"Nixon this really isn't taking it slow," I said breathlessly gently trying to push him away.

"Don't worry it's fine," His soft lips continue to attack my neck and an involuntary moan escapes my lips causing me to blush in embarrassment.

To my surprise this seemed to fuel Nixon's actions as he made his way back to my lips with more urgency than before. Ugh how do people even stop, it feels too good to stop. Nixon tastes and smells amazing. Like even more than pepperoni pizza, so to hell with it, I could do this all day.

Even if it was in the school's cramped supply closet.

The past four weeks have been relatively normal for my life. If you count me, Mara Ellsworth dating the bad boy then yeah, totally normal.

As soon as I was back to school we had a friends meeting, Izzy, Kayla and I. I told them everything.

We went through all the emotions you could think of, it's safe to say that it was intense. Oh and every time I've mentioned Ethan since then, Kayla would make a slight face. Mental note to self, ask Ethan what that's about. But at the end of it all I knew that they were happy for me. Even though at one point Kayla asked if I'm 'crazy' and said 'dude he's labeled the bad boy for a reason this can't be the same guy'.

But he was the same guy.

Nixon's hands were caressing and roaming all over my body, pressing me tighter to him. Every one of his touches sent tingles down my spine. My appreciation of being cast free in this moment increased times a hundred. I could finally use both arms again and this was the perfect way to use them. I was so loving every second.

And then the bell rang.

I pulled away in reluctant haste and Nixon groaned in frustration. "Come on we gotta go to class Nixon I don't wanna be late,"

"But," he replied whining.

"No buts let's go," I laughed at his exaggerated sad face.

"Okay fine but one condition," he retorted tucking my hair being my ear. With a happy smile on my face I gave him a sarcastic eye roll.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Dinner with me Friday night. It'll finally be our first real date, with just the two of us,"

I smiled from ear to ear and gave him a peck on the lips in response. "It's about damn time Ford. But Of course. I look forward to it," he playfully tickles me for the first comment.

"So you really hate being late don't you?" I looked at Nixon with confusion to the random question.

"Wha-"

He then took a step forwards and caught me off guard when he pushed his lips against mine, holding them there tight for what seemed like forever. And before I could react he left the closest, leaving me stood there dazed.

****

I found myself at the library during a free period. I told Ethan to meet me here determined to get some answers out of him. Four weeks of Kayla being weird every time Ethan was mentioned? Something was definitely up.

I decided to lodge myself in a comfy bean bag getting out a book from my bag. But instead of reading I found myself day dreaming about Nixon as the words on the page stared at me. The way every touch of his made me feel some type of way, how soft his lips were against mine, and oh god the tingles...

"What's cooking good looking?"

My head shot up. "Ethan," I smiled.

"Mara Moo what do I have to do to get a hug around here?" He spread out his arms dramatically and held his head high. Rolling my eyes I got up and the idiot picked me up in a bear hug.

"Let me go Ross I can't breathe!"

"I don't care," he retorted.

"What do you think Nixon will do to you if you kill me?" That got him to let go. Huffing, I punched his shoulder as hard as I could and he didn't even flinch. "Really?" I deadpanned.

"So how is our lover boy?" He wiggled his eyebrows and smirked.

Feeling my cheeks get warmer I avoided contact when replying. "He's fine. And he's not your lover boy he's mine," I definitely blushed even deeper after finishing my sentence, but dammit it's true. I looked up to Ethan who had an amused expression.

"No wonder my best friend is crazy for you,"

Wanting to change the topic before I resembled even more of a tomato I spoke up. "I asked you here because we need to talk about you and Kayla. What's going on with you two?"

Ethan sighed. "Let's sit down and talk,"

Nodding in response we made our way to a table in the corner. I couldn't help but think it was something bad or serious. Now I really needed to know.

"So Ethan tell me," I demanded making eye contact with his greeny blue eyes.

Anyone can admit that his eyes were beautiful but they weren't my colour. The ones that are all mine. The ones who stare right into my soul and could get me to do whatever he wanted. No my colour were a light chocolate brown. Like Nutella.

He sighed. "Okay so long story short... we kissed. Well I kissed her. And then she kissed me back. This was after she slapped me," Ethan answered with a reminiscent look on his face.

"Wait what? When?" My eyes widened in surprise. This was something I did not expect at all. Ethan and Kayla kissed and she didn't tell us about it? What type of friend-

"Hey I know what you're thinking so before you start getting angry with Kay for not telling you guys I was the one who asked her not to. And a couple weeks ago,"

Looking at Ethan with anger I retorted crossing my arms. "Excuse me?"

"Look Mara Moo before you choke me to death with some sort of food please hear me out," he put his hands together and made pleading eyes.

"Go ahead,"

"I told her not to tell you guys because it's too soon. I mean yeah we finally kissed but I still have a ton of work to do,"

I looked at Ethan confused but he carried on before I could ask. "By that I mean it meant something but the both of us need to figure out what to do next or even what this is. I know exactly what I want it to be but I'm not sure Kay does yet. And I wanted us both to have the time in private to figure it out between us. You get that right Mara?"

Sighing I nodded. Of course I did and I know what must be going through Kayla's head right now. "I do Ethan it's okay I sort of forgive you." I gave him a teasing smile. "But Kay's like a sister to me and I know her very well. I can tell she likes you Ross. A lot. But she's the type of person who can't be rushed into things she needs her time. She finds it hard to open up and let herself be vulnerable in front of others. So that's something you gotta be patient with,"

"I'd wait forever for that woman,"

And cue my heart melting.

The final bell of the day rang through the air making me sigh in relief as calculus was over. And I also finally get to see Nixon.

It's crazy how much I miss him even though I saw him at lunch. Izzy calls this the honeymoon phase and I've been told it's going to last a while.

I finally realise why people love being in relationships so much, I never want this feeling to stop. The only downside is having to keep things on the down low and out of the public eye.

Aiden was back soon from his football programme and he was the last person I wanted to find out about us. At least for now. I'm just grateful Nixon understands and agreed with me. Can you imagine? The news of the school's most feared bad boy dating Aiden Ellsworth's little sister? That would spread like wildfire and I don't wanna think about what would happen. The less people in school see and know the better.

Just until I was ready to tell my family.

Packing my things and grabbing my denim jacket I head out making my way to the parking lot. Nixon always parks in a corner away from prying eyes which works out great.

My smile slowly faded away as soon as I saw Stacey in the hall. With her stupid blonde hair and long legs. And let's not forget about what happened with her and Nixon. I was so not in the mood.

"Hey, when's your brother back?"

Irritated I looked at her with a deadpan expression. "Don't you have his number? Ask him. He's your boyfriend,"

"He's your brother there's no need to be such a bitch about it," she scoffs.

"Actually there is," I fake a tight sarcastic smile and walk away before seeing her reaction.

I was still meaning to ask Nixon about that day and about her.

How did they know each other? They have to know each other. The scene was engraved into my memory. I still remember it like it was yesterday and it was killing me not knowing. I've been a coward fearing the worst answer. Maybe it's time to man up and just ask. He is my boyfriend after all.

I internally smile at the thought.

Finally the all so familiar Porsche was in my eyesight with a breathtakingly handsome Nixon stood beside it. He looks up and smiles that gorgeous smile which always makes my heart warm. I return it and greet him with a tight hug as he automatically wraps his arms around me.

"Hey, you okay?" He removes his hands and places them at either side of my face instead, locking his eyes with mine. My breathe hitches and I nod meekly.

"I just missed you,"

You coward. Damn his beautiful Nutella eyes.

He responds with a gentle kiss on my lips. "Me too. Come on let's go," Nixon walks round to open the passenger door.

"Ah, Who said chivalry was dead?"

"No one actually nugget," Nixon looks at me with amusement and shuts the door. Idiot.

We eventually arrive outside my house where Nixon parks at the bottom of our gates. Nixon whistles in appreciation. "I don't think I'll ever get used to your house,"

Smiling I replied. "Well I promise you'll get introduced to my family one day and then you can see it properly on the inside. That's if you're still alive," He grabs my hand from my lap and kisses it softly laughing. Okay Mara now's the time. Just ask him.

"What is it?"

"I've been meaning to ask you something Nixon. For a while now actually," I bite my bottom lip feeling anxious and look down at my lap.

"You know you can ask me anything right? I'll always answer," he lifts my chin up to look at him and that's when the confidence kicks in.

"It's about the day when you took me to your house and I met Nova for the first time. When we all went out to get some pizza." Nixon's jaw tenses slightly but I carry on. "When we got up to get some drinks I followed you but you hurried off and I lost you in a group of people. But when I finally caught up I saw you and you weren't alone. You were with Stacey. Stacey Bennett,"

Nixon was now looking ahead with his jaw visibly tense. "And that's why you left?"

I nodded in response. "Yes. H-how do you know her Nixon?"

He sighed deeply and turned back round to make eye contact. Grabbing both my hands in his he kisses them again. "Remember I told you about the gang?"

My body tightens and my eyes slightly glass over with moisture. Nodding my expression towards Nixon turned into a perplex one. "Yeah of course I do but what's that got to do with Stacey?"

"She's dating one of the guys in the gang. She was around a lot I would always see her. But we all know she flirts with anyone who has a dick. She-"

"Hold on. What was that?" I was taken aback. Did Nixon just say-

"I said she's dating one of the guys in the gang,"

My heart felt like it stopped. Nixon was looking at me with a wary expression.

"Mara. Hey, I need to know what's going on in that head of yours. You're getting me worried, talk to me,"

I can't believe this. Surely he can't mean Aiden right? No it can't be. Nixon didn't recognise Aiden's name when I mentioned it so I mean the bitch must be cheating on my brother.

Okay now I was angry. "Do you know her boyfriends name?"

"No. I told you before the gang doesn't get on well with outsiders, we clash often. They've never give me their real names,"

"Well could you describe him?"

Nixon looks at me like I'm a Crazy person. "What? Mara-"

"Describe him Nixon," I demanded.

"I don't know, he has brown hair and blue eyes. About 5'10. He's a grade A dick," Nixon scoffed.

Oh my god.

I undo my seatbelt hastily and open the door.

"Hey where you going? What's wrong Mara?"

"I gotta go. I'm sorry,"

The tears that threatened to fall are now free flowing down my face as I slammed the door shut. I don't even turn back to look at Nixon as I run up our driveway.

Aiden is in the gang.