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 to reach for

she just stares at me with red, swollen

been crying, the thought

is pick her up and wrap her in my arms

don't you think you've

on that cocksucker, but I've had enough of his relentless

only going to

I tell him.

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

break every bone in your

arm slips across

she's your girl

into fists, my patience

leave now or I'm

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 seconds to

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

and stop myself,

talk? I want to tell you the whole

hesitation, I add, "You always ask for communication and transparency and that's what I'm going to

we only have a few

get detention if

she says.

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

the three flights of stairs to a padlocked door where I turn

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

she says.

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

she's settled and

tell you everything and I swear every

"Okay."

"Leigh—"

my head, “I

I started flirting last

she would help me out when