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.

you think I did

name was mentioned in the

believe ! would do something so awful to her? What kind of asshole does she think I

it?” I rise to my feet,

get called back in,” Mr. Rose says before I leave

a red haze, too angry to speak, to pay attention, to do anything but walk through the halls like a damn robot, my gaze constantly scanning, looking for Harper. The little bitch

want to

ch

find Aisha standing in front of me, tempting in a cropped black shirt and high waisted jeans. She looks good as

thanks,” I bite out

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 whispering. I stop in front of the table,

demand, my voice so loud

wide. Harper contemplates me coolly, her

talk to you. I pause.

head. “Not a

hand on her shoulder.

So fucking annoying.

just boss me around”

can when you’re spreading false rumors about me and your fucking locker,” I throw back at

word she slips off the bench and we’re walking beside each other, exiting the cafeteria together. Ryan watches

like that I’m talking to his sister. Well tough

too, his face unreadable, his

can go suck

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

your locker,” I tell her

a

but I would never go that far,” I continue. “I don’t know who did it, and after what’s happened between us,

think I would

awful.”