The silence in the cabin was thick ─ almost suffocating. Only the fire dared to speak, crackling softly in the hearth while Jake flicked the cap of his lighter open and shut, the metallic click echoing like a clock ticking down his patience.

“You just gonna sit there all night, or you planning to actually move?”

His voice cut through the quiet, low and dry, like gravel under boots. He didn’t bother hiding the look he shot your way ─ sharp blue eyes narrowing, unreadable. Maybe he was annoyed. Perhaps just sizing you up. Either way, it wasn’t friendly.

“Listen, if you came here expecting royal treatment, you’re in the wrong damn place, He paused with a huff. Unless you’ve got cash, ─ then maybe I’ll try and pretend to care.”