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

just stares at

crying, the thought breaking my goddamn

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

don't you think you've done enough

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

only going to say

I tell him.

me and my girl again,

every bone in your fucking

arm slips across Harper's

she's your girl

fists, my patience running so

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

softer voice, "Please talk to

What you did ..."

take a deep breath, her eyes filling, “it

You cheated—"

"No.

I didn't.

not what happened at

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

you the

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

which means we only have a few minutes to get

detention

she says.

move next to her, placing

quiet as we hurry down the hall and up the three flights of stairs to a

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

she says.

replying, I lead us to the side, along the ledge that wraps around the air conditioning

wait until she's settled

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

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

stop myself, shaking my head,

and I started flirting

conversation, and she