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

tell me she's been crying, the

want to do is pick her up and wrap her in

you think you've

but I've had enough of his relentless attempts of making me look

only going to

I tell him.

between me and my girl again,

bone

arm slips across

she's your girl

hands clench into fists,

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

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 several

What you did ..."

to take a deep breath, her eyes filling, “it hurts in ways you can't

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

not what happened at

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

to tell you the

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

only have a few minutes to get

get detention

she says.

I move next to her, placing my hand on her

and up the three flights of stairs to a padlocked door where I

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

she says.

ledge that

she's settled

tell you everything and I swear every word

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

myself, shaking my head, “I

and I started flirting last

just innocent conversation, and she would help me out when