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,” I

exactly why she keeps talking all this shit to me

we won't do

to your

make your life a

tone and she walks

out of sight I let

"I can’t stand her.

I wish you'd let me tear her

my head, though I can't

agree, She

can't let her get to

anyone get to

"Hey."

sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding

guys wait for

approaches, his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me into his

his chest and close my eyes trying to calm

told us to wait for

tell Sadie,”

"Whoops.

my

around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating

Easton's right.

them to show up so we could all

the night at Easton's

guess they worked it all out?

via text since he was still with them

to keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

leave as they investigate

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

my teeth

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but

Sadie says.

one of you has common sense,”

"Hey."

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

stare in

isn't overly

and definitely not with girls he’s

operates in stealth

see him be

of warms my

if Aisha called my best

Ew.

hall until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away

to me,” I

He frowns, facing me.