Hunter stayed with me the whole night. With every ounce of my energy zapped, I collapsed on the sofa, not even shifting to change out of my work clothes. My brother fetched his duvet from his bed to cover us up and keep us warm through the night. I spent a long time sobbing into his chest, trying to apologise for what I'd caused, but he refused to believe or admit any of it was my fault. He stroked his hands through my hair, continuing to assure me everything would be alright until I managed to drift off to a night of restless sleep.

I wake the following morning more than worse for wear. My back and neck aches from sleeping in an awkward position on the sofa. The spot next to me, which Hunter had once occupied is now empty and void of warmth. Stretching my arms out towards the ceiling, my bones creak in response, as I unleash an almighty yawn. I plod over to the breakfast table, where a bowl of mixed fruits awaits with a note sat beside it.

Keep your chin up KitKat!

Hunter xx

P.s- Eat the fruit, it's good for you =]

As I read the last line of Hunter's messy handwritten letter I can't suppress the smile that creeps across my lips. Hunter is such a caring brother and I honestly don't know where I'd be without him. He picked up the pieces when mother left, and he spent countless nights with me when I couldn't face sleeping by myself. I'd never been brave enough to tell Hunter what had happened to me, I couldn't bear to put him through the pain. And quite frankly I didn't want to replay that part of my life. Having to explain to anyone what happened would tear me to pieces. I would avoid it at all costs.

I spent a long time thinking about Jacob through the night before sleep took me. When Jessica called me over to tell me a man was asking for me, I automatically presumed it was Jacob. Who else would ask specifically for my company? Saying that, Jacob does seem to genuinely want to spend time with me, even if his methods for doing so are incredibly exhausting. I guess I should apologise to him, though he did try to kiss me, slapping him was taking things too far.

Wasn't it?

Many confusing emotions have arisen since Jacob Wilde has bulldozed his way into my life. After some careful consideration, I decide the best way to settle this is to go and pay him a visit.

As I stand before the wrought iron gates the instinct to run becomes stronger than ever. When it comes to flight or fight, there's no doubt I'm a flight kind of girl. This time, however, it won't do me any favours to run.

For the last few days, a constant niggling in the back of my mind has been bugging me, persuading me that whatever Jacob Wilde is to me, friend or foe, either way, to keep him close. Besides, I guess my choice of words that night were harsh, but if he hadn't have kissed me. If he hadn't have kissed me, I'm positive I wouldn't be feeling this way now. I certainly wouldn't be thinking of the warmth of his soft lips, or his muscly body pressed tight against my own.

Oh for goodness sake woman, get a grip.

I shuffle awkwardly on my feet and take a deep breath leaning forward to press the green button on the intercom. An unfamiliar voice crackles through the speaker on the opposite end.

"Erm. Hi, it's Kitty White here," I stumble over my words, completely caught off guard. I've never been confident on the phone or at leaving answerphone messages. "I'm here to see Jacob Wilde, I'm a," pausing for a second I search for the right words "friend of his."

"One moment, Miss White," the male voice responds curtly, and no sooner do the gates proceed to open towards me. The very gates I had tried to climb in my attempt t flee.

As I step onto the cobbled stones, I'm immediately overwhelmed by the grandiose property a short distance ahead of me. It's amazing how someone is born into a life like this. I envy Jacob for it, that's for sure.

Moving at haste I ascend the spiral stairs that finish at the foot of the front door, trying to decipher in my head what exactly I'm going to say. I've never been any good at apologies or admitting that I'm wrong for that matter. Hunter used to say to me "You're as stubborn as a mule, you are." But I don't think anyone is ever really comfortable with admitting that they're wrong.

After staring at the pristine white door for a ridiculous length of time, I finally manage to build up enough courage to press the bell. The noise rings throughout the house, and within a minute or so nimble footsteps follow.

Whilst I wait for someone to answer I stare at the ground, biting my lip as my anxiety begins to flare. It hadn't occurred to me that Jacob might not be there. He must have a life outside of his house just like the rest of the world does! My mind finds solace in the possibility of not having to face him today. But sure enough, the second I turn to walk away, the creak of the door alerts my attention, followed by an all too familiar male voice.

"Kitten. I wasn't expecting to see you on my doorstep," Jacob's eyes light up. He seems genuinely surprised by my presence speaking between heavy breaths as if he has just completed a marathon.

"I,I," I slowly lift my head readying myself to gaze into his eyes, but instead come face to face with the naked flesh of his abdominals. Not only that, but his skin is dripping with sweat, that proceeds to slide downwards and further accentuate his stunning physique. The sun peeping through the clouds glistens onto his chest, making him glow like a type of God from ancient history. I resist the urge to reach out and touch him.

No one and I mean no one should be able to look this good. However, somehow, Jacob does, apparently without even meaning to.

"You?" the slight snicker in his voice indicates he's enjoying my awkwardness.

As much as I want to continue staring at Jacob's six-pack, I force my head up to meet those baby blues, all the while wishing I hadn't decided to come over in the first place. A small smirk tugs at one corner of his lips, as he runs a hand through his sodden locks. He's torturing me on purpose, and it's working. I shake my head to avert my eyes.

"Look," I groan, "I was hoping you could help me with my maths coursework. I know you got one of the best grades in your year and," my eyes find his, and again I lose myself in them in an instant.

Why does this keep happening? Does this man have a magical hold over me or something?

Don't be ridiculous Kitty.

Jacob clears his throat before speaking again. "Ah. So there is method in the madness," he chuckles to himself. "Would you like to come in for a drink Kitten? You caught me in the middle of a workout, but I'm not going to get back to it now."

Before I can answer, Jacob rather rudely gives me his back and heads further into the house. I can't help but stare in awe at the way his muscles move as he walks, before finally stepping inside. Closing the door behind me, I follow Jacob through the house. He leads me to an area I hadn't noticed before, through a frosted glass door. My jaw drops when I discover what's beyond. An oversized swimming pool takes its place in the centre of the room, with an amply sized jacuzzi situated off to the side. Tiny pretty led lights surround the outer perimeter of the pool, and to the left stands a round table with chairs surrounding it.

"Take a seat," Jacob motions to the chairs. "Do you want a drink?"

"No, thank you," I reply heading over to the seats.

I place my folder on the table, taking in the tranquil atmosphere. The large room which I sit is much like a conservatory, glass panelled to enable a breathtaking view of the picturesque garden outside. To my right stands a small wooden shed, which taking a wild guess, I'd say is some type of sauna or steam room.

Jacob returns holding two tall glasses of orange juice. He sets one glass in front of me and takes the seat directly opposite me. I frown at him to which he simply replies with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. "You don't drink enough," he offers as an explanation.

I roll my eyes at him, turning my attention to my coursework.

"So what do I owe this pleasure, Princess?"

"Aren't you going to put- you know, some more clothes on?" I question, trying my damned hardest not to sneak another peek at that delicious torso. The tattoo which he once tried to cover up from me, is now on full display for me to see. It is, in fact, an electrocardiograph, with the name 'Emma' in fancy scroll font below it.

"Is my body distracting you?" he enquires grinning.

"No," I reply. Liar. " I just thought you wanted to hide your- er," I motion awkwardly with my hands to his chest.

Jacob raises a brow at me, a slightly more serious look adorning his features, "I don't need to hide anything from you, Kitten."

Nodding firmly, I hand him the piece of paper on top of the pile.

"My hypothesis is," he reads, and rereads the only two words that are written on the A4 page, and I swear if I hear them one more time today I'll scream. "Well. What is your hypothesis?"

I stare at him blankly, watching an irritating smile creep onto his lips "You don't know what a hypothesis is, do you?" he teases.

I cast my eyes down at the table, shaking my head in embarrassment. Jacob sighs before continuing " Do you listen to anything your tutor tells you? A hypothesis is just a theory of what you think is-"

"Who's Emma?"

The words spew from my mouth so quickly I have no time to contemplate what I've said. Jacob stares at me with an unfathomable expression and places a careful hand on top of the sheets of paper.

"This isn't about your coursework, is it Kitten?" It's a statement, not a question.

"No," I admit sheepishly, "well, yes I do really need your help with this, but-."

I release a long drawn out breath in preparation. "Look, I'm sorry about what I said to you the other night, it was downright despicable of me," I sigh once again. "And I guess I'm sorry for slapping you too," I add.

I gawk at the table, waiting for his reply, but it never comes. Instead, he bursts into a fit of laughter. My head springs up to shoot him a sharp glare, how dare he laugh at me.

"What? What's so bloody funny?" I growl, having the sudden urge to slap him a second time.

Jacob straightens his back against the chair trying to control his giggling "Is this what you've been so worked up about? Apologising to me?" I nod and he stifles another giggle. "You're so cute. Apology accepted."

"It's your turn," I urge, observing him.

After tapping his fingers on the glass table for a moment or two, he finally presents me with a look of pure confusion

"My turn to what?" he questions.

Scowling at him I reply through gritted teeth, "apologise."

"Ohhh," he exhales, stretching his arms behind his neck in a lounging position, before meeting my eyes again. His contain a beautiful, but mischievous glint that causes me to gulp down a lump in my throat. "I'm not apologising for kissing you, Princess," he speaks in a clear and calculating way, considering his choice of words, "I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if it did result in my cheek stinging for an hour afterwards," he adds a smirk to end his sentence. "And I know you enjoyed it too."

"I did not," I snap back immediately, holding my scowl, "I didn't exactly have a choice did I?"

Jacob tilts his head at an angle giving me a lopsided grin that causes another mini heart attack in my chest.

"You're a bad liar," he states, "and you always have a choice."

I scoff unattractively, which seems to perk Jacobs interest. I highly disagree with that statement. More then I'd care to remember I have not had a choice.

Exhaling heavily, I soften my scowl a little and replace it with a blank expression. My 'poker face', which I had worked hard to perfect over the years. 

"Can you teach me then?" I question.

His eyes light up, "In the art of kissing, I'm all over that, Princess.

I scoot backwards in my chair so his outstretched hand can't reach me, glowering at it as if it's a boa constrictor about to take a bite out of me.

"You know what I meant Wilde."

He leans towards me resting an elbow on the table, and drops his head into his hand, giving me an innocent grin, "It was worth a try," he replies shrugging coyly, and returning to the sheets of paper on the table. "When exactly is this coursework due for hand in?"

"Two weeks tomorrow, " I grumble, not wanting to confess how very little time I have to finish the stupid assignment.

"Phwoar," Jacob exhales loudly. "And so far you've written-" he sifts through the blank pieces of paper, "two words," he concludes.

"Don't look at me like that," I snap at his disapproving gaze,  so similar to that of my brothers when he's unhappy with something I've done.

He sighs, even though there's an evident grin on his face, before clapping his hands together, "looks like we'll be spending a lot more time together, Princess."

"Wonderful," I mutter under my breath.

******

I unleash a groan of frustration slamming my hands down on the table in front of me. Both I and Jacob watch as a helpless pencil caught in the crossfire flings across the room before proceeding to bounce across the surface of the water in the swimming pool. Jacobs's eyes shift to meet mine and he raises an expectant eyebrow.

"Enough," I exclaim, "I've had enough. This just proves that no matter who's teaching me, it doesn't make a damn bit of difference. I just don't get maths!"

Jacob blinks twice, slowly, and slips his arm over my shoulders. He absentmindedly curls a strand of my hair around his index finger causing me to shudder.

"Look," he breathes in my ear, so close I can smell his mouthwatering scent. " You'll get it, you just need to relax."

My shoulders slump in defeat, "I can't relax, I'm not a relaxed kind of person."

"Sure you can. Come here," Jacob pats his knees, pushing his chair back from the table.

I narrow my eyes at him and scoff. "Nice try Santa Claus," I retaliate, sarcasm dripping from my voice, "but I should get going."

To my surprise, a sly smile spreads across his lips as we both stand in unison

"Sure, I'll walk you to the front door," he offers.

I nod. Either I'm the queen of England or that boy is up to something. We walk together, side by side in silence. It's not particularly an uncomfortable silence, weirdly it never is in Jacob's company. With the door in sight, my heart begins to pick up the pace. Jacob turns to face me, his mouth a thin straight line.

"Are you sure you want to leave?" he asks ominously.

His words hang in the air as I stare up into those beautiful pools of blue. My mouth opens to reply but no words materialise. We watch each other for another minute, both breathing heavily. I part my lips to speak again, but before I get any words out he throws me against the wall. Jacobs left-hand cushions the blow behind me, whilst the right splays against the wall above my head, caging me in. Glancing up at his arm above me, I gulp, my breathing becoming a bit ragged.

"Kitty," he speaks softly, but in such a way that demands all my attention, "I want you, and I know you want this too. All you have to do is say yes."

I blink quickly, watching his serious expression, before shifting my gaze away from him. Say yes? I desperately want to say yes. I want Jacob, god I want nothing more. But the voice in my head always says no.

All he wants is sex, then he'll drop you in a flash.

'You always have a choice.'

For once, do I really have a choice? Slowly, I bring my eyes to meet his eagerly awaiting gaze. I take a moment to appreciate just how gorgeous the man in front of me is.

How could he possibly be interested in you? No one will ever want you. No one will ever love you.

"I can-"

I don't get the chance to finish my sentence because Jacobs's lips collide with my own. I'm frozen, once again, by the sudden act. His lips are so soft and warm, as they move gently against my own. The noises Jacob makes tell me he wants more but this time it's not me who pulls away from our embrace. It's him. Letting out a frustrated growl, he throws his hand against the wall behind me and runs the other through his hair in a flustered mess.

"Kitty," he whispers, "you are driving me insane. I want you so badly, but I won't do anything without your consent. Please. Answer me."

I'm not sure what's running through my head when I lean in and lock lips with Jacob again. So many conflicting emotions whirl through my mind. One thing I do know is that right here and right now, this is what I want. I want Jacob Wilde to kiss me, hold me, touch me.

He grins against my mouth, obviously extremely pleased with my answer. And before I know it, his hands are gripping the back of my head, fingers entangled in my hair, pulling me closer. I run my fingers through his silky hair, something I've wanted to do for a while now, and yes it is as just soft as it looks.

Jacob slips his hands down to my bottom and hauls me off my feet. I wrap my legs around his torso to support myself, as he carries me with ease up the stairs and into his bedroom, all the while never taking those hungry eyes off mine. Kicking the bedroom door closed behind him, he places me gently on the edge of the soft mattress. I receive a small kiss on the cheek, then he gives me a boyish wink and tugs off his shirt, flexing his muscles.

I gulp inwardly, automatically stiffening all over at the sight of his half-naked body. This must be blatantly obvious because the grin he's sporting softens into something more sincere.

"I promise I'm never going to hurt you, Kitty," he whispers gently in my ear, inducing a tingling through my body from head to toe.

I nod, whilst attempting to control my rapid breathing. I did not doubt that Jacob wouldn't hurt me, but this is all so new to me. My experiences with trusting others have been sickening after the events of my previous 'relationship', I swore never to trust another man again. But Jacob was making it so hard to keep that promise.

My muddled thoughts scatter the moment I hear the unmistakable sound of a zipper. When I glance back up, Jacob is watching me, an almost smug smile playing on his lips whilst he runs his thumbs along the seam of his jeans, like some kind of underwear model. I can't help but gasp at the growing bulge beneath his clothing.

Gulping down the lump in my throat, I will myself to calm down. The last time I'd been in a situation similar to this, Hugo used and abused me like a slave. This time, Jacob is giving me the choice, and if I want to run I can.

My pupils flick to the side, sneaking another glance of the handsome man waiting earnestly for me to accept his overwhelmingly tempting offer. Finally, I nod, letting him know that I'm reasonably comfortable under the circumstances, and he strides over to me, positioning himself lengthways beside me. With one finger he traces small circles on my midriff, where my jumper has risen to reveal skin.

"Relax," he purrs, reaching over to tuck a single strand of hair behind my ear. "You're so beautiful."

Right now Jacob looks like the cat that's got the cream. Carefully, I guess as not to startle me he sidles closer, so there's not an inch of space between the two of us. As my breathing heightens, my eyes follow his moves guardedly as he cocks a leg up ready to get on top of me. Only midway, the silence is interrupted by the familiar sound of my text tone. Without thinking I grasp the device in my hand, ready to switch it onto silent mode. But the words typed across the tiny screen grab my full attention filling me with looming, sudden dread. Sitting bolt upright on the bed, tears begin to cloud my vision as I stare at the screen unbelieving. Bringing my shaking hands closer to my face I confirm my worst fears.

You can run, Melissa. But you can't hide.

I've bolted from the bedroom before Jacob gets the chance to ask me what's wrong. As I hurtle down the stairs, the confusion is clear in Jacobs's voice as he shouts after me, begging me to come back. There's no way I will go back to him now.

Once I'm out the front door I bolt as fast as I can away from the house. With no idea what direction I'm heading in, I continue to run, until my body forces me to stop and catch my breath. Tears stream down my cheeks and my heart races so wildly it feels like it's going to explode from my chest. The phone clutched in my hand bleeps again, signifying another text. I stare at it in horror.

Run, run, as fast as you can.

Spinning on my toes, I glance in every direction. He's out there for sure. I'm positive, I can sense him stalking me. Stumbling awkwardly on my feet, I collapse to the ground on my knees. I bury my face in my hands and sob, wishing more than anything that I wasn't alone. I wasn't a great idea to run away, but I couldn't bear having to explain to Jacob what had happened to me back then. With no other options left, I scroll through the numbers on my phone until I find Hunter.

A/N- Hey guys! Sorry for the lengthy time between updating, but this is a longg chapter so I hope you enjoy it! Stuff is about to get pretty serious very soon for our girl. Let me know if you're still reading =]

Dedicated to ms_writerxo elmirafh lunamoonlight0035 i-freaking-lo_ove-me that_writing_gurl mypleasingmemories Kaleshni toriatobin nellathorn nutellaxgirlx Ririflower

Also sorry if I've tagged you and you're not reading! >.< Thanks for the love and support everyone <3
Beth xx