You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Easton

"I kept your secret, you motherfucker,"

Ryan spits at me, stopping me when I'm halfway down the hallway, my eyes glued to Harper and the way Blake is fondling her.

I try to ignore Ryan and move out of the way, but he stops me again and says, “Nice try, asshole."

He's in my face, making it impossible to focus on anything but him.

"You have some explaining to do before I'm done with you."

“What do you want, Ryan, I need—"

"I didn't tell Harper that you fucked Mrs.

Scott.

I saved your ass, I don’t know why I even bothered, but now you owe me some fucking answers.

If you're still hooking up with her, then what the hell are you doing with my sister?” As students pass us, I can feel their eyes on me, judging me for WHGOSSIP's post and probably thinking Ryan is defending his sister's honor.

I guess I deserve that.

But at least Ryan is keeping his voice low, preventing anyone from hearing what he’s saying except for me.

"I promise I'll explain everything to you, but I need to talk to Harper first.” “Nah.” He shakes his head.

"You're not getting anywhere near her unless you answer me."

I grind my teeth together, knowing every second I'm standing here, Blake's hands are touching more of Harper.

"I didn't fuck her, I swear on my life.

Now, I'm going to go talk to your sister and explain everything."

This time, he doesn't get in my way, and I rush down the rest of the hallway, glaring at Blake.

That vulture likes to prey on the weak and vulnerable—I'm sure that's how Harper is feeling at this moment.

When I got to school a few minutes ago and immediately started looking for her, I expected him to be with her, so this isn’t a surprise at all.

“Harper, can I talk to you?"

only inches away from her, wanting so

nothing, she just stares at me with red, swollen

crying,

want to do is pick her up and wrap her in my arms and fill

think you've

of saying anything to him, not wasting a fucking breath on that cocksucker, but I've had enough of his relentless attempts of making me look like a piece

only going to

I tell him.

me and my

break every bone

slips across Harper's

she's your girl

fists,

warning you, leave now or I'm going

I say in a softer voice, "Please talk to me.” She takes several seconds to respond,

What you did ..."

deep breath, her eyes filling, “it hurts

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

what happened at

her and stop myself, knowing

and talk? I want to tell you the whole story and I can't go

hesitation, I add, "You always ask for communication and transparency and that's what I'm going to give you, just give me

rings, which means we only have a few minutes to get

get detention if I'm

she says.

next to

go.” She's quiet as we hurry down the hall and up the three flights of stairs to a padlocked door where

knew that code, but I

she says.

side, along the ledge that wraps around the air conditioning unit, giving us a

until she's settled and facing

to tell you everything and I

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

my head, “I

and I started flirting

conversation, and she would