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?"

her, wanting so badly to reach for

she just stares at me with red, swollen

been crying,

pick her up and wrap her in my arms

don't you think you've

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

only going to say this

I tell him.

between me and my girl

bone in your fucking

arm slips across Harper's

she's your

hands clench into fists, my patience

warning you, leave now or I'm going to start swinging.” He

Once he's gone, I say in a softer voice, "Please talk to me.” She takes several seconds to respond, "I don't know what

What you did ..."

breath, her eyes filling, “it hurts in ways

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

what happened at

to grab her and stop myself, knowing she'll

you the whole

and transparency and that's what I'm going

have a few minutes

get detention if

she says.

next to her, placing my

flights of stairs to a padlocked door where I turn the wheel several different ways

knew that code, but I don't think I really want that

she says.

replying, I lead us to the side, along the ledge that wraps around the air conditioning

wait until she's settled

and I swear

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

shaking my head,

and I started flirting last

just innocent conversation, and she would