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.

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

I'm dressed I blow dry my hair and secure it into a high

take the first sip when 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

beautiful," Jake murmurs down my ear. I bite back the smile and

at him. His eyes flash with amusement before raking down my body and back up

covered in bright pink love hearts."

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

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

right arm. The

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

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 he chuckles.

to heat another glassful. His laughter fills the air

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

now, I resemble a potato. A

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

"Jake, it's midnight. Are you

stuffed inside his pockets. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and I bite down on my lower

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