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.

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.

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

is. His scent wraps all around me and the tension in my body completely disappears. I sigh and

bite back the smile and

enough of me lately Melvin." I smile sweetly at him.

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

of milk from my hand. I barely have a second to protest as he

an apologetic look, placing the

He winks, flexing his right arm. The muscles in his bicep bulge instantly and I arch my brow, impressed. "Wow,

the only thing that shoots right up when you're around."

He shrugs casually in response, his lips twitching upwards into a smirk. I watch him leave,

to heat another glassful. His laughter fills the air causing me to bite back my own

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 does he manage to look so good at midnight?

resemble a potato. A

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 room. I take a step

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

back against my door with his hands stuffed inside his pockets. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and

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