Tangled Love

CHAPTER 28

"I didn't tell you because I haven't told anyone and I've only known you for a few weeks Jake, I had to make sure I can trust you." I tell him. He slowly nods his head, eyes flashing with surprise.

"You trust me?"

I nod my head, realising that I do. I really do trust him. Despite everyone around me warning me off Jake Melvin, I've learned that I can trust him. The endless conversations we've had, the way he makes me feel safe just from being in his presence.

"I really do trust you. There's something about you that I can't really pinpoint but I know that I can trust you." I tell him. He looks at me intensely for a while, his eyes fixed on mine.

I've grown to learn that Jake has a kind soul. He may be involved in a world of violence but there's an aura around him that I can't seem to pull myself away from. Since knowing him, we've grown closer and thinking about it causes my lips to tug upwards into a smile. When I glance up at Jake from under my lashes, he's smiling back at me. I lean forward, lightly slapping his chest.

"Stupid oaf," I say to him, rolling my eyes. He grabs hold of my hand, raising one eyebrow at me with a smirk on his face.

"Oaf? Ouch, your insults wound me Muffin."

His words are a hushed whisper and he lightly pulls me forward. I feel goosebumps erupt over my skin, running up and down my arms as I grow closer to him. My eyes flicker between both of his and I can feel my breathing shallow out. Butterflies explode in my stomach as the tension between us grows until it almost becomes unbearable. I study every inch of face, unable to believe how beautiful he is.

"What do you want?" He murmurs, blue eyes dropping from my eyes to roam over my lips. I feel him inhale sharply before his eyes flick back up again to meet mine. The intense look in them causes the

butterflies in my stomach to go crazy.

"I'm not sure," I whisper in response, my body screaming at me to close the distance between us. If I inch closer, our lips would finally meet and I'll be kissing Jake Melvin.

"Let me help you decide." Jake murmurs, his breathing growing heavy. I slowly nod my head, watching as desire and a newly lit flame fills his eyes. He continues to pull me forward, his addicting scent wrapping around me.

The door springs open and I quickly jump back from the sound, snapping me out of the trance I was in. Jake closes his eyes and sighs, reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"Ivory, what do you want?" He groans, glaring at her. She stands in the doorway, looking more alive than she did previously this morning.

"Sorry, was I interrupting something? Are you guys making out on my couch?" She smirks, glancing between Jake and I. I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment, turning beetroot red.

"No, you're not interrupting. We're just talking." I say quickly, avoiding eye contact with Jake. She rolls her blue eyes at me, cutting me off by holding her hand up in the air.

"Yeah, I'm sure you were just talking. Stop hitting on my friend Jake." Ivory tells him off, one hand on her hip. I glance between them both, wondering how they know one another.

"I'm not hitting on her and technically, she was my friend first." Jake hits back at her, throwing a cushion in her direction. Ivory dodges it, throwing a glare in his direction.

"God, you're such an annoying cousin. You know that?"

"You guys are family?" I question them both, looking at Jake. He nods, rolling his eyes at a triumphant looking Ivory.

"Yeah, this little dork is my cousin."

Good looks clearly run in the family.

"That's cool, I didn't know." I smile at Ivory. She huffs dramatically, turning the TV on before turning back to me.

"It's not cool at all. Try living with him and my brother, it's a nightmare."

"I'm not annoying, I'm fun." Jake mutters in response, sounding hurt. I chuckle quietly and Jake decides to explain further.

"I live here with Mum, Ivory, her brother Tobias and their Mum. She's my Aunty Myra."

I nod feeling a little overwhelmed as I tried to remember the information.

"You guys have an amazing house." I tell them both.

"Thanks, you're welcome here anytime Emily. It's not like we don't have the space." Ivory gestures at the open air. I smile at her in response and look down at my hands, biting my lip nervously. They're both being so nice to me and I'm not accustomed to that. Jake shuffles closer and leans down so that his lips meet my ear —

"Why are you nervous? Relax," he whispers, his voice sending a shiver to run down my spine. I glance up at him, noticing how thick and dark his eyelashes are. His eyes are beautiful and I don't realise I'm staring until Jake laughs.

"You could take a picture, it'll last longer and you can use it to keep you company at night." Jake smirks smoothly. I gasp, my mouth dropping open slightly. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Ha, you wish. I'd end up with nightmares." I mutter playfully, earning a chuckle from Jake.

"What time is it?" I ask out loud to no-one in particular. Jake glances at his watch before answering — "Eleven thirty."

My eyes widen and I immediately spring off the couch.

"Crap." I mutter, reaching for my jacket. I'm late, very late.