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."

worth you getting in trouble,”

keeps talking all this

we won't do

to your

make your life a whole

tone and

of sight I let go

"I can’t stand her.

I wish you'd let me tear her eyes

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, She

can't let

can't let anyone

"Hey."

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

guys wait

eating me up as he sweeps me

trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep

us to wait

Sadie,”

"Whoops.

bad,” my

over at him and Sadie to see his arm slung around her

Easton's right.

for them to show up

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

worked it all out? I don't

since he was still with them and he

keep him

"Did you hear? Mrs.

they investigate the allegations

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.

beat her ass,

Sadie says.

has common sense,” Ryan tells

"Hey."

arm but he grips her too tight and hauls her to him, dropping a kiss on her

stare in

isn't overly

and definitely not with girls he’s

usually operates

see him be

warms my

if Aisha called my best friend a

Ew.

and pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot we had

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.