Tangled Love

CHAPTER 23

Austin takes a step towards me and in return, I take a step back. I'm trapped between sweaty bodies, caged in like an animal. I find myself struggling to breathe, my throat tightening. The nauseating smell of alcohol hits me and Trevor's face instantly flashes through my mind.

The last person I want to think about tonight is Trevor.

Austin doesn't seem to hear or see my discomfort. He pushes his body into mine and I shove hard at his chest, hating the way he feels against me.

"This isn't fun anymore Austin!" I protest, my words doing little to slow him down.

"Please get — "

I don't have a chance to finish my sentence as he's ripped away from me in an instant. I blink and step back, stumbling into a few other people behind me. Austin was lying on the floor, his eyes wide with surprise and fear.

"Oh my god," I gasp however I could feel the relief run through my body. My sides are throbbing painfully and I can't help but wince in pain every time I move. Jake stands over Austin, his shoulders squared defensively. My eyes travels down to his fist that is tensed, ready to strike.

"Jake, don't!" I cry, lunging towards him as he leans down to hit him. One of Jake's friend picks me up in one swift move and pulls me back in the crowd, not allowing me to get in between Jake and Austin.

"You don't want to get in the middle of that sweetheart," he mutters in my ear, holding me back.I continue to watch in horror as Jake grips Austin by the collar and drags him to his feet. He makes it look effortless despite Austin being the same size as him.

"The girl asked you to get off her. She shouldn't have to ask twice."

His words are icy, dripping with danger.

"She was enjoying it." Austin spat back, his eyes burning with hatred and fear. My own widen in surprise at his words and I shake my head, protesting. Jake didn't turn around to ask me if he was right, he already knew the answer.

"If you try that again, you can enjoy my fist in your face." Jake hisses, leaning down to his ear. He doesn't make an effort to quieten his words down, everyone could hear his threatening words. Austin simply chuckles at Jake, challenging him to hit him already.

"She isn't yours to protect, get the hell off me."

Jake makes a low sound in protest and it almost sounds like a growl coming from his throat. I watch in horror as he swings his head back before smashing it into Austin's face. A scream escapes my throat and I want to squeeze my eyes shut so I don't see the blood pouring from his nose. Jake's head snaps towards me and I almost recoil backwards from his eyes.

I immediately grow silent, frozen to the spot.

His eyes hold a murderous glint and my heart skips a beat in fear. My entire body begins to shake and I open my mouth before clamping it shut again. His eyes are cold, bloodshot and vicious.

Just like Trevor.

Breathe Emily, breathe.

I remain frozen, staring wide eyed in terror at Jake. Visions of Trevor beating me with the same cold eyes clouds my mind and I feel like a hand is closing in around my throat tightly. I gasp like a fish out of water and Jake's eyes soften considerably. He walks towards me and I shake my head further, unable to tell him to stop.

"What's wrong Emily?" I hear Jake ask distantly but Trevor's threats filled my eyes, taunting me. An arm wraps around my shivering body and I whimper, yanking it away from me. My head is pounding hard and my lungs are tightening further. I whimper in fear, feeling my head go hazy and disorientated.

"Emily?"

I began to push through the crowds, my legs wobbling underneath my weight.

"I need some air," I whisper, barely able to hear my own words. I use the bodies of others to keep myself standing but it isn't enough.

The inability to breathe finally catches up with me and I feel my eyes roll the back of my head.