"Morning, Liz."

My mom called from the kitchen upon hearing me creek down the stairs. Walking down the hall I glanced in the mirror that hung on the wall. I had to take a second look as I remembered the horrible bruise marked onto my skin. I never thought it would take a little above a week for it to disappear, yet there it still is. I quickly covered my neck, pulling my hair over my shoulders. Once satisfied that it was hidden I turned down the hall to the kitchen.

"Mornin' M.."

I stopped dead in my tracks once I entered. The sight of a mop of dark brown curls sitting at the counter froze my body entirely.

This couldn't be happening.

With his head turned to me and my mom standing behind the counter, Jack was free to trail his brown eyes up and down my body. I felt self-conscious, his gaze then falling on my face.

"Oh Liz, this young boy was standing outside so I invited him in."

A grin spread across his face, deep dimples becoming prominent.

"Hi, Jack." I forced, politely.

"Alright, Elizabeth." He winked.

"Mom, can you help me with something really quick?" I asked putting on a fake smile for both Jack and my mother.

When my mom wasn't looking I flashed Jack a pinning look before turning back around to walk into the hallway. I heard my mom excuse herself, dropping the batter she was working on and walking up over behind me. Once I was sure he wouldn't be able to hear I started to talk.

"You invited him in?" I whispered angrily.

"Oh relax." She smiled as if it was nothing. Oh if only she knew. "He said he knew you." She gushed.

"Anyone can say they know someone?" I crossed my arms. "What if he turned out to be a kidnapper or a robber who was coming after you and Mandy?"

Mom just laughed quietly to herself, shaking her head in denial. "He's not a kidnapper, Lizzy." She chuckled. "He's cute."

"So was the guy in the movie The Boy Next Door." I recalled. "And look how that turned out."

Mom just shook her head, smiling softly at my argument. I know, maybe a film wasn't the best way to go.

"Honey, that's just a movie." She chuckled. "This is the real world."

I rolled my eyes at her. In sure he used his "charm" on her. My fingers rubbed my head, trying to find a way around the situation. I don't know who I was angrier at, Jack for showing up at my own house uninvited or my mother for letting him in because he was cute.

"I made breakfast." She smiled. "Come on. I told your friend he could join us."

"What!" I exclaimed.

All of a sudden another figure came into our conversation before my mother could finish. This time they walked in from behind me.

"Who's joining us?"

I turned around, spotting my little fourteen-year-old sister join us with her phone in her hand. As always.

"Amanda." Mom smiled. "Good morning."

"Yeah, yeah." She waved her hand in dismissal. "Who's joining us?" She furrowed her eyebrows.

Mom looked back at me, almost as if she was waiting for an alright to tell her who it was.

"Your sister has a friend over." Mom smiled back at her.

"Is it Alex and all those people?" She sounded annoyed. "Because those aren't friends, they basically live here."

"Shut up, Mandy." I sassed back, rolling my eyes back at her.

"Okay girls." My mom warned. "We have a visitor here. Be nice." Her eyes widened.

My sister and I looked back at each other with annoyed faces. Rolling our eyes back at each other we trudged back into the kitchen behind our mom. Jack was still sitting there, quiet.. Too quiet.

He grinned as I walked over to him and sat on a stool. My sister walking all the way to the other side where my mom was cooking to open the fridge.

She eyed Jack for a moment. Mom didn't notice but I did.

"Are you Elizabeth's boyfriend?" Mandy finally spoke after a moment of silence, pulling out an orange before closing the door.

My eyes immediately widened, tensing my jaw as I fought the urge to pull her brains out.

Jack fell in quiet laughs, glancing up from my sister and back to me.

"And who's this?" He asked looking at both of us.

I opened my mouth to tell him she's no one but she beat me to it.

"The names Amanda." She sassed. "But my friends call my Mandy.." She paused to look back at Jack and I mean really look back at him. "Should I consider you a friend?"

"Amanda.." I cut in. "Is my little annoying sister. Please don't listen to anything she says."

I didn't want Jack to even be talking to my family but if he talks to my sister I know I'll be put in a worse position then I already am.

"Sorry, I tend to speak the truth." Mandy blabbed sarcastically back at Jack as she started peeling her snack.

I know she doesn't mean this on purpose but that's just the way she is. She's sarcastic just like our father. She learned his jokes and ways of being around when they meet new people. It's like seeing a younger-female version of him everyday. She's not always like this with me, she just loves seeing me embarrassed. It's part of our sisterly-love I hate so much at times.

"Mandy, I'm making breakfast." Mom looked back at my sister as she ate pieces of the orange she was peeling.

"I'll eat that too." She shrugged her shoulders. "Just having an appetizer."

Mom rolled her eyes, focusing back on mixing her batter. The moment of silence didn't last long. My mom looked back up at Jack the next moment.

"I hope you like waffles." She smiled.

"Ah!" Jack smiled widely, clapping his hands in front of him with a big childish smile on his face. "I love waffles." He rubbed his hands together. "Have you ever tried them with chocolate hazelnut spread?" He asked her.

"No?" My mom replied with a surprised look on her face.

"Uh! You have it try it, it's the best thing ever!" He nodded.

Mom raised a brow, smiling back over her shoulder then back at Jack. "You know, I think we have some in one of those top drawers." She pointed out. "You're tall, would you mind grabbing it for us?"

"Sure." He got up, walking over to where my mom instructed him to go to. His long figure got even longer as he stretched an arm out to grab the jar from the top cabinet. The band from his boxers becoming visible beneath the gray t shirt he wore.

For a moment there I became mesmerized by the way he looked. Black pants hung loose below his waist, gray high top Nikes finishing his look and a black and gray SnapBack topping it all off.

Jack brought his arm back down with the jar in his hand. He looked back at me and caught me staring. The room filled with heat as I looked away, embarrassed for my life as I saw a smirk grow on his face.

He walked up besides my mom and handed her the jar. "Here you go, Mrs. Viera."

"Thank you dear." She smiled up at him.

Jack flashed her another one of his good boy smiles. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" He asked gripping his hands out in front of him.

I know my mom and she was about to tell him no. She doesn't like visitors doing stuff while she's the host. But then she looked back at me and her theory changed.

"Actually, why don't you and Elizabeth start pealing some mangos from the basket over there." She smiled.

I flashed my mom a wide eyed look as Jack turned over to see what it was my mom was talking about. I can't believe she just said that! After everything I told her she still puts me to work with him. She took my hint, just decided not to listen to it.

"The girls love my freshly made mango smoothies." She smiled over at Jack.

"Oh really." He arched a brow back at me before turning back to my mother. "Well I can't wait to see what's to love about it." He smiled.

My mom chuckled along with him, looking back at me with a deadly look in her eyes behind her smile. It was as if looks could speak with her because she was telling me to get going already.

Grunting to myself quietly, I stood up from the stool and made my way around the countertop. Passing my mother and Jack and later my sister, I stood in front of the basket my mother was talking about. Taking a mango in my hand I looked around for a knife.

A gasp fell from my lips as I felt a large hand skim over my back, resting over my ass and staying there as his body moved to stand besides me. I smacked it away, only for him to laugh quietly.

I had a horrible feeling he enjoyed it when I fought back.

Turning my head to look back at my family, I prayed they didn't see what just happened.

Mom was turned away from us as she kept stirring the batter. Mandy was right besides her, eyes concentrated on her phone as she sucked the juice out of her orange. They didn't witness anything even if they wanted.

"Mmm.." Jack hummed softly as we started peeling each of our fruits.

He began to lean into me but I placed my hand on his shoulder before he could get to close.

"Why are you here?" I asked letting a strand of the fruit layer fall into the cutting board.

"To see you." He smiled, doing the same.

My touch withdrew from his warm body. I didn't like the way his eyes kept contact with mine. There had to be another reason why he had appeared, uninvited. My head dropped down, no longer being able to look at him. I continued peeling the fruit.

I jumped slightly as I felt his hand cup my chin and tilt it up to him again.

"I want to take you out tonight." He spoke.

I shivered at his words, a statement rather than a question. I recalled he told me the same thing at the coffee house. Didn't actually think he was going to go forward with this since he didn't know where to find me or anything, yet here we are. In the kitchen of my house he showed up who knows how.

My eyes widened as my Mom turned around with a small smile on her face.

"Oh that'd be lovely." She smiled. "Wouldn't it, Elizabeth?" She gushed.

Jack dropped his hand from my face to have it rest back on his side before he began peeling the mango again.

"Why didn't you just call me?" I asked frustrated. "Why come here?"

"Because you would've said no." He whispered quietly.

"What makes you think I won't say no, now?" I asked harshly.

His eyes flicked over to my mom, who looked a little upset that I haven't said yes straight away. I wasn't really popular with boys. The only boy I've ever been around my whole life is James and that's because he lives right next door and his parents are my Godparents. He's basically family and that doesn't count towards this. I could tell how happy she was that Jack turned up on our doorstep. To her this was a dream come true, having an attractive guy ask her daughter out. For me, this was my worst nightmare..

Not only has he given me a horrendous love bite, against my will, but he's also seen me in my underwear, all in a matter of days. And more to the point, he scared the living crap out of me.

Before I knew what was happening, my mom and Jack arranged a time for him to pick me up later one this evening. My mouth hung open as Jack smirked at me.

This can't seriously be happening.

* * *

"Mm.." My mom devoured the taste of Jack's new cooking tip as we finished our meal in the kitchen dinning table.

I can't believe my mother actually made him stay for breakfast. He's going to be in so much trouble once we're alone in this date of his.

"Jack, these waffles taste amazing with the hazelnut spread." Mom smiled dabbing the napkin over her lips. "Thank you for telling me."

"Ah," Jack smiled. "Mrs. Viera, your waffles were already amazing before I told you to add the hazelnut."

Mom giggled for what seemed to be the hundredth time today with Jack. He was charming her up! I can't believe this, he's turning my own family against me from exposing them to the truth. He's smart, way too smart. This can't be good.

"Well, I've got to get going now." Jack stood up from his seat. "Thanks for the breakfast Mrs. Viera."

"Call me Tori."

He smiled back at her before pushing in his chair. I was frozen as he leaned down and placed a kiss on my cheek.

The room felt heated. Even Mandy was finding a way to amuse herself from the situation but my mother stopped her with one of her deadly glares.

"Elizabeth, walk him out." My mom encouraged me quietly.

I huffed, standing up from my seat and dropping my napkin back over the table besides my barely touched food. Jack waited for me to lead. I walked us out of the kitchen and back into the hallway. The big brown door was just a couple of steps down. Finally, he'd be out of my house.

We were alone in the empty hallway. Sounds of running water and plates being placed over each other sounded in the background. Mom and Mandy were cleaning up.

My hand reached out to grip the door handle of the front door but I was stopped by another one gripping mine. Jack didn't waste any time with pushing me up against the wall. My eyes squeezed closed in wince. His body pressed into mine, holding me in place. Both my wrist were trapped on my sides by both of his large ones. I saw him smirk as I tried my best to increase the distance between us, but he was too strong. His tall figure towering over mine.

"Don't." I begged.

Jack ignored my protest, his fingers softly brushing over my cheek. My short hair was pushed away from my shoulder as he stared at the bruise he had inflicted on my skin, his mouth curling up into a smile.

"Looks good on you." He whispered into my ear.

I flinched as he pressed his lips to the mark on my neck. He was careful not to press too hard. I relaxed a little when he pulled away, hoping that would be the end of the torture and he'd just leave. But unfortunately that didn't happen. Jack remained close, his hair tickling my cheek as he planted another kiss to the spot where my jaw met my neck.

"You smell good." He breathily spoke.

He painfully, pinned my wrist to the wall. I felt like my legs would give up any moment now. His chest rose and fell quickly as his breathing increased.

Before I knew it, Jack had released me. I turned my head to see him at the door.

"See you later, Elizabeth."

He winked at me and then he was gone. My head was spinning as I slumped down the wall to sit on the floor.

* * *

I scrolled through Tumblr on my laptop, lying on my front with my ankles in the air. A wave of anxiety swept through my body as I glanced at the clock besides my table. It wouldn't be long until the torture of seeing Jack would begin. My fingers eased through my hair which was still a little damp from the shower I took.

"Lizzy?" My mom called through the door.

"Come in."

She pushed the door open, her smile fading when she saw me sprawled out on my bed.

"Why aren't you dressed?" She asked. "Jack's going to be here soon."

I felt like rolling my eyes, if only she knew what he was really like. She started to walk over to my closet, but I quickly stopped her. I scrabbled off the bed, stepping in front of her.

"Mom, I can do it." I huffed.

"Okay." She softly smiled. "Don't be too long." She ran her hand down my cheek, poking my nose before turning back around.

Once she closed my bedroom door behind her I fell back onto my bed. I cursed quietly under my breath. My head turned sharply, phone buzzing besides me. I picked it up and opened the text.

Jack:

I hope you like cars. Wear something sexy 😏

I didn't reply, throwing my phone onto my duvet as I opened my drawers. I tugged out a white top, deeming it more basic than sexy. My hands went up to the hem of my t shirt but I stopped myself before removing it. Glancing over to the window, my hands yanked the curtains shut.

I quickly undressed, chucking my clothing to the floor before hopping around and pulling up my skinny jeans.

My hair fell around my shoulders as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I applied some makeup, my lashes looking longer and darker. The lip balm with a touch of peach color was added to my lips before sweeping some blush over my cheeks. I took a in a deep breath which puffed out in a sigh.

"Shit."

I jumped as I heard my phone ring again. I forced down the lump in my throat as my fingers clasped around it. To my relief it was just a text from James.

James:

So your mom came by earlier today.. I can't believe you're going out with that guy!

I quickly pulled up the keyboard, tapping my fingers around it before clicking send.

I don't want to! He showed up this morning and he used my mom as a weakness. What was I supposed to say?

Moments later another message swooped onto my screen.

James:

Uh.. No?

I released a frustrated sigh. He just doesn't understand, does he?

It's not that easy. You should've seen the look on my mom's face.

I argued, moving back over to sit on the edge of my bed and set my phone besides me. I reached down to grab the pair white vans I had previously pulled out. Bringing a leg up, I started putting one on over my socks.

James:

I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. You said so yourself, you know about him.

I stared at the message for what seemed to be hours. This wasn't an easy decision. I know what I'm doing. One date and that's it. I'll make my mom happy and hopefully Jack away.

I'll be fine.

I got done with my second leg, putting it down just as another message came in through my screen.

James:

I know you will, you're Elizabeth Viera. 😂👊🏻 Just know I'm here if anything.

I small smile spread across my face knowing that he was there for me.

Thanks, Jamie.💞

I put my phone down, pulling out my bag before dropping down on it my keys and other essentials. My eyes darted over to the clock. Jack would be here any minute now, if coming on time was part of his plan. I felt like my heart was in my mouth. I hated it. It was like waiting to take an exam or sitting in the doctor's office knowing you had to have an injection.

My ears perked up upon hearing a car pulling up outside. I stumbled to the window, peeking out from behind the curtain.

Jack stepped down from the large vehicle before slamming the door behind him and clicking the button inside his jacket to lock the doors. I grabbed my jacket from my closet, not bothering to pick up the hanger that fell to the floor. Grabbing my phone from my bed I slid it on my back pocket.

The sooner this is over, the better.

"Elizabeth! Jack's here."

"Alright!" I snapped.

I didn't mean to be so harsh, but the whole situation was really getting to me. Reluctantly, I descended the stairs to find my mom standing at the bottom waiting for me.

"You look lovely." She smiled.

"Thanks mom."

Both our heads twisted to where the knocking was coming from. She gave me a kiss on the cheek before gently nudging me into the hallway. I turned my head just in time to see her disappear, leaving me alone in one end of the long hallway. I drew in a deep breath as I walked up to the other end, trying to prepare myself. It wasn't much use though; I don't think any amount of preparation would have helped me. My trembling hand caught hold of the handle. I opened the front door to reveal a tall figure, a dimpled smile spreading across his face.

"Hello, Beautiful."