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 trouble,”

why she keeps talking all this shit to me

we won't do

to your little

life

her tone

out of sight I let go

"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

totally agree, She

we can't let her

can't let anyone

"Hey."

male voice, relief flooding me when I watch Easton and Ryan approach

you guys wait for

he sweeps me

face against his chest and close my eyes trying

to

Sadie,”

"Whoops.

bad,” my

over at him and Sadie to see his arm slung around her

Easton's right.

totally should've waited for them to show up so

brother stayed the night at Easton's house—and

it all out? I

was vague via text since he was still with them and he promised

keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

on leave as they investigate

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

sinking my teeth into my

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but Harper wouldn't

Sadie says.

has common

"Hey."

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

in open

brother isn't

with my family, and definitely not with girls

operates in

to see him

of warms

my best friend a

Ew.

grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.