Don’t Lose Her

Jake slumped onto the bench in his cell, Vanessa's words replaying in his mind like a haunting echo. He rubbed his face with his hands, frustration and confusion bubbling to the surface.

Kidnapping Emma... hurting her? The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth, one he couldn't shake.

He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, his mind tugged toward memories he'd buried deep.

Images of Emma filled his thoughts—her bright smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she was passionate about something, and the sound of her laugh that used to light up his world.

The way she had obediently done his bidding with asking questions and how she had passionately loved him in the purest form without for once holding malicious intent towards anyone.

Emma... he thought, his heart clenching. There was a time he would've done anything to protect her, not harm her. How had he let things spiral so far out of control?