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.

the bell pulls me out of my thoughts, and

are two situations I need to focus on, and both happen to be parked in my driveaway the second I pull up to my

“Surprised you invited him,"

says, nodding toward

for an entirely different reason—a reason

them, glancing at both

none of us

the door open and each

behind and stop

"Beer?"

Blake answers, and catches the one

to need vodka

I hand him a bottle

you didn't do

the second we're all sitting on the

I shake my head.

I swear

I told Harper and

her

wouldn't do that to Harper.” I stare at

do that

"Mrs.

lot of shit

at me, and then

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

for them, I drop a tip under her

know,”

has reached out to me yet, I have no idea what she’s told

way very soon.”

Blake says.

head whips in

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

want this

Today.

you every time I

back into the couch

Harper, appearing next to her every time I turn my back, trying to be her fucking knight in shining armor—I want it to stop.” "Harper and I are

Blake replies.

My fingers clench.

"Stop with the lies.

know you want her, I know you're fucking

won't try to fight you anymore, but you have to promise me you're going to lay off.” "It sounds like you're asking me

to admit the truth when it's staring him right in the