The Bad Boy Hates Me

This book is dedicated to Pinkie Alaha,

For loving bad boys and taking no days off in creating memories and penning beautiful stories.

Disclaimer:

The people and events in this book exist only in the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real life bad boys, yacht parties, or secret billionaires is purely coincidental…probably. This story contains drama, danger, and swoony romance. Read at your own risk of falling in love with my imaginary friends.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Acknowledgments

First and always, to God—for the strength, creativity, discipline, and courage to turn wild ideas into stories that live on paper.

To Clifford Obi, thank you for making this book a reality. This one is for you.

You are the reason behind every late night writing session and every crazy plot twist of BAD BOY AND ME

Chapter 1: Tori Tennar

"Tori Tennar."

Her name rang through the auditorium, spoken by the dean at the microphone.

Tori stood, adjusting the black cap on her head, and walked up the steps to the stage. The graduation gown rustled against her legs as she walked across the stage.

"Congratulations, summa cum laude," the dean said as he handed her the certificate and shook her hand.

"Thank you," Tori said, forcing a small smile.

She turned toward the crowd as the photographer snapped pictures. Families were cheering loudly, waving at their kids, holding up phones and flowers. Tori's eyes searched the rows of seats.

She looked left, right, center. Her chest dropped when she realized her father wasn't there.

She kept her smile in place for the camera, but it felt weak.

The announcer listed her other awards-Best Graduating Student in Fine Arts, special honors for her portfolio, and she accepted them one by one. The applause was loud, and her course mates cheered her in the crowd.

***

Outside on the campus lawn, students clustered into groups, throwing their caps into the air and taking photos. Parents carried flowers, balloons, and gifts. Tori stood with her classmates, holding her awards as the pictures went on and on.

"Smile, Tori!" her friend Lana said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

Tori managed another smile. "Yeah."

Lana's eyes softened. "Your dad didn't come?"

Tori shook her head. "No. He couldn't make it."

"He should've been here. You're the top of the whole school. He'd be proud."

"Yeah," Tori said again, though the word caught in her throat.

When the crowd began to thin, she slipped away, pulling her phone from her bag. No texts. No calls. She opened the rideshare app and booked a car to take her back to her apartment. She was still deciding if she'd go for the after party or not.

She was staring at her screen when it rang. The number was international. Her stomach flipped. She answered quickly. "Hello?"