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.

back of my mind. No way do I need

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 warm glass of milk to end

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

I bite back the

feel like you can't get enough of me lately Melvin." I smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash with amusement

when you're covered in bright pink love hearts."

chuckles lightly before taking the glass of milk from my hand. I barely have a second to protest

whine in protest, shoving him lightly. He gives me an apologetic look, placing

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

not the only thing that shoots right up when you're around."

casually in response, his lips twitching upwards into

after him, reaching for the milk to heat another glassful. His laughter fills the air causing me to bite back my own

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.

a potato.

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

you

want to 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

get dressed." Jake instructs me, pushing his