As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams? ***** Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life. [[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]

NOTE: 68 Days and Counting is going to be published! The story has been split into two books and slightly altered for publication being renamed: Hitting the Crossbar (April 18th 2023) and Across the Line (April 2024). You can now buy Hitting the Crossbar here: https://books.wattpad.com/shop/p/hitting-the-crossbar Description: Sequel to first draft of The Bad Boy And the Tomboy. Macy Anderson and Sam Cahill are together in Manchester, England living the new university life with new friends, soccer teams, experiences, and more. Through their ups and downs navigating their first year in a new setting, follow along once again for the pair's new challenges in their relationship and their love of soccer. All Rights Reserved- ©nikki20038 No honestly, you copy this book, I will hunt you down and-kidding but you'll be in some serious shit :) #5 in Teen Fiction (5/2/17) Cover~ @Purplerabbit474789

| ranked #1 | | 4.24.16| | completed | | wattpad featured story 8/17/16 | | winner of a collectors edition WATTY 2016 | "How many times do I have to say this until you accept it? Those people are mine, those soldiers are mine, you are mine." I freeze. "Well," I straighten my spine, tightening my fists," I am not to be owned by anyone, least of all you. And my people aren't either. I will not allow you to do this." "You won't allow me to?" He scoffs. "And how are you going to stop me?" "If you do not call off this awful plan, I will reject you, as my mate." highest rank: 1