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,

stares at me

crying, the thought breaking my goddamn

to do is pick her up and wrap her

you think

had no intentions 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

to say this

I tell him.

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

break every bone in your

arm slips

your

fists, my patience running

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

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

What you did ..."

pauses to take a deep breath, her eyes filling, “it hurts in ways

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

not what happened

her and stop myself, knowing she'll

talk? I want to tell you the whole

I see her hesitation, I add, "You always ask for communication and transparency and that's

which means we only have a few minutes

detention if I'm

she says.

I move next to her, placing my hand

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

you knew that code,

she says.

the ledge that wraps around the air conditioning unit, giving us a perfect

until she's settled and facing

and I swear every

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

stop myself, shaking my head, “I

and I started flirting last

innocent conversation, and she would help