Tangled Love

CHAPTER 101

I glance at my phone but there’s still no reply from Jake. I continue brushing through my wet hair, ready to let it air dry. It's amazing what a hot shower and new pyjamas can do to you. I've just settled into bed, tucking the sheets on either side of me with a magazine and a hot chocolate when the door opens. I froze immediately and stare straight into his eyes.

Dark brown eyes.

Tobias' eyes.

"Tobias, hey." I say softly, placing the magazine back down. His eyes scan the room and his shoulders visibly relax as he takes a step inside and closes the door.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" He says quietly, his words spoken in a low tone. Instantly memories begin flooding back to me, words I'm sure came from Tobias' mouth. I frown deeply, reaching up to rub at my temples.

No . . . Surely I'm wrong, confused even.

Maybe it wasn't Tobias but Jake speaking to me?

Confessing his feelings.

If I accuse Tobias of doing something he didn't do, I know Jake would never forgive him. It would completely ruin the relationship between them

both, maybe forever. I quickly decide to break the silence between us, the best thing to do is to not mention it at all. I have to make myself believe it wasn't real. It can't be, Tobias doesn't even like me.

"Feeling better," I breathe out quietly. He shoves his hands into the front pocket of his jeans and give me a small smile.

"You're finally awake." He responds, dark brown eyes lingering on me for a while. It's almost as if he's trying to figure something out . . . The action has me

confused even further but I try and not let it display across my features. He stands there awkwardly, eyes dropping to the floor.

"What are you doing here Tobias? You hate me."

He appears taken aback by my sudden outburst and he walks towards me, taking a seat in Jake's chair.

"You think I hate you? You're so wrong Emily." He says sadly, shaking his head. The uneasy feeling sinks back into my stomach as the words once again run through my head.

You're all I can think about. . .

I shut my eyes, battling with myself whether I should ask him if it's true or not. I'm so certain it was Tobias speaking to me that night.

"I don't hate you. I was worried when I heard what happened, I'm just really glad you're okay." He adds quietly. I smiled at him gratefully, it feels nice having people genuinely care for my wellbeing.

"Thank you," I respond, taking a sip from my hot chocolate. The liquid warms me up instantly and I sigh, falling flat against my pillows.

"You look great considering you were shot." Tobias adds and I chuckle at his words —

"You should have seen me two days ago. I haven't showered in four weeks, it wasn't pretty. I feel sorry for the poor nurse who had to help me, she must be scarred for life." I joke and Tobias chuckles, his chest vibrating as he laughs. He lowers himself down onto the chair.

"You should laugh more often, you don't come across as scary that way." I smile at him. He mocks hurt and holds his hand to his heart — Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Are you saying I look miserable most of the time?"

I nod my head immediately laughing at his reaction.

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying."

"You're not the first person to tell me that ironically."

Tobias' gaze land on my arms and I follow them to see what caught his attention . . .

My scars from the rope.

"I can't believe he would do something like that." Tobias mumbled quietly, his eyes frozen in place on the red lines etched into my skin.

"Well believe it because he did."

I quietly study my wrists, grimacing at the sight of them. I don't want to look at them anymore. I turn them away from me, acting like the scars don't exist.

Tobias' hand shoots out immediately and he holds mine, gently turning it back over. I freeze in place, not knowing how to react to the sudden contact.

"You don't have to hide them Emily."

I watch as his fingers trace over the scars and I breathe in sharply, feeling a rush of emotions. I feel the tears well up in my eyes as all the memories come flooding back. It's so hard not to think about Jones and what he did.

"He chained me up, like an animal." I whisper. Saying it out loud finally made me realise how messed up the situation was. I release out a small sob, wrapping my arms around my body protectively. I feel Tobias stand up beside me and pull me to him, letting me nestle against his chest.

"He's gone now." Tobias murmurs as I allow the tears to fall silently. His hand strokes the top of my arm as he attempts to comfort me. I gratefully accept, needing a friend right now. The last thing I want is to to be alone in a dark hospital room with images of Jones filling my thoughts.

"Thanks Tobias," I sniffle, wiping my eyes. His arms wrap around me tighter before he responds, his words softly spoken —

"Don't mention it.”