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 badly to

says nothing, she just stares

me she's been crying, the thought breaking

do is pick her up and wrap her

think you've done

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

going to say this

I tell him.

my girl

break every bone

arm slips across

she's your girl

hands clench into fists, my patience

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

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

What you did ..."

her eyes filling, “it hurts in ways

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

not what happened at

go to grab her and stop myself, knowing

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

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

which means we only have a few minutes to

detention if I'm

she says.

it together.” I move next to her, placing

three flights of stairs to a padlocked door where I turn the wheel several different ways until it opens, stepping

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

she says.

to the side, along the ledge that wraps around

wait until she's settled and facing

everything and I swear every word

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

stop myself, shaking my head, “I mean,

started flirting

as just innocent conversation, and she would help