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."

you getting

why she keeps talking all this shit to me

knows we won't do

your

life a whole lot

fills her tone and she

sight I let go of Sadie, who

"I can’t stand her.

I wish you'd let

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 Sadie tearing the hair straight out

totally agree,

we can't let her get

let anyone get

"Hey."

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

you guys wait

he

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

us to

to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his tone

"Whoops.

bad,” my

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

Easton's right.

should've waited for them to show up

night at

guess they worked it

text since he was still with them

to keep

"Did you hear? Mrs.

they investigate the allegations brought against

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

teeth into my lower

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass,

Sadie says.

least one of you has common

"Hey."

duck out from under his arm but he grips her too tight and hauls her to him, dropping a kiss

in

brother isn't

family, and definitely

operates in

see him

of warms my

if Aisha called my best friend a

Ew.

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

me,” I

He frowns, facing me.