You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Easton I

t's finally the last period of the day—a day that hasn't wanted to fucking end—and the teacher is writing on the board, giving me a chance to slip out my phone and shoot off some texts.

For hours I've been thinking about how I should talk to the guys about this, how I should bring us all together, and only one way makes sense.

To be straight up with them.

I check to make sure the coast is still clear, the teacher rattling off about some shit, and I start typing.

Me: Come to my house after school.

Blake: Should I bring my boxing gloves? Me: Unless you plan on mouthing off and not listening to a goddamn thing I have to say.

Blake: What do you have to say? I already know how much of an asshole you are.

Me: Just be there, dickhead.

I open the last text Ryan sent me and I type out a message to him.

Me: After school, my house.

Be there.

Ryan: I should knock your ass out for that stunt you pulled in the hallway.

That conversation we were having is far from over.

Me: It'll continue after school.

Ryan: I know.

I put my phone away and try to focus on the teacher, but I don't hear a word she's saying.

That's how the whole day has gone—waiting to get called into the office, zoning out as I think of my talk with Harper, relieved as hell that I didn't lose her, ignoring every motherfucker in the hallway who has a smart remark about my situation with Leigh.

None of the Mrs.

Scott pettiness the students are barking at me really bothers me.

They can say whatever they want, I slept with a married woman who's more than twenty years older than me, and I would have slept with her again if she hadn't cut things off.

It's definitely not the worst thing I've done.

I just don't like that the students assume I fucked her while I've been with Harper.

Out of all this, that’s the only thing that eats at me and the reason it hurts is because I know how much it kills Harper.

It makes her feel betrayed and that's the last thing I want.

out of my thoughts, and I rush up from my

to be parked in my driveaway the second I pull up to my

“Surprised you invited him,"

nodding toward

for an entirely different

them, glancing at both

us are leaving this house until everything

hold the door open and each of

behind and stop at the

"Beer?"

answers, and catches the one I

going to need vodka

him a bottle that

you didn't

says the second we're all sitting on the

I shake my head.

I

same story I told Harper and I explain everything that went

fucked her

that to Harper.”

wouldn't do that

"Mrs.

a lot of shit on all

nods at me, and then

going to come out?” My connection to Leigh has benefited the

for them, I drop a tip under her fingers, and it's gotten them out of

know,” I

has reached out to me yet, I have no

way very soon.” "That's an

Blake says.

head whips in his

you were talking shit about me to Harper.” Ryan takes a sip and hands me the bottle,

want this shit

Today.

fighting you every time I lay eyes on

into the couch and crosses his

want from me, Easton?” "All this bullshit with Harper, appearing next to her every time I turn my back, trying to

Blake replies.

My fingers clench.

"Stop with the lies.

want her, I know

try to fight you anymore, but you have to promise me you're going to lay off.” "It sounds like you're asking me

motherfucker not even able to admit the truth when