Page 56 of Lost Paradise

Startled, Byron turns toward us, his expression a mix of surprise and resignation.

As we approach him, I realize his features are etched with anger and frustration. "I don't need your pity," he snaps, his voice raw with emotion.

"We're not here to pity you," Zane interjects. "We're here because we care about you." He steps forward to stand beside me. His voice is gentle, a calming presence in the darkness.

Byron's shoulders sags, and he lets out a heavy sigh. "I just needed some space," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I get that, man, but I would like you to rethink what you said about Eve.” Zane looks at me and puts his hand out to stop me from talking, so I give him his platform. "You and I are friends, and Eve is my girl, so I’d like you to respect her as such.”

Byron looks at him and then at me and huffs a sarcastic laugh.

“You do realize she’s also shagging the teacher, right?”

“I’m right here, Byron,” I say aggravated. “You know you can address my business to me.”

“I’m aware my relationship circumstances are different from the norm,” Zane explains, “but I like Eve a lot, and regardless of who else she is seeing, I would like you to regard her with respect.”

Byron remains silent, lost in his thoughts.

“It was Eve’s decision to come looking for you. She ran into the jungle worried, and I tagged along, but I’m glad you're fine. Now I’m going back and trusting you’ll keep my girl safe. You two need to sort it out.”

I gaze at Zane and smile appreciatively. “Will you be okay finding the camp again?”

“Yeah. My sense of direction is pretty good.” He grins wide at me and wraps his hand around my back, leaning down for a quick peck on my lips before departing.

“Take your time, but hopefully, tomorrow, you two are best friends.” He says and takes off before I can ask what he means bytomorrow.

Chapter 17

My earlier outburst wasn'tmy finest moment, but it did reveal a shift in my opinion of Eve since we first met. Gone is that innocence I thought she had. At first, I found the idea of me outsmarting the guys to win her attention amusing. But she’s just jumping from one knob to the next, and it’s just something I struggle to understand.

“Earlier….” She says, letting the word trail off, her brow furrowing slightly.

“I meant every word of it,” I reply, trying to gauge her reaction. My statement seems to frustrate her.

“Why? A few days ago, I said I found you attractive. How does that make me shallow?” She’s defensive, but there's a hint of vulnerability beneath it.

“Well, let me see, Eve.” I pause, lifting a hand to my chin in a playful gesture. “Hmmm…well, for starters, you got off with Astro and then rejected him, then you tell me you’re attracted to me,” I hesitate, searching for the right words. “Then you fuck our teacher.” She goes to say something, but I stop her. “Then the next day, you shag my roommate.”

She opens her mouth to respond once more, but I hold up a hand to stop her. “Then you…” I trail off, struggling to find the right way to phrase it.

“You know what? Forget it,” she interrupts, frustration evident in her voice.

“No, wait,” I insist, trying to keep the conversation on track. “How does that actually work?”

“I’m deeply attracted to both men,” she admits, her expression softening slightly.

“And me,” I add, feeling a surge of hope despite my reservations.

“Yes. And you,” she confirms, her gaze meeting mine.

“And Jack,” I continue, pushing a bit further.

“I’m not sure,” she admits, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

“Astro?” I ask, unable to resist teasing her.

“Hell, no!” she exclaims, her tone dripping with disdain. “I had a moment with him, and I never plan on relapsing with that shithead.”

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