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.

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.

walk 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

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

ear. I bite back the smile and

I smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash with amusement before raking down my body

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

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

"Jake!" I whine in protest, shoving him lightly. He gives me an apologetic look,

"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

that shoots right

and my mouth falls open as I stare wide eyed at Jake. He shrugs casually in response, his lips twitching upwards into a smirk. I watch him leave, his shoulders and back vibrating as

for the milk to heat another glassful. His laughter fills the

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

potato. A potato in

He lifts a finger to his lips, shushing me before entering my

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 we going?"

Muffin, get dressed." Jake instructs me, pushing his hand through the strands