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,”

she keeps talking all this shit to me

we won't do

to your little

life a

her tone and she walks

of sight I let go of Sadie,

"I can’t stand her.

I wish you'd let me

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

totally agree, She

let her

can't let anyone get to

"Hey."

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

didn’t you guys wait for us

up as he sweeps me into

and close my eyes trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his delicious,

to wait

tell Sadie,”

"Whoops.

my

and Sadie to see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating now that they boys

Easton's right.

totally should've waited for them to show up so we could

night at Easton's house—and so

guess they worked it

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

keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

is on leave as they investigate the allegations brought

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

sinking my teeth into

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

to beat her ass, but Harper

Sadie says.

of you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

her too tight and hauls her to him, dropping a kiss on her

in

isn't

family, and definitely not with

usually operates in stealth

him be so open with

of warms

if Aisha called my best friend a brother

Ew.

down the hall until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot we had one of our many recent

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.