A Mustang pulled in front of me. I didn't pay mind to it. I was too busy numbly staring at the ground.

How could I be so stupid? How did I let this happen?

A sudden warmth enveloped me. I hadn't even realized I was cold until I wasn't anymore.

Green eyes entered my vision, filled to the brim with concern. "Arabella? Are you okay?"

I shook my head. I was not okay. I was shaking like a dog, still reeling over what happened minutes ago.

Ben could've hurt me. He wasn't in the right state of mind and given his occupational history, he could've done some serious damage.

Thank God I left before he had the chance.

Dean's face softened and he pulled me in for a hug. I stayed limp in his arms but appreciated his body heat regardless. He smelled so nice and familiar, it almost hurt.

I didn't know why I called him out of everyone. In fact, he was probably the last person I should've called. All of my friends were enjoying the dance and I didn't want to bother them... but maybe I could've called Reece?

No, he'd just be mad at me for going to Ben's house in the first place.

"Let's get out of here," he whispered, loosening his grip. I nodded and let him help me up.

I wasn't sure why I called Dean out of all people, but it just felt right. Bleh, I know, but maybe it was because I was so exhausted or sad or whatever. Either way, being with him felt like the most comforting thing right now.

He opened the passenger side door of the Mustang and a small smile appeared on my lips. I waited for him to cross over and sit down before speaking. "This is the same car you took me to the dance in last year."

He copied my smile and nodded. "I'm surprised you remembered."

"Of course I did," I laughed. "It was the first time I realized you had a heart."

"Yeah, you were always slow in that department, weren't you?"

I sent him a playful glare before looking out of my window. I gave the mansion one last look before Dean pulled away. It was the last time I'd see the beauty. It was a shame considering I barely explored it.

Well if that meant that Ben was out of my life for good, then good riddance.

Dean kept glancing over at me as we drove. I could tell he was gauging how fragile I was. "I'm not going to bite your head off," I said with a laugh, hoping it wasn't a lie. As pissed as I was at Dean, he wasn't the source of my anger right now. Besides, I called him so it was only polite to treat him decently.

"You won, you know?" he softly told me.

My brows quirked in surprise as I pulled out my phone. Holy cow, I was homecoming queen! Sure enough, I had a million messages from my friends. The earlier ones were calling me to the stage but the later ones were seriously concerned. I sent Dylan a quick text to let him know I was alive, but not coming.

A small smile came to my lips. I won! Holy shit, I won with minimal effort. People actually liked me!

And better yet, I beat Taylor! Hahaha! This is awesome!

"Who won king?" I nonchalantly asked, pretending that I wasn't bouncing out of my seat right now.

He gave me a sheepish smile before refocusing on the road. "I don't know."

My brows furrowed in confusion until I trailed over what he was wearing. He wasn't dressed in a suit. He wasn't dressed at all. He was wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt, his home clothes. And the jacket around me was his usual leather jacket, which I bet he brought just for me. "You didn't go?"

"Nah, I didn't want to see–" he stopped himself. "I just didn't wanna go."

"Oh," I replied even though I wanted him to finish his sentence. "So how'd you know I won?"

"Jaz, obviously," he lazily smiled. "She texted me to ask if I knew where you were."

I nodded. It made sense. Jaz and Dean were pretty close and I'm sure she'd be over the moon if she knew we were together right now.

Ugh, I hope she wouldn't find out.

I pulled out my phone once again and looked through my messages, actually reading them this time. A small giggle escaped my lips, followed by a burst of loud laughter. Dean gave me a weird side glance but I was too busy cackling to answer.

When I finally calmed down, he gave me a longing look. He was just dying to know what was killing me inside. I thought about torturing him a little longer but I just couldn't hold it in. "Jake won too."

His brows shot up in amusement but he still looked confused.

I rolled my eyes and explained. "So not only did I beat out Taylor, I stole the one guy she was running with."

Realization dawned on his face and he cracked a huge grin. "Damn."

"Damn, indeed," I laughed, feeling like I was on cloud nine. This was totally awesome. Not only did I beat out my archnemesis, but I was in a car with Dean and we were civil. Sure, I hated the guy right now, but I was still in love with him.

But then there was the whole Ben thing that happened like ten minutes ago. And the fact that Dean and I were broken up. Even the fact that even though I won queen, I wasn't crowned and the title went to the runner-up instead.

And Skylar. Always Skylar.

Damn, I just pooped on my own party.

My smile dropped and I looked out the window with a sad expression. It was a little dramatic.

I just couldn't understand how a few moments with Dean always made me forget everything around me. Simply talking like this gave me glimpses of the past, when things were good.

It really made me miss him more.

He cleared his throat and fiddled with the radio, turning down the volume. I kept my eyes out the window. If I looked at him now, I'd cave and give in to the sadness that was lingering in my heart.

"I know about you and Ben."

I tensed. That was vague. What was he referring to? "What about us?" I warily asked.

Oh God, did he think we were dating? I mean, even if we were, it was none of his business. I didn't go flaunting around the fact that he moved on so quickly with Skylar. No, that would be petty, even if it was killing me on the inside.

His jaw clenched and his grip on the wheel tightened. "The mission. Is there more I should know?" Oh great, now he was choosing to get all possessive.

I was tempted to lie, I really was. After all, I deserved some of the satisfaction he got by rubbing his relationship with Skylar in my face. But if I did say yes, it would be a big, fat lie. Plus when he saw Ben and me together at school, he'd figure out the truth.

I decided to ignore the question altogether. "How'd you find out?"  I wasn't too surprised. Honestly, this wasn't even the worst revelation I had gotten tonight. I was thankful for that. At least I wasn't freaking out about it.

He snorted and grumbled something under his breath. Then at the stoplight, he slumped down in defeat. "Look, I don't wanna fight..."

"No, no. Please, tell me. You're the one who brought it up." I sounded half-amused and half-sarcastic.

The light turned green and he hit the accelerator. "You're going to get mad."

Yeah, he had a point.

"Look, I like things between us right now. I don't wanna mess it up," he continued, sighing.

My brows raised. How was I supposed to interpret this? Did he mean the fact that we were no longer dating or was he referring to the fact that we've been semi-civil lately? Because I had a strong feeling that wasn't going to last.

"What're you talking about?" When he didn't answer, I continued. "Look Dean, I don't know why I called you tonight, but this doesn't change anything. I think it's in our best interest if you left me alone. And I mean it. Every time Jaz invites you, just say no." It might've been a tad bit harsh but it was true. He couldn't keep acting like this. It hurt too much.

I expected him to defend himself or get mad, but he did neither. Instead, he smirked. Smirked! I would've killed to know what was going through his mind at the moment but then again, I probably didn't wanna know.

~

D e a n

I didn't know what was wrong with me. I was acting like a girl on her period and a guy going through puberty at the same time. 

It's exactly what Arabella did to me though.

God, I was so pissed about everything. Not only did I have to leave her, but that too straight into the arms of Ben Stark. Hopefully that stupid asshole was worth it.

Then again, things couldn't have changed between us, right? She called me to pick her up. She could've easily called Reece or even an Uber, but she chose me.

Fuck me. I've never been this frustrated in my life. Or confused.

And even though she had just slapped me in the face, I needed to play it cool. I had to act like everything was fine. I couldn't tell her everything that was happening was preplanned.

I had my doubts. She was acting way too casual about this break than I would've liked. I mean, I expected her to act the same around me. We weren't broken up, just on a break, right? That's what I said, but I don't think it really got through to her.

My dumbass just had to reply, "We'll see." I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth. Why did I say that? It just gave her another opportunity to shoot me in the heart.

And she did.

"No! Not 'we'll see'! Just leave me alone."

See? Right through the chest.

It was important to remain my teasing self. Not only was it a defense mechanism to avoid her blows, but it was also a mask. She needed to know I was in this for the long haul, maybe just not right now. "Fine, then. Why did you call me?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her nervously biting her lip. I smiled as I looked at the road in front of us. She was so damn cute and she didn't even have to try.

"I don't know," she finally answered.

And now my smile was a full on grin. I shouldn't have been happy considering it wasn't a real answer, but it was real to me. It showed that she subconsciously still loved me.

Actually, a lot of things showed that. I wasn't sure if she knew it, but they did. For example, she kept a pair of my clothes in her closet. If she was really done with me, she would've returned it a while back. In fact, if I hadn't seen that, I would've given up a while ago.

All this fighting wasn't doing my heart any good. As much as I enjoyed our bantering, it always got too harsh too quickly. I didn't mind if she hurt me – she had every right to – but I didn't wanna slip up and say something terrible back. So now, I was going to annoy her. No instigating fights, but just bother her. That way I was forced to be in her life.

Man, this was so fucked up. I was so fucked up.

My expression darkened as I recalled tonight. While I was sitting at home, unable to go to the dance simply because I couldn't stand the thought of her dancing with someone else, she was visiting Ben. She looked pretty distraught when I picked her up. Did he...?

"Did Ben hurt you? Because if he did..." My hands tightened on the wheel as I thought about the possibility.

She let out a puff of air. "Not physically, no."

Not physically? Did that mean he hurt her emotionally?

Oh my god, they were dating, weren't they?

Of course they were! You literally pushed her into his arms! And she avoided your question earlier.

I wanted to hit my head on the steering wheel but I refrained. I'd look stupid if I did that. So fucking stupid.

"Oh," I lamely replied.

She clicked her tongue and fidgeted. Watching her uncomfortably squirm was truly adorable. 

It was when she dramatically sighed and turned toward me that my interest was piqued. I hid my amusement as she eyed me cautiously. Then she finally spoke her mind. "Look, for the sake of your sister's wedding, I think we should be..." she trailed, thinking of the perfect word. "Acquaintances?"

My brows quirked in surprise. This was the last thing I was expecting her to say. "Uh–"

"But that doesn't mean I'm going to be nice," she quickly added. "And this doesn't mean anything. I'm only suggesting it because I'm pretty sure Ethan and Nat are having second thoughts about making me a bridesmaid."

I frowned. "No, they wouldn't."

She let out an exasperated breath and tugged the ends of her hair. "Can you just listen to me for once?"

I wanted to throw my hands up in surrender but that wasn't a good idea considering I was driving. I settled for a playful eye roll. "Look, I've been civil." Lie. "You're the one who clearly needs to take it down a notch."

Her eyes widened and I could hear her take a calming breath. The idea of me riling her up made me laugh. At least I affected her somehow.

Plus she seemed less distraught now. I didn't know what happened to her tonight but she was clearly upset. Even a bit scared, I think.

"Dean, if you don't stop his car right now and let me out, I swear I'm going to lose it."

I laughed and turned to see her serious expression. Oh. She was serious.

My amusement dropped. "Arabella, you can't be serious."

"Unless you want your pretty nose to be broken, I am."

Holy shit! Did she just call me pretty? I know it's not the manliest compliment but I'll take it!

"Relax, we're almost home," I replied. It wasn't until she began fiddling with the lock did I take her threat seriously. Grumbling, I pulled over to the side of the road and turned on my emergency lights. "Jesus, woman."

"Shut up," she snapped before opening the car door and stepping out.

My jaw dropped as I really took in her appearance for the night. She looked absolutely beautiful. Not to mention hot. The dress she was wearing clung to her like a second skin. Her makeup – not that she needed it – enhanced her hazel eyes. And her short hair? It was styled beautifully.

How could an angel like her look so incredibly evil? That's what she was. Evil for teasing me when she knew I couldn't have her.

Was it cocky to think she dressed like that for me? Yes, it was. She had a potential boyfriend now.

Well, if she was dating him, I wouldn't have had to pick her up from his place, right?

When she began walking down the dark street, I snapped back to reality. I rolled down the passenger side window and slowly drove beside her. "Arabella, this is stupid. Come back in."

"No," she replied, crossing her bare arms and walking in a straight line.

She took off my jacket! Rude.

Ignoring my annoyance, I groaned. "Please? It's dark outside and there are psychos around."

"Yeah, and one happens to be following me in his car," she deadpanned, pausing momentarily to stare at me.

Yeah, the situation didn't look the best.

Sighing, I waited for her to walk ahead, then I put my car in park. Swallowing all my pride, I got out of the car and locked it. Then I joined alongside her.

She gave me a horrified look. "What're you doing?"

I shrugged and shoved my hands in the pocket of my sweatpants. "You didn't wanna come in so I came out."

She gave me an annoyed glance but I saw a smile threatening her lips. That enough was a sign for me to not give up hope.

"You know, this is dumb. I have a car and it's not like we're not spending time together out here. Come on, just let me drive you home," I pleaded. "Plus you're probably freezing." I noticed the goosebumps on her arms and shivers that occasionally took over her body. Why didn't I bring my stupid jacket with me?

Contemplation flashed in her eyes. I knew she wouldn't give up so easily. She had too much pride for that.

"Look, if I leave the car behind, Damien's going to kill me," I added for good measure. It wasn't really a lie. My older brother was a pain, but the car was a symbol of his generosity. I only borrowed it because I knew Bella would object to riding on my bike.

As expected, it was enough to get her to agree. "Fine," she begrudgingly said. "For Damien."

"Right," I laughed, not believing her reasoning.

We turned on our heels and made our way back to the car. I was tempted to reach out for her hand for the ten feet distance we had to cross but decided against it. It was wrong and she'd freak out on me.

We settled back in the car and I quickly cranked up the heat. She was freezing, I could tell.

For someone that was so hot, she was cold.

Okay, I couldn't resist that one.

"So Arabella," I drawled as I drove back onto the road. "Tell me, what does this new friendship entail."

"Acquaintance-ship," she corrected. She began counting off the criteria on her fingers. "Leave me alone. Don't show up unless I invite you. Don't talk to me. Don't even think about–"

"This doesn't seem like friendship," I laughed to cover my annoyance. Once again, there was only so much I could take. The worst thing is, she seemed like she wasn't even trying to piss me off.

She pursed her lips and stared out the window. "I guess." Then, it's like a lightbulb went off. "I got it! Why don't we act like complete strangers?"

Okay, I kinda deserved that. Honestly, I'm surprised she was even entertaining this conversation.  

"Arabella," I said in what I was hoping a disapproving tone.

Even looking at the road, I could tell she was narrowing her eyes at me. It was a small portion of the anger she was feeling, but I was glad she was feeling anything at all. Jasmine kept telling me how worried she was that Arabella hadn't been reacting well to the break.

By 'well' she meant that Bella didn't have a meltdown. Apparently, she had a lot of things on her plate and her stoic reactions weren't healthy. I wasn't sure what it all meant, but I knew it wasn't a good sign, especially if her best friend was worried.

"Why not?" she whined. "I mean, I have a right to not talk to you."

I wondered if I should remind her that this is a break, not a breakup.

"You know what, I'm going to stick with my plan because you obviously won't listen to me," she continued. Her assumption was right. I wasn't going to give up.

"You do that," I grinned, knowing I was let off easy. She could've done worse. And I was confident she wouldn't resist my charm for long.

We finally pulled up to her huge house. No lights were on and the driveway only had her car.

Frowning, I turned to face her. "Are your parents still not back?"

She hesitated before answering. I wasn't sure why though. It's not like I was a crazy stalker who was going to murder her if I found she was home alone. "They're back, they're just out having dinner," she answered.

Lie. She lied to me. I could tell for multiple reasons. The first thing was the unrealistic idea that her parents would be at a restaurant at 11 pm. The second thing being the way her voice went up an octave. That always happened when she lied.

I eyed her face trying to get a trace of why she'd be lying. Obviously I couldn't come up with anything, but my eyes stopped on her lips. Then I began to imagine her lips on mine. How she felt, how she tasted. The way the crook of her neck always smelled like vanilla.

Is it hot in here?

Realizing I'd been staring for way too long, I snapped my eyes up to hers. It was brief, but I saw her eyes lingering around my face too. Not specifically on my lips, but my face as a whole. She was totally checking me out.

The tables had turned. I should've been embarrassed for imagining kissing her, but her cheeks are the ones that turned red for being caught. The cocky smirk that took place on my face didn't help her case.

"T-thanks for picking me up," she stuttered, losing all her cool.

"Sure." Sure? Couldn't I have said anything else? I tried to save myself by adding, "Always." I hoped she'd take that to heart because I meant it.

But I guess saying that was the wrong answer. A switch flipped in her mind and the rosy tint disappeared. A fire blazed in her eyes. "There won't be a next time."

"You say that now," I grinned. I couldn't help it.

She scoffed and grabbed the handle of her door. "I'm serious. Nothing's changed."

"Alright." I didn't believe her.

She rolled her eyes and got out of the car. I creepily watched from the comfort of my car as she walked up to the front door and fumbled with her keys. At least now I could appreciate without getting called out.

When her head whipped toward me, I sucked in a breath. Did she see me? No, right? It was dark. There's no way she could see inside of the car.

She walked back toward the car. My heart thudded as I rolled down the window. I was so fucking nervous. Why was she coming back? To yell at me? Maybe profess her feelings for me?

Before I knew it, something came flying at my head. Luckily I managed to avoid it and ducked just in time. "What the hell?" My leather jacket was now sprawled on the front seat.

She turned away before I could say anything else.

Still, I yelled "goodnight" just to piss her off a little.

And it worked.