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."

getting in

that's exactly why she keeps talking all this shit to me

we won't do

your

your life a whole lot

fills her tone

she's out of sight I let

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear her

scream.” "So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful to witness Sadie tearing the hair straight out

agree,

we can't let her get

let anyone get

"Hey."

voice, relief flooding

you guys wait for

as he sweeps me

his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my racing

told us to

was supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says,

"Whoops.

my

see his arm slung around her shoulders,

Easton's right.

for them to show up so we could all

brother stayed the night at Easton's house—and so did

guess they worked it all out?

still with them

keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

they investigate the allegations brought against

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

admit, sinking my teeth

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but Harper

Sadie says.

you has common sense,” Ryan tells

"Hey."

he grips her too tight and hauls her to him, dropping

stare in open

isn't overly

my family, and definitely not with girls he’s been

operates in stealth

nice to see him be so open with

warms my

my best friend a

Ew.

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

me,”

He frowns, facing me.