Tangled Love

My bedroom door flings open, the lock completely falling apart from the force. Jake stands in the doorway, his chest rising and falling heavily.

He looks angry, really angry.

"What the hell was that Emily?" he yells at me, eyes narrowed. I stand up off my bed and face him, my hands clenched angrily by my sides.

"Do you know how much I had to convince him to take you round there? He isn't someone you walk away from! He wanted to help you!"

His tone is icy and his face becomes cold, emotionless. I suck a breath, the anger inside me increasing until it's ready to explode.

"How dare you take me there without even asking me first Jake! I told you I don't want to live in fear anymore and you put my safety in the hands of a gang leader. He has a gun Jake, a freaking gun! Do you know how scared I was?" I say sadly, my voice breaking. I take a step forward, challenging Jake who's now silent, thinking carefully about my words.

"Taking me there made me realise how little I know you. You say they shouldn't be messed with but you're one of them, aren't you?"

Jake's eyes lit up with fire, his whole posture turning rigid. I knew my words have angered him, his entire body seizing up.

"I'm not one of them," he says bluntly, his voice quiet. His fists are clenched and he stares at me directly, eyes never blinking.

respond, shaking my head.

into the hands of a gang leader. I don't want to live a life in fear Jake! I've spent years of

back whilst someone beat you for years. I was making sure it wasn't going to happen again! I care for you Emily!" Jake yells back, his

I knew my words are a lie but I need to say them out loud for myself. If I can't protect myself, I can't expect anyone else to. Jake suddenly lunges towards me and I

"Let me go," I whisper, my

Trevor, I won't

head away from him as far as I can go, squeezing my eyes shut tightly. My entire body is shaking as Jake picks me up before

"Open your eyes."

open them slowly and stare back at my reflection in the mirror. Jake is lifting my top up, exposing the blue and black bruises that are now slowly fading. They look alien next to my tanned skin, holding painful memories. I feel my eyes fill with tears and

he did. It kills me to see you like this Emily." His words echo

you. We all want

He let go of me, dropping my arms. They fall limply against my side and I let out a muffled cry as Jake leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. My body sinks into the floor, heavy sobs overcoming me

is one long battle I can't win myself.

*****

my door and Ivory pops her head round before joining me on the bed. She takes one look at my red eyes and pounces on me, wrapping me up in a hug. I hold onto her tightly, grateful to have her

look after you, I promise. He know's what he's doing, let him