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 in trouble,” I

she keeps talking all

we won't

to your

can make your life a

fills her tone

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

"I can’t stand her.

let me

that bitch scream.” "So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though I can't deny

agree,

we can't let

can't let anyone get to

"Hey."

male voice, relief flooding me when I

guys wait

his gaze eating me up as he

press my face against his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his delicious, masculine

us to

supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton

"Whoops.

bad,” my brother

to see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of

Easton's right.

waited for them to show up so we could all walk in

brother stayed the night at

it all out? I

via text since he was still with

to keep

"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,"

my teeth

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but Harper wouldn't let

Sadie says.

of you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

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

in open

brother isn't overly

with my family, and definitely not

usually operates

nice to see him be so open

of warms

if Aisha called my best

Ew.

grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked

me,” I

He frowns, facing me.