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

why she keeps talking all this shit to me and

knows we

to your little

your life

her tone

moment she's out of sight I let go

"I can’t stand her.

let me

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

totally agree,

can't let her

let anyone get

"Hey."

voice, relief flooding me when I watch

you guys wait for

up as he sweeps

my eyes trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his

us to wait

to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his tone vaguely

"Whoops.

my

see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating

Easton's right.

to show

at

worked it all out? I don't

he was still with

keep

"Did you hear? Mrs.

as they investigate

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 wouldn't let

Sadie says.

has

"Hey."

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

stare in

isn't overly

my family, and definitely not with girls

operates in stealth

nice to see him be

of warms my

my best friend a brother

Ew.

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

to me,” I

He frowns, facing me.