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

says nothing, she just stares

that tell me she's been crying, the thought breaking my goddamn

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

think you've done

I've had enough of

to

I tell him.

between me and my girl

bone

arm slips across

your

hands clench into fists,

I'm warning you, leave now or I'm going to start

he's gone, I say in a softer voice, "Please

What you did ..."

to take a deep breath, her eyes filling,

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

not what happened

stop myself,

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

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

we only have a few minutes

get detention if I'm

she says.

serve it together.” I move next to her, placing my hand on

go.” She's quiet as we hurry down the hall and up the three flights of stairs to a padlocked door where I turn the wheel several different ways until it opens, stepping us

you how you knew that code, but I don't think I really

she says.

to the side, along the ledge that wraps around the air conditioning unit,

until she's settled and

I swear every

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

shaking my

I started flirting

innocent conversation, and she would help me