You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 24

Easton

I heard the rumors about Harper‘s vandalized locker at the beginning of first period. How someone wrote slut on the front of it in black spray paint-like what the fuck?

By the end of class, I’m being called into the vice principal’s office. The serious expression on Mr. Rose’s face tells me he means business, and he doesn’t even hesitate with his accusation.

“Did you vandalize a locker this morning before school started?”

he asks.

I scoff, shocked he would think it’s me. “Absolutely not. Why the hell would I do that?”

The pointed look he sends me for cursing at him makes me want to say something else. Something ruder. “Watch your mouth. And where were you on campus before the first bell rang?”

“Out in front of the school, like always am. I have witnesses if you need them to vouch for me.” I lean back in my chair, completely at ease.

“Let me look in your backpack.” Mr. Rose points at where it sits on

the floor.

“No.”

“Thave every right to search your belongings when you’re on school property.” He flicks his fingers. “Give it to me. Now.”

Without a word I hand over my backpack and he settles it on top of his desk before he zips it open, rifling through my things. Irritation fills me but I’m confident he won’t find shit. I don’t even know what he’s looking for. A spray paint can? The person who actually did this would have to be a complete idiot to walk around with the evidence still on them.

“Looks like there’s nothing.” Mr. Rose says once he’s finished and gives it back over to me.

“Want to search my car? I can guarantee there’s nothing incriminating in there either,” I say.

“Not yet,” Mr. Rose says, which sets off a fresh wave of annoyance.

think

name was mentioned in the list of suspects,”

flown anger. Did Harper actually believe ! would do something so awful to her? What kind of asshole does

rise to my feet, slinging my backpack onto

not sure, so be prepared to get called back

to speak, to pay attention, to do anything but walk through the halls like a damn robot, my

to

ch

find Aisha standing in front of me, tempting in a cropped black shirt and

out as

her, moving through the crowds of people like a shark whose scented his prey. I find her in the cafeteria, sitting at a table with Sadie, the both of them hovered close and

need to talk.” I demand, my

eyes wide. Harper contemplates me coolly, her expression completely unreadable. “What

to you. I pause. “In

her head. “Not a good

and place my hand on her shoulder.

So fucking annoying.

can’t just boss me

spreading false rumors about me and your fucking locker,”

and we’re walking beside each other, exiting the cafeteria together. Ryan watches us with narrowed

tell he doesn’t like that I’m talking to his

too, his face unreadable, his gaze

go

outside, I grab hold of Harper’s arm and lead her toward the parking lot, which is mostly devoid of people. The moment we’re out of sight, she’s yanking her arm out of my hand, turning on me like she wants to rip my head

locker,” I tell her before she can get a word

her mouth falling open for a brief second before she

go that far,” I continue. “I don’t know who did it, and after what’s happened

you’d think I

awful.”