They looked like gaping fish.

'They' being my two best friends Isabelle and Kayla. We were sat on our usual cafeteria table, which was unfortunately near the trash can and honestly their faces were starting to freak me out.

They've had the same expression on for seven minutes and counting. Admittedly yes, it was my own fault. But what type of friend would I be if I didn't update them on everything that's happened over the past few days?

Now I had to live with the consequences and use the silence for something, so I resorted to appreciating them sitting in front of me. I really had beautiful best friends and that's not me being biased. I never understood how these two were still single. No really, they're a lot more beautiful than so many girls here and I'm talking on the inside too.

At first Izzy is the quiet and shy one of our group. But this all changes once you get to know her. Then she's as loud as Kim Kardashian was during her sex tape. She was also the fashionista. She literally spends her free time reading magazines or watching E! Entertainment. You wanna know the latest gossip about any celebrity? Ask Isabelle Martin.

Kayla on the other hand is the more tough, spunky type of girl. She said things straight to your face which is something I really envied about her. There were only a few things which got to her; Nixon Ford being one of them. Well I would say slightly. She really wasn't scared of most things and more importantly, not scared of what people thought of her.

Kayla had been blessed with long wavy ginger hair and big brown eyes. She had put in two small plaits at the top and pinned them back today which looked so pretty. Her makeup was light and natural with just a light pink gloss on her lips. She was stunning without even trying and that sucked for people like me.

Izzy didn't even have to try either. I mean she was amazing with her makeup skills and was totally obsessed with dressing people up, but she never did it on herself as she didn't need to. She had her blonde hair away from her face in a ponytail which brought out her bright blue eyes. I guess with being unpopular, people didn't know we existed. Our table being by the trash really showcased our status here.

I then realised that our little trio consisted of a brunette, blonde and redhead. That made me smile.

"What are you smiling about?" I looked up and smiled wider at Kayla who had finally gotten out of her trance.

"Yeah Mara there's nothing to smile about. I can't believe you went through all that," Izzy looked at me with a sad expression which immediately made me drop it forming a frown.

I didn't want them to be upset. I now understood why Aiden and Jake didn't want me at their house parties, but I was fine now. I did look over my shoulder a couple times this morning but I was more worried about facing Nixon. I didn't know if I would still feel scared around him or not. Part of me didn't wanna find out.

"Exactly! I wanna find that little son of a bitch, rip the hair off his skull, kick him in the balls and drag him to hell!" Did I mention that Kayla was also feisty?

"You were so lucky Nixon came at the right time. I still can't believe the bad boy likes you,"

My head whipped to Izzy. Now I looked like a gaping fish.

"He does not! He's the bad boy for a reason. He-he's scary and demanding and-"

"Well he's a bad boy who came to your rescue and then apologised. Maybe the bad boy isn't so bad," Kayla commented.

"And he's super hot!" I rolled my eyes at Izzy even though I secretly agreed with her.

Even Kayla chimed in. "Definitely hot,"

"But guys you didn't see the way he was fighting, it was obvious he's done it before. It was really scary. And I know for a fact he doesn't like me," Of course he didn't. I mean the bad boy liking the invisible girl? I don't think so.

"It's not like he was fighting you. Think of it like this, you basically have your own knight in shining armour and seriously Mara why else would a guy take a girl out twice in a row?" Kayla sighed.

"I don't know. It's not like we spent a lot of time together, he did ditch me twice. And he probably just likes having someone to tease and order around for entertainment," My thoughts went to the mall when Nixon said he liked that I talked back.

Actually his exact words were 'It turns a guy on'. It's not like I do it on purpose they were supposed to be said in my head. That fact alone does not mean he likes me. Besides, every time we went out it seemed like he had something else to do.

What else could explain the disappearing acts?

"God you're hopeless,"

"Come on Kay give her a break. The signs are there Mara but you should still be careful. We've all heard the same rumours and none of us know him that well," I nodded at Izzy agreeing with the last part.

"Fine. Izzy has a point. But I still think he likes you, I mean what's not to like?" I gave a shy smile to Kayla who was winking at me.

"This Ethan guy sounds cool though, I like him. Can't ever say I've seen him around though," Izzy looked lost in thought. To be honest neither had I until I met him. I guess the boys were loners like us too, but for a different reason. They were feared.

"He sounds a bit annoying to me,"

"Annoying? Ouch, that hurts my feelings sweetheart," I jumped in surprise when I felt a strong arm wrap around my shoulders and looked to my left. Ethan was sat there staring right at Kayla with what I figured was his fake sad puppy dog look. How much did he hear? And if Ethan was here does that mean-

"You should really tell that to someone who cares," Kayla snorted, interrupting my thoughts and giving Ethan her 'I'm totally faking it' smile. Izzy just looked in shock. Knowing her it's probably because of his looks.

"Wow Mara Moo I didn't know that your best friend was hot and feisty. That's a pretty dangerous combo," Ethan winked at her which I'm certain would have had any girl falling to their knees, apart from Kayla it seemed.

She was unaffected and kept a straight face. I smiled internally, briefly thinking about great these two would be together but a figure in the distance caught my eye and broke my thoughts.

Nixon.

Nixon was stood by the cafeteria entrance receiving wary or confused glances by everyone who walked past.

He looked so handsome in his black fitted top and he had his arms folded which defined his muscles even more than usual. But of course I had to get caught checking him out. Within a few seconds our eyes met and I inhaled sharply. Partly due to the embarrassment of getting caught and partly due to me almost forgetting the effect his stare had on me.

I felt frozen in my place like I couldn't look at anything else. Apparently, so had Nixon as he never looked away from my eyes. Remembering the fight from yesterday I felt a hint of fear but I also felt security. I felt warmth.

But that was maybe because of the deep blush I felt that was making its way across my cheeks. He then slightly smirked but also had a look of something else but I wasn't sure what.

"Well let's ask Mara! Mara you agree with me right?" Kayla's pleading voice reluctantly broke me away from the stare off with Nixon.

"What?" I looked at her dumbfounded not knowing what her and Ethan were talking about.

"She's lost in Nixon land so she doesn't count. Therefore I win," I almost choked on Ethan's words.

"W-what?"

"Aw look at her all flustered," Kayla cooed and laughed making me blush even further. Ethan and Izzy joined in too, much to my dismay. I looked down in embarrassment grateful that Nixon couldn't hear us.

"Hey Mara why don't you tell the girls about our sexy little dance," I looked over to Ethan with a glare who was wiggling his eyebrows in mischief.

Before I could say anything, he suddenly jumped up and jogged towards Nixon who was still staring at me with his intense gaze before both of them disappeared.

I turned my gaze to face my now dumbstruck friends.

"Sexy what?!"

***

The sound of the final bell was music to my ears.

It's safe to say that I was on the verge of dying from boredom in Math class. Unfortunately for me, I now had to face a long walk home seen as though Aiden wasn't here to give me a ride. Just the mere thought of doing any form of exercise made me wanna cry.

To top it all off thanks to Ethan the only thing the girls could talk about was our dance at the party last night. It was definitely one of the most embarrassing things I've ever done in my life. Kayla and Izzy kept insisting that it was really 'hot' and 'sexy'.

The thing could be classed as a porno for crying out loud! I was practically grinding on him. When I watched it back with them I couldn't even recognise myself, I looked like a completely different person. Someone confident. Carefree. Captivating.

Everything Mara Ellsworth wasn't.

Giving my goodbye hugs to a still very excited Kayla and Izzy I made my way to the exit, leading to the parking lot. Walking past the line of parked cars outside I was suddenly held frozen by a voice from behind me. More specifically, his voice.

"Mara,"

How did he always manage to make my name sound different than everyone else? Sighing to relax my nerves, I slowly turned around and met with the eyes of Nixon. He had an expression which I'd never seen him with before. Wariness.

Seeing his face made me offer a small nervous smile."Hey,"

If I hadn't been looking at him I would have missed the small twitch of his lips in return. I forced myself to push back the image I had of yesterday's fight and focus on the small smile he gave me.

I mean he wasn't himself yesterday, right? Ethan's words were replaying through my mind. 'Just because he can hurt other people doesn't mean he'll ever hurt you'. Reminding myself that Nixon wasn't the real threat I managed to let out a deep breath, calming myself.

"About yesterday-"

"I-it's fine. You don't have to explain Nixon. Thank you for helping, but I'd rather just forget about it,"

"That bastard ruined your first party and-" His jaw immediately locked like he was trying to control his anger and he had his fists clenched.

I flinched a little, the fear from yesterday creeping in but I forced myself to focus on what Nixon had just said. As soon as he saw me flinch he immediately went back to normal but he had what looked like a pained expression.

"H-how did you know it was my first party?" I asked folding my arms and standing up straighter. I needed to show him that I wasn't just a scared little girl. My question got rid of his pained look as he visibly relaxed.

"It was quite obvious. The first sign being the way your face lit up when we walked in," He smirked and I felt a wave of relief. The teasing Nixon I knew was back.

"It was because of the house," Even I could hear the lie through my voice. Nixon chuckled in amusement cocking his head to the side slightly like he was debating something.

"I need your help with something. Let's go," Long before I could open my mouth to respond Nixon had already reached his car which was parked on the far side of the lot. Dumbfounded on the bossiness with my mouth opened, I found myself walking in the same direction.

I was so going to regret this.

We reached a small ranch style house which was in a neighbourhood I didn't recognise. Its windows were boarded with red panels and it was surrounded by wooden fencing. Nixon drove up the short drive stopping in front of a white garage door which was attached to the side of the house.

He turned off the engine getting out abruptly so I followed suit. Heading for the front door, Nixon smirked at me having seen my confused face. He then pulled out a set of house keys.

This was Nixon's house.

I was at the bad boy's house.

"Are you coming in or not?" Nixon looked at me in amusement.

I figured it was because of my dazed face. For the love of cheese sticks I couldn't believe this was happening. Me in the bad boy's house? I'd have an easier time believing that Tyga would date someone his own age.

I didn't even bother attempting to form a coherent word and instead nodded at him following his lead inside. The interior was full of warm colours and from what I could see on my left, the living room was small yet cozy. Moments later there was a sound of running footsteps and I heard a quiet 'oomph'.

"Nixon!"

A pair of small arms were wrapped around Nixon's lower back and then I was faced with the cutest little girl I had ever seen.

She must have been around seven or eight, had long curly blonde hair with two blue bows and big light brown eyes which reminded me of Nixon's. When she noticed me, she was smiling at me with the biggest grin which I couldn't help but return.

"Is this your girlfriend? She's so pretty!" I looked at her with surprise feeling my cheeks getting warmer. I was also pretty sure my mouth was agape. Nixon bent down to the little girl chuckling a little.

"Nova this is Mara, Mara this is Nova. My little sister," He turned to look up at me to give me a little smirk.

I felt my heart flutter because he didn't deny it. So the bad boy had a little sister. Her name was beautiful and I didn't miss the fact that it also started with an 'N'. Avoiding eye contact with Nixon I offered her a shy smile liking her already.

"Hi Nova it's so nice to meet you," The next thing I knew a pair of small arms were being wrapped tightly around my waist and I looked down to see the top of a blonde head.

Nixon, who was still bent down, had a look of amusement which I was honestly still trying to get used to. Before I could hug back her small warm hand enveloped in mine and I was being dragged forwards.

"Come on you guys I'm hungry,"

Nova walked down the hall, my hand in tow and her floral dress swishing behind her.

She led me to a small kitchen with Nixon following closely behind us. I was scared to look and discover how close exactly as I could feel his body warmth radiating off of him and his intoxicating smell that I was getting familiar with, but I forced myself to focus on what was around me.

The kitchen cabinets were made of dark wood and had white marble counters. There was a small curving island in the middle which had a vase of pretty flowers sitting in the corner. The stove was silver and looked pretty modern, which was the opposite of everything else. It was homey and lived in. My trailing thoughts were interrupted by Nixon who had picked Nova up from her arms and sat her down on the counter.

"So what are you hungry for?"

"Pizza!" Nova squealed with excitement which made me laugh. She was literally a miniature version of me when it came to food.

"I want pizza Nixon," Nova pleaded with her hands in a praying pose.

For a few moments Nixon had a softened expression and nodded his head. I smiled internally at the exchange from seeing him in such a different light. He then turned towards me abruptly and started walking in my direction.

I held a breath as he came so close again that I was surrounded by his scent and part of his arm grazed mine, giving me those tingles. I hadn't realised I was holding my breath until he moved away and I let it out. Seeing his signature smirk and the object in his hands, realisation dawned over me.

"So let's make one,"

"Yeah! Mara will you help us?" Nova turned to smile at me with a huge grin.

"I-"

"Pretty please!" Nova interrupted me giving a puppy dog look full of so much cuteness which I really couldn't resist.

I was going to insist on just watching, seen as though I was terribly awful in the kitchen but hey I could give it a try right? I mean I wasn't alone and it was just throwing a few stuff in a bowl for the dough, kneading it and then throwing toppings on.

Easy peasy.

"Of course I will," I smiled at her as a massive grin appeared on her face.

Nixon started moving around the kitchen gathering all the necessary ingredients and utensils. His movements were so quick knowing where everything was within seconds and then grabbing it. How did he know what was needed without getting out a recipe?

Before I could ponder further Nova jumped down and tugged me to the island where everything was in front of us, including Nixon.

He was stood on the opposite side of the island from us, sleeves rolled up showing off his muscular arms which made me oogle. I looked up to see his smug expression. Of course he gained satisfaction from my reactions, I needed to stop making it so obvious.

"Measure out the flour nugget," My breath hitched slightly at the nickname. He hadn't called me that in a while. Even though I hated it, it was kinda Nixon's thing and that thought made me feel warm inside.

"Why me? I think it's better if you do it,"

"You're our guest so it's only polite to let you go first," He smirked at me clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"Erm, how do I know how much?"

"I'll tell you when to stop,"

Nodding, I went to reach the bag of self raising flour but somehow I managed to trip forwards.

My hand knocked the bag sideways, spilling most of the contents onto the counter creating a cloud of flour in the air. I gasped audibly and my hands went straight to my mouth in shock as I saw Nixon's face. His eyes were closed and his whole face was white with flour. Some had even got onto his top and before realised what I was doing I burst out into muffled laughter.

Nova joined in not long after.

"I-I'm so sorry," I managed to muster an apology in between my reaction.

Nixon suddenly opened his eyes which were considerably darker than usual and they started glaring at me. He was angry. Me and Nova suddenly went silent and my hands dropped to my side. Expecting the worst, I gulped and clenched Nova's hand for support.

Suddenly there was movement and a fist was nearing in my direction. I squealed in fear and shut my eyes only to feel flour landing on my face. I slowly opened them in shock with my mouth opened to see Nixon laughing at me. I let go of Nova's hand to touch my face and my hands were now covered in white. It had even got into the front part of my hair.

"It was only fair Mara Moo," Nixon was now smirking having controlled his laughter.

It was such a nice sound, deep and hearty. But now I had flour in my hair. Nova was still laughing hard and Nixon pointed his head towards her, sending me a silent thought. I smiled as we both grabbed a fist of flour at the same time and threw it in her direction.

"No fair!" She squealed in surprise and jumped backwards as we both started laughing like hyenas at her. I even started to get tears in my eyes.

"What's going on in here?" We all went silent and I turned my gaze to the door, towards the unfamiliar voice.

"Mommy! This is Nixon's girlfriend! We're making pizza!"

Nova grinned in glee whilst I went stiff as a statue.