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.

I turn my phone off and push him to the back of my mind. No way do I

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

I feel warm 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 into

murmurs down my ear. I bite back the smile and turn

Melvin." I smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash with

you're covered in bright

comfortable." I laugh, my cheeks growing warm with embarrassment. He chuckles lightly before taking the glass of milk from my hand. I barely have a second to protest as he tilts it upwards, downing the

I whine in protest, shoving him lightly. He gives me an apologetic look, placing the empty glass back down onto the counter.

"Sorry Muffin. These bad boys don't feed themselves you know." He winks, flexing his right arm. The muscles in

only thing that shoots

in response, his lips twitching upwards into a smirk. I watch him leave, his shoulders and back vibrating

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

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

potato.

eyes are sparkling and a small smile plays on his lips. He lifts a finger to his lips, shushing me before entering my room.

you

take you somewhere." Jake replies, leaning back against my door with his hands stuffed inside his pockets. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and I bite down on my lower lip. "Where are

his hand through the strands