The truth is I'm scared.
I don't have the best experience when it comes to girlfriends.
I remember Violet, the pain she and Tobias bought my way. I vowed to myself I'd never get close to a girl again, never let her into my heart but slowly Emily is breaking that vow. The pain in her eyes flashes through my mind at Tobias' words and I yell out in frustration at the sky.
It's been hours.
My phone rings and I quickly pull it out of my jacket, frowning at the name on the screen.
"Hello?" I answer.
"She's at the cemetery."
Amil's smooth voice answers me.
How does he know that?
"Are you following her?" I ask him, a deep frown on my face. He shouldn't have done that without asking me first.
"Of course I am Jake. Do you think I wouldn't follow her after you bought her to me?"
"You should have asked me!" I respond back harshly. Amil pauses on the other end before breathing in harshly.
"I am making sure she doesn't go running to the police! You should be thanking me."
His voice became more threatening and I remember my place within the gang. Amil is leader which means I have to respect him, no matter what. If I dislike something Amil does, I have to keep my mouth shut. Those are the rules.
I take a deep breath, thinking about my next words carefully.
"She doesn't trust the police." " I say quietly, making my way in the direction of the cemetery.
"You know I'm more careful than that. I can't simply take your word for it. She will be followed until I feel necessary." Amil says firmly before hanging up on me.
I sigh and put my phone back into my pocket. I want to help Emily and get Trevor myself however I know Amil would never allow it. The gang made a vow to never get into any trouble unless it's one of Amil's orders. It's his way of keeping us all in line and avoided unnecessary trouble with rival gang members.
I think back to our conversation regarding Emily and her safety. Amil remained silent the entire time before slowly nodding, letting me know he'll help. I didn't need his help, I needed his approval. I wanted to kill Trevor for what he'd done to Emily but I also have a duty to the gang and I can't give that up for a girl.
Even if that girl is Emily.
So why is my heart protesting?
*****
Emily's POV -
The wind whips sharply around me and the trees sway with their branches. It's completely dark but darkness feels comforting tonight.
"Emily."
My head snaps up and I see Jake's silhouette stood a few feet away from me. I swallow the lump in my throat and stand up, walking away from him quickly.
"Emily, wait!" Jake yells, running after me.
He's faster than me and it didn't take long for his grip to circle around my arm and for him to pull me back into him. I struggle against him and clench my teeth tightly.
"Let go of me, I want to be alone." I tell him, my voice thick with emotion. Jake releases his grip and takes a step back. When I turn around, his eyes are apologetic and desperate as they search mine.
"Please let me explain."
"I already gave you the chance Jake! What makes you think you can mess with my feelings?"
His winces at my words.
"I'm a jerk, I know. I don't deserve another chance to explain. I don't mean to hurt you Emily, I've never wanted to hurt you!" Jake responds, his voice desperate. I remain silent, the cold wind whipping harshly around us. Despite the icy temperature, I don't feel anything.
"God, you're freezing, take my jacket."
I shake my head and clench my fists tightly, remembering Tobias' hurtful words.
"Are you using me? Trying to take advantage? Will you sleep with me and drop me straight afterwards?" I ask him, feeling my eyes fill with fresh tears.
"I'm not using you."
"But Tobias said — "
"I don't care what Tobias said, he's wrong!" Jake yells out in frustration, his beautiful features twisted.
"Please take my jacket, I can see you shaking."
I shake my head in protest, my eyes drifting over to my fathers grave. I want to stay beside him, ask him for advice. I knew he can't answer me but I'm desperate. My chest fills with pain once again and I stumble, reaching out to hold onto something.
"Emily, what's wrong? Talk to me."
I don't want him close to me but when his skin makes contact with mine, I can't seem to let go. I hold onto him tightly, the pounding in my head increasing until it becomes unbearable.
That's when I really feel the cold hit me. It invades every muscle of my body like an ice blast, shocking me into a frozen state. I open my mouth to breathe in sharply but my lungs tighten making it impossible.
"We need to get you out of the cold," Jake breathes into my neck but I don't register his words. I feel my legs weaken underneath me and I fall into him, broken. I don't have the strength to fight anymore and as I fall to the floor, I question whether I ever had any strength at all.
Chapter Twenty Three - The mothers return.
Jake's POV-
I place her down gently on the bed, the mattress dipping as her sleeping form takes shape. I carried her the whole way home, questioning how I'd ever let it get this far. I sigh and reach for a blanket at the foot of my bed before draping it over her. Her eyes are closed peacefully, mouth parted. I
