Page 38 of Cedarwood Cabin

“What?” he grumbles, catching my eye.

“Nothing,” I mutter.

Lyka's eyes darken, and without a word, he storms past me, his shoulder bumping into mine.

What the fuck is his problem with me?

He slams his bedroom door with a loud bang that vibrates through the cabin.

I sigh as I shake my head and continue to Dax's room. I kick off my shoes and fall onto the bed, sinking into the mattress. Pulling the covers over myself, I let out a long sigh. The bed smells faintly of Dax's cologne. My eyes flutter closed and I drift off almost instantly.

NINE

FLORA

I am startled awake. I rub my eyes and I feel groggy. The song Regulate by Warren G and Nate Dogg plays loudly. As I get out of bed, I can smell the strong scent of cannabis. It's an odd feeling that cannabis is legal in this state. I hear people chatting outside, so I follow the noise and exit the cabin.

Stepping onto the porch, I take in the scene. Around the fire pit sits a group of people. Lyka is in his element; a girl with long, brown hair perches on his lap, laughing at something he’s said. Dax, sitting down with legs spread comfortably, takes a deep drag from a joint. The rest of the group, three other guys and two girls, are scattered around in some chairs with others on the ground.

I walk over slowly and awkwardly. Lyka spots me and nudges the blond guy next to him. “Move,” he commands bluntly.

“No, no, it’s fine. I’ll sit on the ground,” I protest while smiling. I don't want to cause any trouble.

Lyka turns his head to the blond guy, his eyes narrowing. “I said fucking move.”

The guy sighs and rolls his eyes, but obeys, moving to the ground. I feel uncomfortable, but take the now-empty seat.

The blond guy hands me a beer. I accept, but I am feeling a little hesitant as I look down at the alcohol.

“Think that's a good idea?” Dax voices.

“It’s only beer. I’ll be okay,” I reassure him.

“What are you, her babysitter?” the girl on Lyka’s lap taunts, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Lyka chuckles to himself, clearly amused.

“I’m Tammy, and that’s Lina and Sav.” The girl on Lyka's lap introduces herself and then points to the other girls. I look over at them and give a polite smile.

God, this is so fucking awkward.

Dax takes a drag from the joint and passes to the blond guy who moved for me. “You forgot about the guys,” he says, exhaling.

“I’m Jack,” the blond guy says, taking a drag on the joint and passing it back to Dax.

“I'm Robin,” a voice calls from across the fire. I glance up to see a very tanned, good-looking man with a confident smirk on his lips.

Another guy chimes in, “You can call me Dickie.”

I feel awkward with these strangers around me as they look and study me, making me feel on edge.

“The guys are on my motocross team,” Dax explains.

Tammy whispers something into Lyka’s ear and he grins, his hand resting possessively on her thigh.

I sip my beer, trying to relax my awkwardness and nerves.

“So, Flora, how are you finding our little corner of the world?” Robin asks. The fire lights up his face and makes his eyes twinkle.

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