Tangled Love

CHAPTER 33

We're sat in my usual spot in the corner, waiting for our order of two hot chocolates. The lady who worked here glanced at Jake's hand before shaking her head disapprovingly. She silently handed me a first aid kit, her eyebrows raised.

"Thank you." Jake said politely.

"Does it hurt?" I ask him as I gently wipe the blood off his hand. He shook his head, clearly unaffected by the stinging it must be causing him.

"Im used to it, I'm a tough cookie."

He puffed his chest out in true gorilla fashion and I laugh as I finish bandaging him up.

"All done!" I smile, sitting back and admiring my work.

"Thanks Muffin," he murmurs, smiling at me. I blushed, looking down to break eye contact with him.

"Where did you learn to bandage like that?" He asks me, impressed as he studies his hand. I gave him a small smile, knowing he'd eventually figure it out. His eyes suddenly turned a shade darker and his lips stretched out into a thin line. "So, what happened back there?" he asked again, changing the subject.

I sighed and took a drink, the warm liquid comforting me before telling him everything that happened. Tears ran down my cheeks as I explained how Trevor held a knife to my throat, almost ending it completely. Jake's jaw clenched and his hands gripped so tightly round his mug, I was sure it would smash under the force.

"I'm going to kill him," Jake hissed, scraping his chair back and standing up. I stood up next to him, my eyes wide with fear.

"Please don't," I begged.

I don't want Trevor and Jake fighting over me, I couldn't think of anything worse. My words did little to stop the enraged look on Jake's features so I try to persuade him further.

"I don't want you anywhere near him, I want to forget about him. If you kill him, you're just as bad as he is." I say quietly. Jake grows silent, his eyes fixed on me. I watch him, waiting for his reaction.

His hand reaches up, touching my cheek with tenderness I've never felt. Despite it feeling good, I flinch slightly due to the the skin still stinging from Trevor's slap. Jake's eyes darken, turning into two angry dark pools. I can see from his tense posture that he's struggling to hold back his frustration. I know he wants to go after Trevor but it won't solve anything, it doesn't take back years of abuse.

Jake reaches for my bag, swinging it over his shoulder. I swallow the lump in my throat, watching as he holds his free hand out towards me. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"You're coming with me."

My hand reaches for his and he holds it tightly, giving it a small squeeze. I nod, knowing this isn't the end to all my problems but it's definitely a start. I need to get away from Trevor . . . forever.