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."

worth you getting in

that's exactly why she keeps talking all this

we

your little

your life a whole lot

her tone and she walks

let go

"I can’t stand her.

you'd let me

be worth it to make that bitch scream.” "So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though I can't deny

totally agree,

can't let her get to

let anyone

"Hey."

sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding me when I watch Easton and

you guys wait for us

up as he sweeps me into his arms

my eyes trying to calm

told us to wait

was supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says,

"Whoops.

my

arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier

Easton's right.

to show up so we could all walk

at Easton's house—and so did

they worked it all out? I

he was still with them and he promised

keep him

"Did you hear? Mrs.

is on leave as they investigate the allegations brought against

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

admit, sinking my teeth into

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass,

Sadie says.

least one of you has

"Hey."

but he grips her too tight and hauls her to him, dropping a kiss on her

in open

isn't

and definitely not with

operates

him be so

of warms

Aisha called my best friend

Ew.

Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot we had one

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.