Something shifted under my head, making me growl quietly. With my eyelids still closed I caressed the hard and hot pillow underneath my head and was surprised to hear a moan. I opened my eyes and my eyes fell instantly on Carter's dark ones, my cheeks heated. I had completely forgotten the last night!

"Go— good morning." I said shyly while avoiding his gaze.

"Morning. I didn't know how to wake you up. You were drooling all over my chest..." Carter's sleepy voice stated and my eyes widened in surprise. When I tried to look at his chest to check it, my eyes caught Carter's morning wood and before I could turn my gaze away Carter chucked:

"Go get ready for school, I will wait for you outside."

"O-ok... no problem." And with that I ran toward my bathroom to wash my face and brush teeth, then I remembered something. My grandma was home and she couldn't see him!

" Carter? My grandma..." I mumbled after closing my bedroom's door. He was already fully dressed as he opened my window, ready to jump out.

"Be careful..." I warned him because it was pretty high from my bedroom window, if I jumped I would break an ankle for sure. He was about to add something when my grandma's voice interrupted us:

"Good morning Elle! Breakfast is ready!! "

Carter didn't wait a second before jumping out. I walked toward the window and popped my head out and exhaled in relief when I saw him on his feet, looking fine.

I put my uniform on and took my phone out to text Lila because she was supposed to pick me up to go to school. I felt bad cancelling on her, but she would understand.

Isabella was whistling a melody as I entered the kitchen. I kissed her cheek and grabbed the coffee that she was holding for me.

" Did you sleep well? "

" Yep, like a baby."I answered naturally as I took a bite small bite of my pancake. I had to hurry!

" There was a black car parked near the forest... do you know who owns it? I'm sure no one around here owns a car like that? It's unusual." Her words made me almost choke on my food. She saw Carter's car!

" hum... no! Oh no! I'm gonna be late." I faked a smile while grabbing my backpack, screaming a bye to her.

As I entered Carter's car I didn't dare looking at him. Driving to school with him was probably a bad idea.

The car ride took only a few minutes and when the school appeared in sight I inhaled. My hands were playing with the hem of my T-shirt when he started slowing down.

" So... see you tomorrow?" I asked innocently with my eyes still glued to the window and he surprised me with a unexpected laugh.

" Tomorrow? No. After school we are going to my place."

" What. No! I won't! I have things to do!! " I stared at him with my big green eyes waiting for him to say " I'm joking" but it didn't exit his mouth. He was more than serious.

" Ok..." I swallowed down the protests that I wanted to throw at his face.

As we got out of the car I tried to pretend I didn't see the glances full of hatred and jealousy. Some of them whispered behind their hands trying not to be heard. I headed to my locker automatically with Carter following me like my shadow.

"You don't need to be glued to me! Nothing is gonna happen to me here!"

"Elle." He warned but was interrupted by a female's high voice.

" Baby I was waiting for you!!" I recognized Billie's voice as I grabbed the psychology book needed and inhaled hard.

" What are you doing with... trash?" She whisper-yelled and I heard some chuckles from behind.

" What did you say?" Carter erupted all of sudden. I closed my locker and finally turned to see Carter approaching Billie dangerously.

" Bab— Baby calm down. I know you hate her... why are you defending her?" She gulped as her fingers involuntarily tightened their hold on her bag.

"Hate her? I don't fucking hate her so if I heard trash coming from your dirty mouth again..." Carter growled but I couldn't hear the end of his sentence. We were surrounded by more than a few students and in the corner of my eye I noticed Vaughn and Nathan with their arms crossed. Carter's hand was now placed around Billie's throat.

"Carter please stop!!" I pleaded as I grabbed his arm. He finally looked down at me and his finger went to my face and caught a tear. I didn't even know the reason why I was crying.

"I will always protect you." Carter whispered in my ear and it was followed by a unexpected kiss on my cheek. Carter walked off to join his friends, leaving me breathless.

" Elle!"

" Lila!! Nicole!!!" My friends were now standing in front of me and I hugged them simultaneously. Nicole looked fine, probably better than I was and Lila was still the same energetic girl.

" What the hell was that?" Lila asked with her thumb pointed behind her.

" Carter... I..." I didn't know how to start. What could I say? We weren't dating but for some unknown reason he was protecting me. I was so confused!

"Billie bitch deserved it!" Lila stated and Nicole nodded. Suddenly the bell rang and Lila left with a sad face. She had economy and Nicole and I had psychology.

"Nicole... what happened with Vaughn?" I muttered and she smiled shyly. " I'm your friend! Tell me if he hurt you!!" I would make him pay if he ever touched her without permission.

" Nothing... it's weird. He was weird. I mean he—" She stopped and stared at me before continuing in the same tone. " I was with Lila when suddenly I felt dizzy so I could barely stand up and then I saw Carter carrying you! I tried to follow him because I didn't know what he was doing! Once I got outside I... collapsed on Lila and before I could blink I was in Vaughn's arms. In the middle of the night I was surprised. I was in my bed and sitting on a chair was Vaughn. My parents weren't home... and I swear god he didn't hurt me!"

I was sure a cat had eaten my tongue. I was speechless. Were we still talking about Vaughn Bates? Her freaking bully? I couldn't believe her words because they sounded too unreal.

___

I read Madden's text for the hundredth time. I really wanted to forgive him, after all mistakes were human. But I couldn't forgive him now... it was too fresh and his words had been very painful. Maybe it was because he was my best friend that the pain felt stronger.

I stared at my watch as the teacher moved his arms in a tragically way. It was the last period of the day and I was exhausted. Lila was carefully tipping on her phone and I glanced at my right too see Nicole with her face being held by her little hand. After a few uncountable minutes, the bell finally rang.

" Lila and I are going to The Smiths! Do you want to come?" Nicole asked as she tightened her ponytail and Lila added a smile.

" Lila... what did you do after Vaughn took Nicole?" I bellowed. It wasn't important but I needed to know why she had let Vaughn take Nicole.

" Hum... So Vaughn said he was only bringing her home. I wanted to fight him... but something on his face told me he wasn't going to hurt her but I tried!" She chewed nervously her thumbnail. " And I had to go back to the house because I had forgotten my jacket, then Sawyer appeared and offered me a drink."

I didn't push her further and refused her offer because I knew that Carter was waiting for me. I didn't want to get the beast mad. It was going to be a very long night!

" I have to go but maybe next time??" I winked at them before kissing their cheeks. As I walked off I took my phone out of my pocket and texted my grandma.

I couldn't tell her the truth because she would disapprove it. I headed outside after a few and wasn't surprised to see Madden.

" Hi... are you ok? I texted you... I'm sorry!! " He started and I took a few steps back.

" Madden... I know you're sorry but you really hurt me! I thought you were my friend. You know that I'm not a whore!" I muttered and stared at my feet.

" Fuck... I really shouldn't have said that to you. It wasn't the truth. I just... I had a fight with my father the same morning and I know it's not a good excuse but..."

" I have to go. Bye Madden. "

___