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.

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.

— 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

I 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

ear. I bite back the smile

get enough of me lately Melvin." I smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash with amusement

can't help it when you're covered in bright pink

before taking the glass of milk from my hand. I barely have a second to protest as he tilts it upwards,

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

right arm. The muscles in his bicep bulge instantly and I

"It's not the only thing that shoots right up when

splutter in shock 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

reaching for the milk to heat another glassful.

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 but bite down on my lower lip . . . How

a potato. A potato in pyjama's.

a small smile plays on his lips. He lifts a finger to his lips, shushing me before entering

it's midnight. Are you

inside his pockets. My eyebrows shoot up in

get dressed." Jake instructs me, pushing his hand