You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 34

Harper

Easton thinks he owns me, that every happy expression that crosses my face is due to him.

Screw that.

But the truth is, Easton’s message is what caused me to grin. I had just flipped to Blake’s text when Easton saw me, the timing just couldn’t have been more perfect.

I’ll never tell him that though.

As far as he’s concerned, Blake makes me smile too, and it needs to stay that way.

I continue down the hallway when Sadie stops me and says, “Whoa. I just saw Easton and he looks like he’s about to murder someone. Any idea what that’s about?”

I shrug. “He read a text that Blake sent me. Maybe it has something to do with that

-I mean, hopefully it does.”

“Blake and … you?” Her eyebrows lift so high, they look like they’re about to get lost in her hairline.

“It’s not what you think. He just asked me out for dinner.”

She laughs. “Really? And you think that clarifies my questions somehow?” She adjusts her bag. “Unless he’s feeling you, he’s not going to ask you out to dinner.”

I tuck a chunk of hair behind my ear, the smell of Easton’s shampoo from this morning’s shower still so present, something I’m not even close to getting used to. “I’m not interested. He’s the biggest player at school.”

“And Easton’s not?”

“And Ryan’s not?” I argue back.

“Okay, good point, the three of them are equal in the player department. But we both know I’m going to mold Ryan into the man I want him to be and you’re going to do the same with Easton. Or is it Blake? I feel lost-again.”

I wrap my arm around hers and start walking. “It’s Easton. It’s only ever been Easton.”

But I can’t deny that having Blake’s attention is an interesting feeling. One I’ve never had before. Probably because Sadie is the only person who’s ever cared about me. And now, suddenly, there’s two new numbers in my phone and both are texting me on the same day.

My mind is blown.

I say, reminding her of the conversation from the library. “What’s up with you

filling her bag with books. “Well, like I said, we‘ve been talking

not treating

locker and joins our arms together, heading for the parking lot. “Things are good.” She looks at me, biting her lip. “And, God, you

him

my brother, his reputation is as harsh as his friends. When it comes

stop them,

Always.

won’t let him.

right here,” Blake

“Why?” Sadie asks.

nods toward Sadie. “Someone wrote something on your

“Wrote something?” I inquire.

the

immediately begins to churn, my heart picking up speed

it say?” I

down, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows. When he finally looks up again, he says, “Why don’t you let Ryan and

He’s protecting me.

But why?

What does it say?

me what’s on their cars, Blake. I’m not leaving this school until I

your sister is

seethes. “I will kill whoever did this.” She looks at me. “Not because of my car, I don’t

you.”

almost no voice when I say, “Who would

hates me this

Easton. He can’t be that mad about Blake’s text, not where he would vandalize his

rest of the school barely knows me. I’m Ryan’s sister to them and most

know,” Blake responds. “But, I promise you, we’re going to find

clear my throat, hoping the tightness will lessen. “Will the writing come

get

for homecoming when they decorate the

tells