Tangled Love

CHAPTER 50

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.

"You're lying." I respond, shaking my head.

"You fit right into that place. You took me away from Trevor and put my safety into the hands of a gang leader. I don't want to live a life in fear Jake! I've spent years of my life being terrified."

"You stood 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 usual beautiful features twisted with anger. I feel a pang of hurt stab through my heart and I blink before hitting back at his harsh words.

"I don't need gang protection! I can do this myself!" I hit back, my voice wobbling as I speak. 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 scream, backing up into the wall. He grabs my arms tightly, holding me close against him.

"Let me go," I whisper, my voice trembling.

"I'm not Trevor, I won't hurt you."

I pull my 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 placing me back down, his arms still holding me in place.

"Open your eyes."

I 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 I look away, repulsed at the sight of me. Jake still has hold of my arms and is standing behind me, watching my reaction.

"You told me you don't need my help. Look at your body, look at what he did. It kills me to see you like this Emily." His words echo down my ear and I squeeze my eyes shut, tears sliding down the side of my cheek.

"He was willing to help you. We all want to help you."

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 as I realise he's right.

This is one long battle I can't win myself.

*****

There's a soft knock on 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 with me right now.

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

I glance at her and wonder whether she's aware of the danger her cousin is involved in. Just how much does Ivory know about Jake's role in the gang? Instead of prying her for information, I nod weakly and she smiles in return.

"I'm having a party tonight, you should come. It'll cheer you up."

"You're such a party whore." I reply, giving her a smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. Ivory mocks hurt, placing a hand over her heart before grinning back at me.

"You are coming, right?"

"I'm not sure, I'm not in the mood." I respond, still feeling pretty beat up. Right now all I want to do is drown my sorrows in ice cream and lie in bed all day.

"Please Emily? We'll make you look a thousand dollars and Jake won't be able to resist you."

I took a moment to think before finally nodding causing Ivory to squeal loudly. Jake and I may be fighting but that doesn't mean Ivory should also be on the receiving end of that. She's my friend and I don't want to let her down. How could you resist her puppy dog eyes and toothy smile?

"I wish Trish was here, she loves parties."

"When she gets back from her holiday, we'll have to go to twice as many parties to make up for lost time." Ivory giggles. I nod my head, feeling my spirits rise.