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.

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

back to 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 high ponytail. I step into my fluffy bedtime slippers and head downstairs for

a little before realising who it is. His scent wraps all around me and the tension

down my ear. I bite back the smile and

smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash

you're covered in bright pink love hearts."

He chuckles lightly before taking the glass of milk

lightly. He gives me an apologetic look, placing the empty glass back down onto the

"Sorry Muffin. These bad boys don't feed themselves you know." He winks, flexing his right arm. The muscles in his bicep bulge instantly and I arch my brow, impressed. "Wow, that right up."

that shoots right up

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

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

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.

a potato. A potato in

shushing me before entering my room. I take a step back and swallow, watching as he quietly shuts my bedroom door over before spinning

it's midnight. Are you crazy?" I whisper.

my door with his hands stuffed inside his pockets.

"It's a surprise Muffin, get dressed." Jake instructs me, pushing his hand through the