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?"

standing only inches away from her, wanting so badly to

she just stares at me

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

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

don't you think you've done

him, not wasting a fucking breath on that cocksucker, but I've had enough of his

only going to say this

I tell him.

and my girl again,

break every bone in your

slips across Harper's

she's your girl

fists, my patience running so

leave now or I'm going to start swinging.”

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

What you did ..."

deep breath, her eyes filling, “it hurts in ways you can't even

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

what happened

go to grab her and stop myself, knowing she'll back away from

you the whole story and I can't go

always ask for communication and transparency and that's what I'm going to

have a few minutes

detention

she says.

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

She's quiet as we hurry down the hall and up the three flights of stairs to a padlocked

code, but I don't think I

she says.

that wraps around the air conditioning

she's settled

to tell you everything and I swear every word of it is

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

myself, shaking my head,

and I started flirting

she would help me out when I