You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Harper

Walking onto campus the day after it comes out that your boyfriend has banged an administrator twice his age is nerve wracking.

Anxiety inducing.

It's just as bad as I thought it would be, but thankfully, not worse than yesterday.

That day had been the ultimate test.

Even though Easton explained everything and I believe him, what we believe doesn't always matter.

The rumors and the stares and the whispers behind hands make me crazy.

They're not as bad today.

I have Sadie by my side walking into the building, a defiant look on her face just daring anyone to say something.

I think she's fully prepared to fight to the death for me.

I couldn't have a better, more loyal friend I swear.

"They're still whispering,"

I say to Sadie, my voice low so only she can hear me.

We walk past a cluster of girls, all of them giggling when they see us.

Me.

"Ignore them,” Sadie says firmly, her gaze scanning the hallway, as if she's looking for someone.

Easy for her to say.

Of course the next person we have to see is Aisha.

God, that bitch.

If she so much as opens her mouth...

"Oh Harper, it's your lucky day,” she sing songs, looking pleased.

"A certain administrator who's been accused of fucking your boyfriend has been put on leave until the case is examined."

"You can't keep your mouth shut to save your life, you stupid bitch."

Sadie lunges for her and I grab hold of her arm, keeping her back.

Aisha smirks.

"So defensive.

Always running in to save your best friend.

Someday you're going to get in trouble, Sadie.

Or someone's going to steal your man right out from under you.

If he even is your man.” She sneers, her gaze alighting on me.

"What are your thoughts on your best friend, the brother fucker?"

"Let me do some damage,"

Sadie pleads with me, struggling to get out of my grip.

"Please."

not worth you getting in trouble,” I

keeps talking all

we won't

to your

life a

fills her tone

I let go

"I can’t stand her.

I wish you'd let me tear her

shake my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful

agree,

we can't let

anyone

"Hey."

familiar male voice, relief flooding me when I watch Easton

you guys

gaze eating me up as he sweeps me into

close my eyes trying to calm

told us to

was supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his tone vaguely

"Whoops.

my

glance over at him and Sadie to see his arm slung around her shoulders,

Easton's right.

to show up so we

at Easton's house—and so did

worked it all out? I don't

text since he was still with them and he promised to explain

going to keep him

"Did you hear? Mrs.

as they investigate the allegations brought

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

sinking my teeth into my

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

beat her ass,

Sadie says.

of you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

but he grips her too tight and hauls her

stare in open

brother isn't

definitely not with girls

usually operates in

to see him be so open with

warms my

my best friend a

Ew.

until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside,

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.