As we finish our breakfast, the conversation shifts to lighter topics. Dax tells me about some of the motocross races he's won, his face lighting up as he recounts his favorite moments. Lyka suddenly walks out onto the balcony in his underwear, the sun highlighting his tattoos. He lights a cigarette, takes a deep drag, and leans over the railing, exhaling a cloud of smoke into the air.
“Sounds like someone had a good night,” Dax states.
Lyka takes another drag and nods. His eyes seem so distant. Jenna walks out fully dressed in a black leather jacket and black ripped jeans. Her heavy boots thud against the deck as she walks up to Lyka. She turns, her eyes narrowing as they land on me and Dax.
“Anyway…” I begin, trying to break the awkwardness.
“Wait, aren't you the British girl who crossed my boyfriend Jonny at the concert?” Jenna accuses in a sharp tone. She attempts to wrap her arm around Lyka's waist, but he shifts away, avoiding her touch.
“I think you heard wrong. He made a comment and grabbed me, so I spat in his face,” I reply bluntly.
Dax raises both his eyebrows, a chuckle escaping his lips. He seems impressed by my retort.
“And your boyfriend?” I continue, not missing a beat. “Yet you're here, fucking Lyka.” The words come out sharper than I intended, but I don't regret them. Lyka smirks, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and approval.
Jenna glares at me, her lips curling into a sneer. “Dax, keep your bitch on a leash.”
I scoff, unable to believe her audacity.
“Watch your mouth, Jenna,” Dax warns.
She ignores him and moves in to kiss Lyka, but he turns his head away, her lips landing awkwardly on his cheek. She storms back into the kitchen.
Lyka takes one last drag of his cigarette, flicks the butt over the railing, and follows her inside. The balcony door slams shut behind him, leaving Dax and me again alone.
“Well…that was something,” Dax says.
I shrug. “She had it coming.”
Dax chuckles and shakes his head.
“Let’s hope that will be the last we see of her for a while,” Dax says. I nod, sharing the mutual feeling.
Lyka walks back onto the balcony, sitting beside me on the wooden bench. His demeanor is guarded.
I guess Jenna has gone, then…Thank god.
“I've invited some people around tonight,” Lyka announces.
“Alright, cool,” Dax responds.
“Will you be dropping me back soon?” I ask, my gaze shifting between Lyka and Dax, searching for their response.
Dax and Lyka look at each other, communicating silently. Lyka doesn't say a word. He just turns away, looking into the forest.
“We’ll give it a few more days. We wanna make sure you’re fine first,” Dax replies.
“I know what I did in the forest was stupid. I can’t thank you two enough for helping me. However, I don’t want to be a burden,” I explain, my voice filled with gratitude and shame.
“It’s just a few days. It’s not like you have anyone to go home to, Flora.”
I flinch at his words, but I can tell he meant no harm in what he said. He was right, and deep down, I knew it, too. I had no family waiting for me. The thought of going back to an empty house filled me with dread.
Reluctantly, staying here might be the lifeline I need, even for a few more days.
“Well, what about food? I can pay toward the costs.”
“Flora…Me and Lyka have enough food for some time. We don't need your money. We’ve got a freezer full of animals we’ve hunted,” Dax reassures me.