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.

shudder at his 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

I'm dressed I blow dry my hair and secure it into a high ponytail.

arms wrap around my waist from behind. I jump a little before realising who it is. His scent wraps all around me and the tension in my body completely disappears. I sigh and relax against him, my lips tugging upwards

I bite back the smile

enough of me lately Melvin." I smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash with amusement before raking down my body and back up again.

covered

I laugh, my cheeks growing warm with embarrassment. He chuckles lightly before taking the glass of milk from

lightly. He gives me an

you know." He winks, flexing his right arm. The muscles in his bicep bulge instantly and I arch

the only thing that shoots right

in response, his lips twitching upwards into a smirk. I watch him leave, his

for the milk to heat another glassful. His laughter fills the air causing me to bite back my own smile.

everyone must be sleeping by now. I pull open the door and find Jake leaning against my door frame, fully dressed. He's wearing a plain white shirt underneath his black bomber jacket, finished off with black jeans. I can't help but bite down on my lower

potato.

I smile, my heart fluttering inside my chest. His blue eyes are sparkling and a small smile plays on his 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

midnight. Are you crazy?" I whisper.

stuffed inside his pockets. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and I bite down on my lower lip. "Where

pushing his hand through the strands of