Chapter 18 He glares at me and 1 glare back in response , daring him to break eye contact . The corners of his lips tug up and I know he's on the verge of laughing . In one swift move , Jake grabs hold of both my arms playfully , surprising me.The pain shooting through my body is instant and I hiss , feeling fire burn through my skin . My reaction is one I deeply regret ... I instantly lift my knee up , hitting him hard between his legs . Jake groans loudly , dropping to the floor with his eyes squeezed shut tightly . " What the hell Emily ?! There goes my chance of ever being able to have kids . " Jake yells , his voice strained . I don't respond , the pain becoming unbearable to handle . It's shooting down my arms , making me lightheaded . Pain flashes through my face and I turn to face the wall , not wanting Jake to see my tear stricken face . Jake gently turns me around , his eyes full of worry and confusion . Fresh tears sting my eyes and I blink , feeling them slide down my cheeks . " Stop Jake ! " I whisper , my voice breaking apart as I speak . Jake takes no notice of my protests and silently tugs my sleeves upwards . I suck in a breath , feeling like I've been punched in the gut . Ugly bruises etched into my skin stare back at us . " Emily ? " Jake questions , his eyes filling with confusion . I thought Jake would take one look at a broken me and he would walk away . Away from the pain and misery in my life . Instead he drops one of my wrists , using his hand to clutch my chin . He lifts it slowly so I'm staring into his eyes . He's searching me intently , blue eyes flickering between mine . " Let me help you , " he pleads , his hand stroking my cheek gently . I've never heard those four words from anyone in my entire life . Let me help you . I push Jake off gently and walk towards the door , locking it. My heart is beating so fast against my body , I can practically hear it booming through my ears . I inhale deeply , noticing Jake is watching me carefully , his eyes trained on my every move . " Please don't judge me , " I whisper quietly , my shaky voice barely filling the small room . Jake nods silently , his face completely emotionless . I have to tell him , tell someone . It's making me go crazy , my sanity slipping away every second . I don't eat anymore in fear and I definitely don't sleep . I'm plagued by nightmares of Trevor every single night , each one of them more terrifying than the last . I squeeze my eyes shut and feel for the hem of my top . My fingers find the soft material and I clutch it tightly , pulling the fabric up to reveal the top half of my body . I feel cold air hit my bare skin and that's when I know there is no going back . My secret and I are exposed . I open my eyes , feeling the tears escape and slide down my cheek , fighting over one another . My hands are shaking uncontrollably and I let go , allowing it fall back down . Jake is stood opposite me , his eyes fixated on my body where my skin was exposed seconds ago . His eyes are completely emotionless but his jaw clenches tightly in anger . His hands ball up into tight fists by his sides and he appears to be rooted to the spot , frozen . " My step - dad does this to me , " I whisper , feeling the need to explain myself . My secret is out . 1/2 9:04 Tue , Oct 14 B Chapter 18 Z0 I look down at my body , knowing what lies underneath the clothes and recoil away from it in disgust . Black and blue bruises cover my whole stomach Scars run up and down my legs and arms from years of abuse and my wrists are a mess from what I've done to them . I lift my head and search Jake's eyes for some sort of reaction but he remains emotionless . Say something Jake , I urge him , fear settling inside my stomach as I couldn't make out his reaction . He pauses for a moment , blue eves filling with a deep sadness I think you're amazing Emily . Come here , " he finally whispers , his eyes flickering up to meet mine . He walks towards me , arms outstretched and I exhale a deep sigh of relief . " Do you think I'm ugly ? " I ask vulnerably , my voice shaking with fear as I fall into his embrace . His warmth wraps around me tightly and I close my eyes , feeling safe . Jake rubs my back soothingly , his face nuzzling inside the crook of my neck . I know he's trying to comfort me but I feel butterflies fill my stomach from his loving actions . " I think you're beautiful , " he whispers , his arms closing around my body gently ... Almost as if he's protecting me from the danger that lurks around me . Chapter Comments D Darci Mello 7 days ago he is so sweet to her . And he is just what she needs 13 SHARE 32 1 Reviews > 2/2 0 9:04 Tue , Oct 14 B