One fact about me: I'm a heavy sleeper.

There could be a zombie apocalypse or world war three happening outside on my street and I wouldn't hear a thing. If someone asked me what I liked better, food or sleep, I would genuinely be appalled. That's so much worse than asking a parent who their favourite child is. I treasure my sleep as much as my own life.

Probably even more.

So imagine how I felt when I got woken up by Aiden the next morning with a glass of freezing cold water being thrown on my face. I sat up within two seconds, gasping for breath and coughing like I was going to die. I turned my now soaked head and gave him the biggest glare I could.

"AIDEN RAY ELLSWORTH YOU ARE SO DEAD!" I lunged forward trying to grab him but the stupid waffle head ran out of my room like lightening whilst laughing like a hyena.

I guess working out and being a football player had its perks. My failed attempt resulted in me grabbing nothing but thin air which made me fall sideways, landing on my carpeted floor. The next thing I knew I was staring up at my white ceiling with one of my pyjama clad legs in the air stuck inside my comforter.

Imagine if Nixon saw me in this position. I could just hear his laugh already. And his stupid smug face. Followed by his stupid smirk. After yesterday's detention, I was left as officially the most confused person in the world.

I mean, he threatened me for accidentally bumping into him and yesterday he was flirting and teasing with me.

Well I wouldn't exactly call it flirting. I knew he was making fun out of me for a reaction. Like the way he said I was pretty and then laughed at my face. I was super grateful that Mr Midgely came back before anything else could have happened. How's a girl supposed to not react?! Just his presence makes my everything freeze. And he knows my name for the love of cheese sticks! I'm scared to find out how he knew. Did he ask around about me?

After hearing all the rumours about him, I'm pretty sure that he has multiple people spying on my every movement. I just hoped that he didn't know who I was related to.

"Mar, what the hell are you doing on the floor?" I turned to see a snickering Aiden at my door.

"You. Are. Dead." I threatened him but didn't move an inch from my position.

Lazy girl problems.

"I would love to see you try Mara, but this is what you get for not listening to me. Plus I won't be home as much for the next couple months or so," Now I was confused.

"What? Why?"

"Aren't you forgetting about my football try outs programme?" Aiden smirked.

I nodded sullenly in defeat. I forgot all about that. He was going to the local university for a programme to see if he qualified for a scholarship. Meaning, he wouldn't be at school and would only be at home for the weekends. Not that it would make a difference. Aiden was out most of the time, unless Dad instructed him to stay home.

"Mar, what the hell are you doing on the floor?" Now it was Jacob, my oldest brother's turn to join in. He looked amused and so I made a 'hmph' sound.

Jake was similar to Aiden when he was at high school. He also was at the top of the social ladder, the difference being that he wasn't a jock but a 'hot nerd' as I've heard from other people. Jake didn't also go through a dark phase and get himself a tattoo. He was a lover of parties though, much like Aiden. I've lost count on the number of house parties that have been thrown under our roof over the years. Apparently the Ellsworth boys knew how to throw a good one.

Not that I've been a witness to any of them. I always get kicked out and instead have a girly sleepover at Isabelle's with Kayla. According to my brothers, house parties aren't appropriate for 'baby sisters' and 'bad things' could happen. Whatever that means.

"It was Aiden's fault, ask him,"

"Nope, I'm not getting involved. If you still want to go to the mall then be ready in an hour. Otherwise I'm going without you,"

That was enough motivation for me to move.

Freshly showered, I got dressed into my blue skinny jeans and paired it with a simple black blouse. Simple but cute, just how I liked it.

I finished the look with my locket, a gift from dad for my sixteenth birthday. I was too lazy to bother straightening my hair so I decided to leave my natural curls down. Quickly applying a thin layer of mascara and lip gloss, I made my way downstairs grabbing my bag and shoes in the process.

The smell of pancakes filled my nostrils as I reached closer to the kitchen and I nearly passed out thinking I was in heaven. Told you my dad was the best.

He was crazily overprotective, and I mean crazy times ten just like Aiden. But his cooking was at the same level as our housekeeper Carla's and hers was amazing. I'm really not being biased.

Unfortunately for me, the only child who inherited this ability was Jake. If you were to stick me and Aiden into the kitchen, expect the whole house to be burnt to a crisp. Or at least part of it.

My dad was dressed in his sweats, which was a very rare sight. Even his upper arm tattoos were showing. I don't think I'll ever get used to them as they're covered eighty per cent of the time. No one out of this family has ever seen him in anything other than his suits, but I guess with being a Lawyer you have an image to uphold.

Mentally noted.

"Morning sweetheart," I went over to him and gave him a tight hug. He smelt like sandalwood. Or as I like to call it, my dad smell. He kissed the top of my head and chuckled. His greying stubble tickling me.

"Morning Dad. Breakfast smells amazing as usual,"

"It's one of many talents. You know, back in the day I was quite the catch with the ladies. That's another one,"

"Oh gross Dad, I swear we've had this conversation before. And it's too early for it to be happening again," I scrunched up my face just thinking about it. I did not want the mental image. My dad just chuckled whilst handing me a plate of pancakes. I practically yanked the syrup bottle out of his hand and drenched them until they were soaking.

"Whilst we're on the subject, I know that you're seventeen now and growing up to be a beautiful young woman. Too fast if you ask me though," I looked up to see my dad with a sad smile on his face. Oh uh, where was he going with this? I'm going to get another boy talk again aren't I?

Fudge me.

"You're at that age where you'll be talking to boys and as your dad I just wanted to remind you that you're not allowed to date until you're at least fifty. If you bring anyone home before you reach that age, then expect him to leave with a broken leg," My dad gave a wide smile at the end of that which honestly freaked me out. A lot.

I don't want to think of my dad as violent but he tends to bring that side of him out sometimes, his statement as exhibit A. And boy do I believe him.

"Dad, of course she knows that. She also knows that me and Aiden would give him worse," Jake then graced us with his presence, sitting down next to me at our breakfast bar and ruffling my hair like I was a dog. Part of me was really grateful that I don't get any boy attention. I come from a very protective all boy family and that wasn't good for anyone.

"You have nothing to worry about guys, the message has been received and drilled into my brain. But Jakey can you hurry up I have a lot of shopping to do,"

"Promise not to call me Jakey again and we'll be in the car faster than you can say no boys allowed,"

"Promise,"

***

"But Jakey," I had to resort to whining.

"I'm sorry Mar but it's an emergency. I'm needed at the hospital and I have to go right now,"

"But you're not even a qualified doctor yet," Jake took a deep sigh and I could tell he was getting frustrated. It wasn't my fault. He's the one who's ruining what's meant to be our bonding time. I hardly spent time with him because of school.

"Think of it like this. You get to have the whole day to yourself and you can take as long as you want in every shop without me having to nag you," I pondered on it and mentally agreed.

"Fine," I nodded meekly and attempted to smile. It failed.

"Love you kiddo. Go crazy," Jake kissed the top of my head and shoved some bills into my hand. Well at least I got something out of it.

I trudged around the mall representing what some would describe as hobo like movements.

After I got some food into my stomach, I gave myself a pep talk and pulled myself together. I've been described as a shopping addict by Isabelle and Kayla and boy did I live up to that name today. Three hours later and it was nothing but success. I have no regrets of each buy.

"Looks like the little nugget is struggling,"

I froze in my spot. I recognised that voice. Why did I recognise that voice? No it can't be. Can it?

I was too scared to turn around because I knew exactly who was behind me. I was mentally cursing the universe. As luck would have it I didn't need to turn around. Within seconds I heard footsteps getting closer and eventually I found myself staring at the last person I wanted to see.

Nixon Ford.

Scratch that, a smirking Nixon Ford.

A smirking Nixon Ford who was staring right at me.

He was wearing a fitted grey polo shirt with the long sleeves rolled up halfway, exposing his muscular arms. I found my eyes wandering to his mop of brown hair which looked like he had ran his fingers through it a few times. I felt a lump forming in my throat just like yesterday. Oh uh. I forced myself to focus on anything but him and cleared my throat.

"I'm not struggling. I'm fine," My voice appeared a little squeakier than normal but I still mentally high fived myself.

You go Glen Coco.

"So she does speak. I was starting to seriously wonder whether you were a mute," He still had that stupid smirk on his face. I had a serious urge to slap it off but who am I kidding, I wouldn't have the guts to.

"I think I know the reason why," Whilst Nixon was saying this I noticed that he was starting to move forward, inching closer to me ever so slowly.

"And what is that?" Okay seriously where was all this courage coming from? My only theory I have is that my sugar rush from all that syrup this morning hadn't worn off yet. Yep, that was it.

"You find me irresistible. I mean why wouldn't you," I almost snorted at that but even I have to admit that he wasn't wrong. Okay maybe I wouldn't use the word irresistible because I wanted to stay away from this guy, but we can all admit he's hot. Like model hot.

I mean come on, I could grate cheese on that jawline of his.

But he had a bad aura. I don't know how to explain it but I get a bad vibe when I'm around him. The way he spoke made everything he said sound like he had a secret agenda, a double meaning. It sent chills down my spine. And I'm not sure if it was in the good way. He wasn't the bad boy for no reason right?

"Y-you threatened me remember?" Stuttering Mara? Really? As if he already didn't have enough reason to make me his laughing stock. Surprisingly, he acted like the stutter never happened.

"I would hardly call that a threat nugget. Besides, you took me by surprise when you answered back to me. You have guts Mara. I like that," Well I would call that a threat. Maybe he and I have different definitions. Wait, did he just call me Mara? My name rolled so easily off his tongue. He made it sound so... different.

"How do you know my name?" His smirk went wider. If that was even possible.

"I'm a very observing person Mara. Besides, I heard that red head friend of yours call you that in the hall the other day,"

"So you're not very observing, you're just... not deaf," That may or may not should have been said inside my head and not out loud. Oh crud. Being Nixon Ford I expected the worst thing to happen, yet his reaction surprised me.

"See what I mean? Guts. You talk back to me. It turns a guy on," My face automatically scrunched up in disgust. He did not just say that to me.

"What exactly do you want from me Nixon?" I asked getting agitated.

"You Mara,"

And then Nixon Ford did the one thing I would never have imagined.

He smiled.