All characters in this story are at or above the legal age of 18. This story contains nonconsent/reluctance which may not be suitable for all readers. You have been warned.
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Rusty keys turn the ignition off, making the worn engine sputter smoke. I cough the fumes from my lungs as I finish hitching the overpriced boat rental to the island's only dock.
Did they really only have a speedboat left? I'll add that to her bill.
An insufferable voice caws through the radio, "It better be spotless, Valentine! I'm not my father. Fuck around and you won't see a cent!"
Speak of the devil.
I mutter under my breath, hanging my head as I reluctantly squeeze the transmitter's Push-To-Talk. "Copy that, your Highness," I growl.
"Spotless, Valentine! One week!" The radio bleeds static, a predictable consequence for drop kicking it with a work boot.
I'll add that to her bill, too.
I light my last smoke, surveying the outdated bungalow from afar.
Must be hard, being a heiress and all. Two estates and the hotel weren't enough, so she needs to flip the old man's private getaway into an AirBnB.
I exhale my first drag, listening as the only sounds are crashing waves into caribbean sand. Even that sound is faint. The inside of a seashell is louder.
Getting to work, I slave until sunset, groundskeeping the lavious, imported flora.
Sequoia, Bonsai, Orchids, - African Blackwood? This island was the rich man's own Animal Crossing.
Exhausted, the night surprises me as I complete my tasks.
Unhitching the boat, I flip the ignition.
I flip the ignition.
I - The ignition won't flip.
"No! I'm so tired. Work! Please just work!" I whine, shaking myself against the steering wheel.
It's too dark to use the life raft without a flashlight, and I don't think this situation really warrants using the flare gun. I'll just sleep here until morning.
I sigh in acceptance, kicking off my socks and boots as I slump onto the rubbery couch cushions. The cold night air and rocking waves makes me feel safe, and daring.
I swivel my head, briefly checking for any signs of life as I strip out of my denim shorts and bikini.
The moonlight's beam tickles my summer tan, sending goosebumps over my naked body. I bite my lower lip, slipping my hand between my thighs, only to drift to sleep from exhaustion.