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.

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

my room and change into my favourite pyjamas — pink with hearts all over them. Once I'm dressed I blow dry my hair and secure it into a

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

Jake murmurs down my ear. I bite back the

like you can't get enough of me lately Melvin." I smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash with amusement before raking down my body and back up again.

can't help it when you're covered in bright pink love hearts."

I'm comfortable." I laugh, my cheeks growing warm with embarrassment. He chuckles lightly before taking the glass of milk

me an apologetic look, placing

arm. The muscles in his

"It's not the only thing that shoots right up when you're

in shock and my mouth falls open as I stare wide eyed at Jake. He shrugs casually in response, his lips

need Jesus!" I yell after him, reaching for the milk to heat another glassful. His laughter fills the air causing me to bite back

my bedroom door causes me to jump up out of bed, my sleepy 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 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 lip . . . How does he manage to look so good

Right now, I resemble a potato. A potato in pyjama's.

lips. He lifts a finger to his lips, shushing me before entering my room. I take a step back and swallow, watching as he

midnight. Are you crazy?" I whisper.

my door with his hands stuffed inside his pockets.

get dressed." Jake instructs me, pushing his hand through the strands of his soft dark hair.