Page 31 of Cedarwood Cabin

He walks back to the bathtub and turns off the faucet. I watch him for a moment, struck by the veins running down his arms. Before leaving, he stands near the door, his hand resting on the frame as he speaks. “I’ll leave you to it. Fresh towels are over there,” he explains, nodding toward a rail.

Before he turns around to leave, he adds, “Oh. I also laid out one of my T-shirts and some shorts for you on my bed.”

“Thank you, Dax. Again, I’m so ashamed of what I tried doing in the forest–”

“Listen. Let's not talk about it anymore. However, don’t feel ashamed. Okay?”

I watch as he quietly shuts the door behind him, leaving me alone. I walk over to the door and lock it. I take a deep breath and peel off the layers of clothes. Eventually, I stand naked and exposed in front of the mirror, looking at my skinny body from the weight loss of not eating for the last two months. I feel mixed emotions as I look at myself. There is a part of me that feels relieved that my plan didn't go through. However, at the same time, I feel uneasy knowing the Faulkner brothers are seeing me in such a vulnerable state.

I turn away from the mirror and step into the bathtub, the warm water enveloping me. I sink down until the water reaches my breasts, closing my eyes to shut out the world outside.

The sound of water trickling from the faucet fills the room. I lean my head against the tub, drifting into the tranquil waters.

I wash my body quickly with the soap, hoping it has not been used on the brothers’ ball sacks. I decide not to wash my hair, anticipating they’ll drive me home tomorrow. I finish rinsing off and step out of the tub. I pull out the plug, wrap a towel around my body, and pick up my clothes from the floor.

I open the bathroom door and peer down the hallway, but see or hear no one. I walk down to the first door, which is slightly open, revealing a cozy bedroom. A fireplace casts a warm glow as I enter, turning my head to the right. There, sitting by the window and smoking, is Lyka. He stands up abruptly, eyes scanning me up and down, causing my heart to race. Memories of uncomfortable encounters with Marty flood my mind and I grip the towel tighter.

“Shit, sorry. I thought this was Dax’s room,” I mumble, feeling nervous.

I exit the room and hurry to the next door down the hallway. This time, the bedroom door is closed. I knock, open the door, and look around, taking a moment and looking around the room. I see the T-shirt and shorts that Dax has put out for me on the bed.

Like the rest of the cabin, the bedroom has a rustic charm. A stone fireplace stands against one wall. The wooden double bed is adorned with dark green bedding. A standing bookshelf in the corner catches my eye with books adorned with small figurines and trinkets.

The room feels peaceful, a sanctuary amidst the wild beauty of the forest outside.

I set my clothes on the bed and glance around. A framed photograph on the bedside table catches my eye—a snapshot of Dax and Lyka together, their smiles carefree.

I change into the T-shirt and shorts quickly.

I hear a knock on the bedroom door as I'm in mid-thought. “Come in,” I say loudly.

Dax pokes his head around the door. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, thanks. The T-shirt is a little big…but it will do.” I giggle as the garment hangs loosely on my body.

“You look good…” Dax says in a flirty tone, then quickly shaking his head as if catching himself. I look away as I blush.

“Are you sure you don’t mind me staying in your room?”

“Honestly, it's fine.”

“Okay. Are you going to be dropping me back tomorrow?”

He slips his hands into his jeans pockets. “Not sure yet. I want to make sure you're fine first,” he replies, his eyes meeting mine with a hint of concern.

I nod, unsure of how to respond to his kindness.

“Well, I'll let you get some sleep. If you need me, you know where to find me.”

“Thanks, Dax,” I say softly, appreciating his effort to make me feel at ease.

He gives a final nod before walking out. The room falls into silence, the only sound the soft crackle of the fire.

I turn around, look at the inviting bed, and crawl onto it. The bedding is thick and cozy. I take a deep breath, inhaling the faint scent of pine and wood smoke. My thoughts begin to settle as I lie there. My eyelids grow heavy. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, I feel a sense of calm.

EIGHT

FLORA

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