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

why she keeps talking all this shit to

we won't do

your

your life a whole

her tone and she walks

she's out of sight I let go

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear her

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

totally agree, She

let

can't let anyone

"Hey."

male voice, relief flooding me

you guys wait for us

approaches, his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me into his arms and holds

and close my eyes trying to calm my racing

to wait for

Sadie,” Easton says, his tone vaguely

"Whoops.

my

and Sadie to see his arm slung around her shoulders, all

Easton's right.

show up

stayed the night at Easton's house—and so

it all out? I

was still with them and he promised to

going to keep him to

"Did you hear? Mrs.

is on leave as they investigate the allegations

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

teeth into my

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but Harper wouldn't

Sadie says.

has common sense,”

"Hey."

grips her too tight

in open

isn't

and definitely not with girls

operates

nice to see him be

of warms

my best

Ew.

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

me,”

He frowns, facing me.