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

exactly why she keeps talking all

knows we won't do

to your

can make your life a whole lot

fills her tone and she

moment she's out of sight I let go of Sadie, who

"I can’t stand her.

you'd let me tear her eyes

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, She

let her get to

can't let anyone get to

"Hey."

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

didn’t you guys

approaches, his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me into his arms and holds

trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his

to wait for

supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his tone

"Whoops.

my

around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating now that they boys are

Easton's right.

show

at

they worked it all

was still with them

going to keep him to

"Did you hear? Mrs.

leave as they investigate the allegations brought

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

my teeth into

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

wanted to beat her ass, but

Sadie says.

one of you has common sense,”

"Hey."

his arm but he grips her too tight and

stare in open

isn't

my family, and definitely not with girls

usually operates in stealth

to see him

of warms

my

Ew.

pull him outside,

to me,”

He frowns, facing me.