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

talking all this

knows we won't

your

life

fills her tone

out of sight I let go of Sadie, who

"I can’t stand her.

let

my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful to witness Sadie

totally agree,

we can't let her get

let anyone get to

"Hey."

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

guys

eating me up as he sweeps me into his arms and

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

to wait

was supposed to tell Sadie,”

"Whoops.

bad,” my brother

to see his arm slung around her shoulders, all

Easton's right.

should've waited for them to show up

at Easton's

guess they worked it all out? I don't

still with them and he promised to explain

keep him to

"Did you hear? Mrs.

on leave as they

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

sinking my teeth into my lower

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but

Sadie says.

has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

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

stare in

brother isn't overly

with my family, and definitely

operates in

nice to see him be so open

warms my

called my best friend a

Ew.

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

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.