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

keeps talking

we

to your

your life a

tone

of sight I let go of Sadie,

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let

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

totally agree, She

can't let her get

can't let anyone

"Hey."

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

you guys wait for

his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me into his arms

my eyes trying

to wait

supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his

"Whoops.

my

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

Easton's right.

waited for them to show up so we could all

night at Easton's house—and

worked it all out?

via text since he was still with them

going to keep him

"Did you hear? Mrs.

is on leave as they investigate

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

teeth into my lower

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but Harper

Sadie says.

one of you has

"Hey."

her too tight and hauls her to

in

isn't overly

and definitely not with girls he’s

operates in stealth

nice to see him be so open with

of warms my

Aisha called my best friend a

Ew.

pull him outside, tucked away in

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.