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,”

exactly why she keeps talking all this shit to me

we

your little

make your life

fills her tone

moment she's out of sight I let go of Sadie, who practically growls

"I can’t stand her.

you'd let me tear

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

agree,

let her get to

can't let anyone get

"Hey."

at the sound of the familiar male voice, relief

you guys

me up as he sweeps me into his arms and holds me

and close my eyes trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his

us to wait

tell Sadie,” Easton says,

"Whoops.

bad,” my

see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating now that

Easton's right.

them to show up so we could

night at Easton's house—and

they worked it all out?

still with them and

to keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

on leave as they investigate the allegations brought against

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

admit, sinking my teeth into my

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass,

Sadie says.

least one of you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

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

stare in

brother isn't overly

definitely

operates in

see him be so open

of warms

my best friend a

Ew.

Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in

to me,” I

He frowns, facing me.