My Ex Humiliated Me At A Party — So I Made A Fake Contract With The Campus Bad Boy
Part 1
The bass from the living room speakers rattled the bathroom door.
I stood in the hallway clutching a small vanilla cupcake.
A single, unlit candle sat stubbornly in the center of the frosting.
Brian had promised we would celebrate my birthday quietly after his team’s party.
Laughter echoed from the other side of the thin wood.
I pushed the door open with my elbow.
Brian had Heather pinned against the sink.
His hands were tangled in her blonde extensions.
The cupcake slipped from my trembling fingers.
It hit the tile with a soft thud.
Brian turned around, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
The guy didn’t scramble backward or look guilty.
He just sighed.
“What are you doing here, Megan?”
The utter boredom in his voice hurt more than the sight of them.
“It’s my birthday.”
My throat felt tight.
“You told me to meet you here.”
Heather adjusted the strap of her tank top.
She let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
“Is this the needy little virgin you were complaining about?”
Brian dragged a hand through his hair.
“Come on, Megan.”
His back pressed against the edge of the sink.
“Don’t act completely shocked.”
The room began to spin slightly.
“I write every paper you turn in.”
My voice shook.
“Every passing grade you have is because of me.”
Brian let out a harsh chuckle.
A slow, mocking gaze dragged over my clothes.
“And you should be thanking me for letting you hang around.”
Muscular arms crossed tightly over his chest.
“Who else would even look at you?”
I spun around and ran.
The hallway felt impossibly long.
Couples were making out against the walls.
Red solo cups littered the carpet.
Tears blurred my vision as I sprinted toward the front door.
I slammed directly into a solid chest.
Strong hands caught my elbows before I could fall backward.
The scent of leather and cedar filled my lungs.
I looked up into Tyler’s dark, assessing eyes.
He was the captain of the fencing team.
He was also the reigning campus bad boy.
As student council president, I usually spent my time handing him detention slips.
“Watch it, Miss Perfect.”
His usual smirk vanished as he registered my red eyes.
“Your boyfriend is busy in the bathroom.”
The words choked in my throat.
Tyler’s grip on my arms shifted, becoming gentler.
His hand steered me through the drunken crowd.
People automatically parted for him.
The cool night air hit my face like a physical slap.
Tyler stopped beside a massive black motorcycle.
“I’m done being the good girl.”
The words tasted like ash.
Tyler crossed his arms over his chest.
A slow head tilt accompanied his appraising stare.
“Are you sure about that?”
A heavy helmet was shoved into my hands.
“I thought girls like you hated guys like me.”
I wiped my face with the back of my sleeve.
“I want to make some noise.”
The next morning, the school buzzed with whispers.
I kept my head down by my locker.
Heather slammed her hand against the metal door next to mine.
“Guess you weren’t such an angel after all.”
She chewed her gum loudly.
“Word is you spent the night at Tyler’s place.”
My face burned.
“Mind your own business, Heather.”
Brian sauntered over, slinging an arm over Heather’s shoulders.
“You’re full of it.”
A cruel sneer twisted his features.
“Tyler doesn’t do girlfriends.”
My fingernails dug into my palms.
“We’re dating.”
The lie tumbled out of my mouth defensively.
Brian let out a bark of laughter.
His knuckles rapped against the painted metal.
A cruel spark lit up his eyes.
“Bring him to the beach bonfire tonight.”
A single step backward created some distance between us.
“If you’re really together, it won’t be a problem.”
The bonfire crackled, sending sparks into the dark sky.
I stood near the coolers, freezing in my thin jacket.
Every passing minute felt like a heavy weight pressing down on my chest.
Brian strutted over with a cup in his hand.
“Where’s the phantom boyfriend?”
A sweeping hand gesture highlighted the empty space beside me.
A small crowd had gathered to watch the confrontation.
“He’s at practice.”
I stared at the sand.
Brian stepped closer.
“Everyone knows your mom cleans my family’s house.”
His voice carried over the sound of the crashing waves.
“Do you honestly think Tyler would ever look at a maid’s daughter?”
Laughter rippled through the group.
Heat scorched my cheeks violently.
I turned to walk away.
A roaring engine cut through the noise of the party.
A black motorcycle kicked up sand as it skidded to a halt near the fire.
Tyler killed the engine and swung his leg over the seat.
Leather-clad fingers ran through his messy hair.
The crowd fell completely silent.
His heavy boots marched straight toward me.
“Sorry I’m late.”
His hand found my waist, pulling me firmly against his side.
“Practice went long.”
Brian’s face turned a mottled shade of red.
“This is a joke.”
A furious glare locked onto Tyler.
“You’re actually with her?”
Tyler’s expression turned lethal.
“Got a problem with my girlfriend?”
Brian scoffed, taking a step back.
“Trust me, she’s zero fun in bed.”
Tyler’s jaw clenched tight enough to snap.
Broad shoulders turned entirely away from Brian, completely dismissing him.
His dark eyes dropped to my lips.
“You know you’re going to owe me for this, right?”
Tyler leaned in, his mouth hovering just an inch from mine.
