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

why she keeps talking all this shit to me and

knows we won't

your little

life a whole lot

her tone and

I let

"I can’t stand her.

I wish you'd let me tear

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

totally agree,

we can't let her

anyone

"Hey."

turn at the sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding me when

you guys wait

his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me

trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his delicious,

to wait for

to tell Sadie,”

"Whoops.

bad,” my brother

slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating

Easton's right.

to show up

the night at Easton's house—and

it all out? I

he was still with them and

going to keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

leave as they investigate the

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

my teeth into my lower

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

wanted to beat her ass, but

Sadie says.

one of you has

"Hey."

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

in open

brother isn't overly

family, and definitely

usually operates in stealth

him

of warms my

my best friend a brother

Ew.

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

me,”

He frowns, facing me.