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 trouble,” I

she keeps talking all this

we won't

to your little

can make your life a whole lot

tone

let go of Sadie, who

"I can’t stand her.

you'd let me

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

totally agree, She

we can't let her get to

let anyone get to

"Hey."

relief flooding me when I watch

didn’t you guys wait for us

gaze eating me up as he

eyes trying to

told us to wait

was supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his

"Whoops.

bad,” my brother

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

Easton's right.

to show

brother stayed the night at Easton's

guess they worked it all out? I

vague via text since he was still with them and he

to keep him

"Did you hear? Mrs.

is on leave as they investigate the allegations

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

teeth

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but Harper wouldn't let

Sadie says.

one of you has common sense,” Ryan tells

"Hey."

tries to duck out from under his arm but he grips her too tight and hauls

stare in

brother isn't

definitely not with girls he’s been

usually operates in stealth

see him be so

of warms

if Aisha called my best

Ew.

hand and pull him outside, tucked away in

me,” I

He frowns, facing me.