship. It’s not going to be easy with all the tension and the fact that Rhys Van Acker is so smuggy. But he’s also divine. I had checked him out during the flight—subtly, of course—hoping to find something I wouldn’t like about him. A huge turn off that’d at least kil
Peach Salinger The meeting with the Japanese clients was overwhelming and Cole didn’t show up either. It was just Rhys and me. Part of the negotiation was in their language and I’m unable to keep up at some point.But it just amazes me how Rhys speaks the language so well. There’s just something raw and sexy about seeing a mature man speak Japanese so fluently. By the end of the three hours long meeting, I’m exhausted. While Rhys discusses some more information about the project with some of the clients, I head out of the conference room to grab something to eat.I’m a little relieved that he didn’t notice anything unusual about me when I stepped out of my room this morning. Nobody needs to know you had a sex dream about someone you aim to keep a neutral relationship with.I grab a cup of coffee to go from a cute coffe shop on the third floor and head back to the conference room. Halfway there, my phone buzzes in the pocket of my slacks and I pull it out to see a text from
Peach Salinger Rhys walks over to the sink and turns on the faucet, wetting a paper towel before handing it to me.“Here,” he says, his voice gentle. “This should help with the stain.”I take the towel from him, our fingers brushing for just a moment. I feel my pulse quicken from that slight touch and I’m already reconsidering being in this closed space with him. This isn’t a good idea.I start to dab at the tea stain on my blouse. The material is damp and slightly sticky, and I’m all too aware of how close Rhys is standing.“I’m really sorry about all this,” I mumble, keeping my eyes on the stain. “I should’ve been more careful.”“You don’t need to apologize. It was an accident, and that client was out of line. If anything, I should be the one apologizing.”I look up at him, surprised. “Why would you need to apologize?”“For putting you in a position where you felt like you had to defend yourself,” he says, his gaze intense. “You’re more than just an intern. You’re talented, an
Rhys Van AckerNext morning… I reach out, then open my eyes when my hands touch cool sheets. Slightly disoriented, I stare at the spot where Peach should be. I didn’t dream the night. It’s the sex, my dick says.It’s not the sex. Well, okay, it’s partly the sex. But I’ve never felt this way after sex with another woman. Making her lose herself isn’t just fun, it’s satisfying. I could spend the rest of my life doing it. I get out of bed and look around. Peach’s clothes and shoes aren’t strewn on the floor anymore. Did she go back to her room? For some reason, the thought annoys me,and then the annoyance annoys me more. I use the bathroom, brush my teeth and throw on a robe, then pad out of the room. My clothes turn out not to be strewn all over the floor, either. They’re draped over an armchair facing the TV. The memory of Peach kneeling and giving me head sends a hot rush of desire along my spine, making my cock stir.Down, boy. I’m not on the prowl right now.I registe
Peach Salinger I’m overwhelmed by it all. Last night was heaven and it’s all I could think about for the 12hours flight. Rhys dropped me off at the Arconia and bade me good night before leaving.It’s a shame we didn’t get to talk about whatever last night was. But he seemed to be in a hurry and I didn’t want to burden him.Either way, I’m never going to agree to the contract. Sex with him is amazing, I must admit, but I can’t do contracts. I’m down for sex anytime he wants and it doesn’t change the relationship between us. We’re still boss-employee, or. . . whatever we were before, just, you know. With sex and blowjobs.I feel excitement bubble in me as I drag my suitcase to the elevator. I press the third floor button and wait. As I wait, I hear footsteps. Sharp, fast—definitely dress shoes, but not high heels.I gulp as the steps close in. The brushed stainless finish on the elevator doors reveals nothing, not even a faint reflection to let me know who this tall, broad-should
Peach Salinger The following day is a Sunday and I wake up to a text from Rhys. [Lets meet up. We need to talk.]What’s the rush? I think to myself, as I glance at the clock on the wall. It’s almost 9am. I toss my phone across my bed and stretch. After taking a long shower, I slip into a pink dress with spaghetti straps that stops mid-thigh showing off my legs. I compliment the look with a pair of dark flats.I pull my long black hair into a bun and apply a little makeup. I stare into the mirror for a few minutes, I can’t even remember the last time I dolled up this much. I grab my bag and step out.Surprisingly, I didn’t stumble into the hamster’s cage as I step into the living room. Reggie had taken them with him before he left yesterday, why’s the cage here again?“Good morning.” I say as I step further into the living room.Marienne is still in her PJs. She’s standing by the dining table, buttering her toast and the amount of butter she’s using stresses me out—a pat that si
Rhys Van Acker“Getting engaged is nothing serious?” Peach says, her voice steady.I manage a smile. To me, it’s nothing serious. I’m just honoring my grandfather’s wishes and I know damn well that I’m never gonna get married to Nichole. Once grandfather starts to recover, I’m calling it off.Plus, Nichole isn’t even my type of woman. She’s too vanilla for me. Peach on the other hand is daring and that’s one of the things about her that drives me hella crazy.“We don’t have to worry about it. It’s just an arrangement. Very temporary.” I say as I take a seat next to her on the bed.She exhaled sharply. “I’m just saying, it was less complicated when I thought you were single.”“I am. I mean, this ring doesn’t prove anything. It’s a formality.”“What about your fiancé?”“She’s not going to be a problem.” My fingers trail up her arm. “How about we worry about that later?”She blinks. Once, twice. “I…”“Come here.” I pull Peach into my arms and claim her mouth. It’s soft and sweet, and
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