Tangled Love

"Emily? It's me, Jake."

Jake.

I blink away my blurred vision and begin to make sense of my surroundings. I'm lying on a double bed, the sheets crisp white and soft. The walls are painted a baby blue shade, the furnishings white to match the rest of the decor.

"Jake?" I say turning towards him, my voice shaking. I watch as he sighs heavily, his gaze dropping to the floor to avoid making eye contact with me.

Embarrassment fills my body and I sit up, stepping off the bed to leave the room.

"I have to go," I mumble, my mind disorientated and confused. My legs buckle underneath me weakly and I close my eyes, getting ready to meet the floor. Jake's hand flies out, circling around my waist. He guides me so I'm stuck between his legs, one on either side. I sigh and push on them in an attempt to be free but they don't move an inch.

"Stop struggling Emily, turn around."

His voice is quiet, smooth.

I turn around, my head hung low which caused my hair to fall over my face. I like it, it acts like a curtain to protect me. . . I think Jake knows my secret. Nobody else ever suspected a thing besides from Jake. I figured it out by the way he treats me, gentle and caring. He treats me this way because he knows my secret and he feels sorry for me.

The girl who's beaten by her stepdad.

hand reaches up, hovering near

to hurt you, don't flinch," he whispers. I stop breathing from his words, my heart beating wildly against my chest. He slowly tilts my chin up until I'm looking directly into his eyes. They're soft and warm,

time I'd seen him in the classroom. His thumb strokes my jaw and

flaming up in embarrassment. My heart is

lopsided smile. I feel my heart somersault and I open my mouth to reply. The words I really wanted to say are lodged deep inside my throat. When I'm

away from his legs, building up the courage to let him know what's really on my mind. I

says suddenly, pushing himself off the bed and walking towards me. My eyebrows crease in confusion and I look back at him,

I ask innocently, my back hitting against the wall. Jake's eyes land directly

lip

when I'm nervous." I explain, chuckling lightly.

His hand reaches up and combs back his dark hair, leaving

you really want to ask me?" Jake whispers, placing a hand on the walls on either side of me. He leans down so his face hovers in front of mine,

I lose the

eyes flickering between mine and my lips. As he speaks, his

you,"

"Don't be so beautiful and maybe I won't stare," he smirks, barely hesitating with his response. I let out a small squeak at his words and

move Emily.

eyebrows shot up in amusement, blue eyes twinkling at me. I pull my lower lip into my

"Stop Emily."