Tangled Love

Ivory motions for me to follow her lead. She begins to move her hips along to the beat, her arms flying above her head. I grin widely at her and mirror her actions, my own body reacting to the music. It feels good to let loose and have fun.

Within moments, I forget about everyone else in the room and it's just Ivory and I. Her infectious smile and crazy dance moves cause me to giggle constantly. Freedom washes over my body as I sing along to the music, swaying my head left to right. My dark curls bounce around me and for the first time in forever, I forget about my troubles.

I forget about Trevor, I forget about Mum. I forget about pain, danger and heartache. For the first time, I'm having fun.

That's when I feel his warm arm snake around my waist from behind. He tucks his head between the crook in my neck, resting his chin on my shoulder.

"Dance with me," he murmurs down my ear, the lights in the room dimming completely. I nod my head, the low rumble of his voice causing my insides to clench tightly. Butterflies fill my stomach as I spin around, sucked into the beauty of his eyes. He doesn't make any effort to hide the fact that he's checking me out and his stare causes my body to heat up. His arms snake around my waist and he leans down towards my ear. It makes me shiver.

"You're right," I say, turning to lean closer to him. His scent wraps around me and I breathe it in deeply, missing his warmth. He doesn't respond and I take it as my cue to continue —

"I can't do this without you. I understand why you did what you did. Next time, please talk to me first."

Jake pulls back, guilt filling his eyes. I know he's about to apologise but I shake my head, letting him know it's okay.

"I'm sorry Muffin," he murmurs down my ear, burying his face into my hair and placing a kiss on my neck. I shiver from his touch and he lets out a low chuckle, the sound causing me to smile.

"I was angry. I didn't understand why you won't accept my help. I've been around the gang for years, it doesn't scare me. I know that won't be the same for you, I'm sorry for not putting myself in your shoes. This entire situation is tough and I'm still learning." Jake sighs, pulling back. I can see the distress in his eyes, the struggle of having to know what decision to make. I reach up and place my hand on his cheek, my heart warming.

step at a time,

resting his forehead

lips tugging upwards into a smile. I bite down on my bottom

I do.”

and I end up in his bedroom, shutting out the rest of the party downstairs. I'm sat on his bed, propped up by the numerous cushions. Jake is lying in front of

 He asks harshly. The girls eyes widen when she notices Jake

I swear!" He mumbles, eyes dropping to the floor in fear.

don't ever come in this room again, got it?" Jake warns him off. The boy nods before scurrying out of the room, the girl right behind him. They both shut the door firmly and a silence falls

the

says uncertainly, scratching the back of his

"Reputation for what? What have you done that's so terrible?" I ask him, wanting to know more about him. Of course I know he's part of a gang but what is the main

intently, tilting his head to the side.

"You don't need to know." He replies flatly, shutting himself off. 

 real

drop it," he murmurs quietly, warning me off. I huff at his attitude and cross my

"Idiot." I mumble, looking away from him. I hear

you just call me an idiot?" Jake asks in disbelief and I turn

confidently, my eyes challenging him to