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

stares

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

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

think you've

anything to him, not wasting a fucking breath on that cocksucker, but I've

only going to say

I tell him.

get in between me and my girl again, I won't

bone

slips across

your

into fists, my patience running

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

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

What you did ..."

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

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

what happened at

and stop myself, knowing she'll back away

to tell you the whole

transparency and that's what I'm going to give you, just

we only have a few minutes to

detention if I'm

she says.

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

hall and up the three flights of stairs to a padlocked door where I turn the wheel several different

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

she says.

replying, I lead us to the side, along the ledge that wraps around the air conditioning unit, giving us a perfect

wait until she's settled and

to tell you everything and I swear every word of

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

myself, shaking my head, “I

I started flirting last

just innocent conversation, and she would help