Chapter 9
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.
“It's...different,” I repl y honestly.
“I hear you are staying at the cabin for a bit?” Sav asks, looking up from the fire, her eyes curious.
“Uhh, yeah,” I reply, feeling the whole group's attention shift towards me.
“Have Dax or Lyka tried it with you?” Tammy asks, her tone teasing but pointed. I notice Lyka's grip on her thigh tightening, a silent warning.
“What? Oh, come on!” Tammy exclaims. “It's only a matter of time before you do,” she adds, smirking as her eyes shift to Dax and Lyka.
“The Faulkner brothers have slept with every girl here,” Lina chimes in, laughing as if it's the most natural thing in the world.
Dax shifts uncomfortably in his chair, the comment making him uneasy.
So it’s not just Lyka who gets around.
“Flora doesn't have to know that,” Robin interjects, shaking his head. He looks over at me, an apologetic smile tugging at his lips.
“Doesn't Flora mean flower in Latin?” Jack asks, smoothly changing the subject. His eyes meet mine, giving me a friendly smile.
I nod my head and smile, grateful for the distraction. “Yes, it does,” I confirm, sipping my beer.
“That's a beautiful name,” Robin compliments. “Very fitting.”
Lyka and Dax look at each other quickly.
“Thanks,” I say, feeling a bit more relaxed. The fire crackles and the smells of burning wood mingle with beer and cannabis.
“How did you end up here with these two then?” Sav asks.
“It's a long story,” I start, glancing at Dax. “Let's just say I needed a change of scenery and Dax and Lyka offered to help. ”
“Hmm. Sounds like there’s more to it.” Tammy raises an eyebrow.
Lyka speaks up, sensing my discomfort. “It’s none of your business, Tammy.”
Tammy’s face shows she is slightly annoyed, but doesn't push further. She turns her attention back to Lyka before looking at me and holding the joint out in front of me. “Pass that to Sav,” she orders.
I take the joint from her awkwardly, not knowing where to hold it. Sav reaches over, takes it from me, and giggles.
Tammy starts kissing Lyka's neck as Lina moves herself between Dickie’s legs, sitting together in an intimate pose. The atmosphere is charged with casual intimacy.
I catch Tammy's eye as she looks at me, sensing my discomfort. I give her a polite and awkward smile.
“I bet you find this awkward, don’t you, Flora…” she says with a hint of mischief.
I don’t know how to respond. “Umm,” I say, hesitantly.
“It's how we live out here. It's a small town. We all kinda please each other, if that makes sense,” she continues as she nuzzles closer to Lyka.
Dickie kisses Lina's cheek and states, “You only live once, right?”
I can’t stop myself from asking, but the question slips out. “Do you all fuck each other then?”
Everyone bursts out laughing, making me feel embarrassed and stupid. Dax face palms, chuckling. “It’s just a bit of fun…” Lina states.
“What happens in Cedarwood cabin stays in Cedarwood cabin,” Lyka confesses with a smirk.
Robin shakes his head at them all. “Just ignore them, Flora,” he says, his tone reassuring.
“What? It's not like she's a virgin!” Tammy states .
I can feel my cheeks turning red. The laughter dies down and everyone looks at me, expecting me to answer, but I don’t
“Oh my. You’re a virgin?” Sav asks. I can’t help but feel like she's mocking me.
I wanna just curl up and die of embarrassment.
Lyka and Dax exchange a quick glance before returning their attention to me, their expressions unreadable.
Robin suddenly gets up from his chair and asks, “You wanna come grab some more beers with me?”
“Yes, please.”
I feel grateful he is trying to take me out of the spotlight. I follow Robin toward the cabin, leaving everyone else behind talking quietly as I walk away.
As we enter the cabin, the music becomes muffled. Robin leads me into the kitchen where a cooler is filled with beer and ice.
Robin grabs a couple of beers and hands me one. “You okay?” he asks.
“Oh, yeah. I’m just not used to this kind of…openness, I guess.”
“Yeah. It’s a lot to take in. Everyone is pretty chill, especially when you get to know them.” He chuckles.
I take the cap off the beer and take a swig. “It's just different, that's all. By the way, thank you for getting me out of there. It was so awkward.”
“It’s cool. I could tell you needed a breather.”
I can hear the sounds of music and laughter outside, probably mocking that I’m a virgin. However, I feel at ease with Robin as we stand in the kitchen.
Breaking the silence, Robin asks, “What do you do for fun? Got any hobbies?”
“I used to paint a lot. I love hiking and being out in nature. ”
“Hiking, huh? There are some great trails around here. I could take you some time.”
“Yeah, that sounds nice. I’d like that,” I reply, feeling more relaxed.
“I'm sorry if my earlier comment made you uncomfortable,” Robin says. “You are very pretty—just like your name,” he adds.
I look at his tanned arms and my eyes meet his as he moves his thick, black hair out of his face.
“Thanks.” I giggle, feeling myself blush.
Robin places his hand on my waist and moves closer. I freeze, unsure how to react, but I feel my stomach flutter. Is he going to kiss me?
I suddenly hear a creak from behind me. Robin quickly removes his hands from my waist and steps back as we turn around to see Dax standing in the kitchen doorway. He crosses his arms and his expression is unimpressed.
“Everything okay?” Dax asks.
Robin backs away from me, cracking his neck. “Yeah, dude.” Their eyes lock.
“Sav wants you,” Dax says.
Robin lets out a huff and leaves the kitchen frustrated, brushing past Dax without another word. I follow him, but Dax grabs my arm, stopping me.
“Flora. He only wants one thing.”
I look up at him, seeing genuine concern in his eyes. “Thanks for looking out for me.” I try to brush him off, but I feel a mixture of gratitude and confusion. Why did Dax care so much?
Dax loosens the grip on my arm and looks down at me. “Just…be careful,” he says.
“I will.”
He steps back slightly and moves a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Let's head back outside. The others will wonder where we are. ”
We walk back out to the porch where the laughter and conversation still continue. As I sit by the fire, I notice Robin and Sav talking quietly on the other side of the circle. Robin glances my way briefly, but his attention quickly returns to Sav.
Tammy is still on Lyka's lap, whispering in his ear. Lyka's eyes meet mine for a moment, something unreadable passing through them before he looks away.
Dax sits down next to me, offering me a reassuring smile. I take a deep breath, feeling more at ease. Suddenly, raindrops begin to fall, pattering against the leaves.
“Shit. Let's get inside,” Dax calls out.
We all rush towards the cabin. Once inside, you can hear the intensity of the downpour. We gather around the living room, everyone feeling the effects of the beer and cannabis.
Dax puts some music on and the beat of Gimmie More by Britney Spears starts playing. Tammy and Sav dance on the rug in the center of the room. Their movements are sensual, drawing the attention of everyone around. They move closer together, their arms draping over each other's shoulders as they sway.
I glance over at Lyka who is watching them dance. Lina pulls me up, her grip firm yet playful. “Come on, Flora. Dance,” she whispers. I feel the effects of the beer and feel giddy. I let my body move to the music.
I notice Dax watching me dance and his eyes flicker with enjoyment. I feel more confident as he watches me. On the other hand, Lyka shifts in his seat, his expression hard to read. Tammy catches on and grabs my hand, pulling me towards her. She moves her hands up and down the sides of my body.
Lina and Sav continue their dance, their movements synchronized.
Tammy's face is suddenly close to mine. She leans in and kisses me, her tongue exploring my mouth. I've never kissed a girl b efore and the experience is surprising. When she finally pulls away, she looks at me with a smirk and a glint of mischief. I can feel all eyes on us.
“That’s fucking hot,” Jack says, sitting on the floor.
Lyka's expression shifts and he abruptly stands up. His movements are swift as he crosses the room, his gaze locked on Tammy. Without a word, he grabs her arm with a firm grip. Tammy looks surprised as Lyka pulls her down the hallway toward his room. Lina and Sav stop dancing, their playful smiles fading as they watch Lyka and Tammy disappear.
The music still plays, but it feels distant now. Breaking the stillness, Lina moves over to Dickie and casually sits on his lap as he wraps an arm around her waist.
“Let's put on a movie,” Dax suggests. The idea is agreed upon and we gather around the couch. Dax picks a light and funny movie, and as the opening credits roll, we settle into the cushions. The sound of the rain outside is a comforting backdrop. As we lose ourselves in the movie, we all hear muffled sex moans from Lyka's room.
DAX
I sit at the kitchen island, drinking a beer. The cabin is quieter now, but I can hear faint sounds of laughter and chatter outside where Sav, Jack, and Robin are smoking.
Lyka walks in nonchalantly, only wearing his boxers, and heads straight for the fridge. “Where is everyone?” he asks.
“Flora, Dickie, and Lina have gone to sleep. The others are outside smoking.”
Lyka nods, taking a huge sip from his glass. He places the empty glass back on the counter with a satisfied sigh. He turns around, biting his bottom lip. “You got any condoms? I’ve run out and I’m not going in Tammy bareback. ”
His question catches me off guard, but I quickly stand up from the stool, reach into my pocket, and pull out a condom. I toss it over the counter. “There you go.”
“Thanks, man,” Lyka says, grabbing the condom with a hint of relief. He then tucks it into the waistband of his boxers. He turns to leave, then hesitates, looking back at me with a curious expression. “You good?”
“I caught Robin getting close to Flora,” I tell him.
Lyka's expression turns from casual to serious. He walks over and sits on a stool.
“What do you mean… close ?”
“He was touching her waist,” I reply, waiting for his reaction.
His jaw tightens and his fist clenches. I can see the anger building up inside of him.
Robin suddenly appears at the kitchen doorway, his eyes darting between Lyka and me. “Everything alright?” he asks.
Lyka stands up from the stool, his eyes locked onto Robin. “ What the fuck were you doing with Flora?” His voice is cold.
“What's wrong? Jealous? The little virgin might not want the Faulkner brothers?” Robin taunts.
“Shut the fuck up!” Lyka growls, his eyes narrowing.
Robin smirks. “For once, someone in this town doesn't want you two. You fucking hate it!” he replies.
I stand up from the stool and it falls behind me. I feel the adrenaline kick in. “I know your plan…Take her virginity just so you can boast about it,” I say with fury.
Robin lets out a sinister chuckle, his eyes gleaming. “I promise to be gentle with her…Maybe.”
His words provoke me and I see red. Every ounce of anger and protectiveness surges through my body to my fists. I rush toward him, tighten my fist, and punch him straight in the face. The force of the blow sends him stumbling backward .
“You ain’t going near her again. Got it?” I shout through gritted teeth. I look at my knuckles and they are covered in blood. Lyka throws a cloth at me and I wrap it around my hand.
Robin recovers and he glares at me. Lyka stands beside me, ready to back me up.
“I'll be gone first thing in the morning when I’m sober and can drive,” Robin mumbles, his voice barely audible. He looks defeated as he turns and leaves the kitchen.
I feel Lyka place a hand on my shoulder to calm me down. However, I am too wound up and shove him off. I take a deep breath and sit back on the stool, trying to calm myself.
“I just want to protect her…for her to be safe with us. I don't know why,” I confess.
I turn my head to Lyka and his expression is unreadable, as always.
“She's in a dark place. We’ve both been there. We know what it’s like to feel helpless, Lyka.”
Lyka's eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the room is filled with an unspoken understanding. The darkness we've both faced forged a bond you can’t put into words.
Tammy walks into the kitchen wearing one of Lyka's T-shirts. She moves with confidence, completely oblivious to what just happened. She walks up to Lyka, wrapping her fingers around his hand. She tugs on Lyka’s hand and pulls him towards the hallway. “Come on, Lyka.”
Lyka hesitates for a moment and he looks back at me. There's a brief flash of something in his eyes—apology, perhaps, or regret. But then he allows himself to be led away, following Tammy back to the bedroom.
I take another sip of my beer and Sav slowly walks in. She takes the beer bottle from my hand, lifts it to her lips, and takes a sip. “Everyone has passed out.” She giggles, her eyes sparkling with amusement .
I manage an awkward smile, unsure of how to respond. Robin and his words still linger in my mind.
Sav moves closer to me, placing the beer bottle on the counter as she stands between my legs. Her hands rest on my shoulders and she leans in, her lips brushing against my neck.
“Sav…” I say. I push her gently, giving her a warning.
“Dax…It’s been so long since we’ve fucked,” she murmurs against my skin.
My mind drifts to Flora, her image flashing in my mind. I shouldn't be doing this. Guilt gnaws at me. Why am I thinking of Flora?
Sav’s hand trails down my chest, moving to my jeans. She feels for my cock and starts rubbing.
“I can’t…” I whisper.
Sav stops, her eyes locking onto mine with desire. She takes a step back, her hand still grasping mine. She pulls, her eyes pleading. “Come on, Dax,” she whispers. I can tell she’s putting on a seductive voice. I feel a mixture of emotions inside me—guilt, desire, confusion. I take a deep breath and follow her.
FLORA
I wake up in Dax’s bed and my head feels dull from last night's beer. I glance down at the floor and see Lina and Dickie laying near the foot of the bed, cradling each other while they sleep.
The room's quietness is shattered when I hear chanting from Lyka’s room.
“Yes, yes, yes!”
The unmistakable sounds of Tammy and Lyka fucking echoes through the cabin. I roll my eyes, feeling irritated.
I look over at the nightstand alarm clock which reads six in the morning. My throat suddenly tightens up and I feel thirsty. Carefully, I step over Lina and Dickie, hoping not to wake them. I quietly make my way out into the hallway. I look to my right and see Robin sprawled on the floor with a rug covering him. Jack is slumped against a door with a couch cushion under his head. I can’t help but let out a little chuckle at the sight.
I head towards the living room and kitchen. As I approach, the faint sound of moaning can be heard. I turn my head and see Sav and Dax on the couch. As I get closer, the sounds become unmistakably clear.
Sav is straddling Dax, her movements slow as she grinds against him with her head thrown back. “Dax…yes,” she murmurs, lost in the moment.
I am caught off guard and don’t know where to look. My eyes look around, trying to focus on anything. Dax opens his eyes and notices me, quickly pushing Sav off him. He looks surprised and embarrassed, and I feel the same way. “Shit. Shit. Shit,” he mutters.
Sav looks at me with annoyance as she stands, raising her hands in the air. “Sorry,” I mumble as I walk backward toward the hallway.
I make my way back to Dax's room, stepping over Lina and Dickie once again. Crawling back into the bed, I pull the covers over my head, wishing I could erase the last few minutes from my memory. One single tear falls onto the pillow. The muffled sounds of Lyka and Tammy’s fucking still reach my ears, blending with my thoughts of Dax and Sav.
Everyone has left the cabin and it's now eerily quiet. I stand in the bathroom, brushing my teeth. I look up at my reflection, trying to collect my thoughts and shake off the awkwardness of the morning.
As I'm lost in thought, I catch a glimpse of movement behind me. Robin is standing in the doorway with a noticeable black eye. My brow furrows in confusion.
“What happened to you?” I ask.
Robin shifts uncomfortably, his eyes darting to the side. Dax appears out of nowhere, his face stern. I can't shake the feeling that something happened between them.
“Ahh, I fell after you went to bed,” Robin mumbles, avoiding my gaze. The explanation feels fake and how he glances at Dax makes me suspicious. I feel a pang of unease.
Robin breaks the silence and says, “Anyway, Flora, I’m going. It was lovely meeting you.”
I watch him leave and I have so many questions. Dax stands there, his expression softening slightly as he looks at me.
“Are you okay?” I ask him.
“Yeah, I'm fine. Robin just had a bit too much to drink last night. We had a...disagreement. It's nothing for you to worry about.”
I want to press further, but Dax’s demeanor suggests he’s not in the mood. “Okay, if you say so…”
“By the way, I’m sorry you saw that earlier with Sav,” he mumbles.
“Why are you sorry? I don’t care,” I reply, trying to sound normal, but a slight edge to my voice betrays my true feelings.
Dax's eyes search mine as if hoping for a different answer. “Sure you don't care?”
“No? It’s like you want me to care…”
The truth is I did care a little, but I don’t know why. I didn’t expect him to behave like that. Even after learning that he and Lyka have slept with all of their friends.
Dax steps closer, trying to look into my eyes, but I walk past him, e ager to escape the atmosphere. He stops me, his hand gentle yet firm on my arm. He looks down at me and his eyes are intense. He brushes his finger against my chin, making my heart skip a beat. I instinctively move my face away, the confusion of my emotions too much to handle.
“Could you please drop me home today? I’ve decided I’m going to return home to London,” I whisper as I look away from him.
Dax bites his lips and nods. I can see the sadness in his eyes…and something else. He lets me walk past him. I head back to the bedroom to gather my things, my mind going crazy with thoughts and emotions I can't quite figure out.