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?"

inches away from her, wanting so badly to

says nothing, she just stares at

been crying, the thought breaking my goddamn

up and wrap

don't you think

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

going to

I tell him.

in between me and my girl

every bone

arm slips across Harper's

she's your

fists, my patience running

you, leave now or I'm going to start

you need me—for anything—you know where to find me.” Once he's gone, I say in a softer voice, "Please talk to me.” She takes

What you did ..."

a deep breath, her eyes

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

not what happened at

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

go somewhere and talk? I want to tell you the whole story and I

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

have a few minutes

get detention

she says.

move next to her, placing my hand on her lower

let's go.” She's quiet as we hurry down the hall and up the three flights of stairs to a

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

she says.

us to the side, along the ledge that wraps around

she's settled and

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

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

my head, “I mean,

I started flirting last

innocent conversation, and she would help me out when