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."

not worth you getting in trouble,”

she keeps talking all this shit

knows we

your

can make your life a whole

fills her tone and she walks

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

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear

make that bitch scream.” "So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though

totally agree,

we can't let her get

let anyone

"Hey."

sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding me when

didn’t you guys wait for us

approaches, his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me

press my face against his chest and close my eyes trying

told us to wait for

supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his

"Whoops.

bad,” my brother

arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating now that they boys are

Easton's right.

them to show up

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

it all

since he was still with

going to keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

leave as they investigate the allegations brought against

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

teeth

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but Harper

Sadie says.

of you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

duck out from under his arm but he grips her too tight and hauls

stare in

brother isn't overly

definitely

operates in stealth

to see him

warms

if Aisha called my best friend a brother

Ew.

walking down the hall until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked

to me,” I

He frowns, facing me.