Tangled Love

I turn the shower off and pause for a moment, closing my eyes. Lately everything around me has been moving at lightning speed so a taking a second or two to collect my thoughts makes me feel better. I step out of the shower and notice my phone screen flashing with numerous messages. I reach over and pick it up, reading the first message —

Where the hell are you Emily ? Mum

I quickly type out a response, my features scrunched up in frustration at the screen —

I've left home. Im not living with Trevor or you anymore. Bye Mum.

It's nice to regain control of my life after having it spin out of control for so long. I hope Mum understands that I'm doing this for myself and my safety. The next message is from an unknown number and I pause, a familiar feeling of dread washing over me.

You need a man to love you Emily, not a little boy.

I sigh heavily, feeling the pressure building up inside my head as a headache begins to brew.

Who are you? GO AWAY.

I hesitate before sending the text, uncertain whether I'm making the right decision. Should I completely ignore him or show him that I'm not scared? I send the text and don't expect his response to be almost immediate but it is.

It is not the right time. I will never go away. . . Not until you're mine.

words that are borderline psychotic stalker behaviour. I turn my phone off and push him to the back of my mind. No way do I need more hassle on top of everything else going on in my life.

them. Once I'm dressed I blow dry my hair and secure it into a high ponytail. I step into my fluffy bedtime slippers and head downstairs for a warm glass of milk to end

arms wrap around my waist from behind. I jump a little before realising who it is. His scent wraps all around me and

the smile and

get enough of me lately Melvin." I smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash

"I can't help it when you're covered in bright pink

of milk from my hand. I barely have a second to protest as he

shoving him lightly. He gives me an apologetic look, placing

He winks, flexing his right arm. The muscles in

thing that shoots right up when you're

He shrugs casually in response, his lips twitching upwards into a smirk. I watch

the milk to heat another glassful. His laughter

state slowly disappearing. My watch reads midnight and I frown, thinking everyone must be sleeping by now. I pull open the door and find Jake leaning against my door frame, fully dressed. He's

a potato. A potato in

lips. He lifts a finger to his lips, shushing me before entering my room. I take a step back and swallow, watching as he quietly shuts my bedroom door over before spinning around. As he turns, his intoxicating scent hits me

you crazy?" I whisper.

hands stuffed inside his pockets. My eyebrows

get dressed." Jake instructs me, pushing his