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

exactly why she keeps talking

knows we won't

your

life a whole lot

tone and she walks

out of sight I let go of Sadie, who practically growls in

"I can’t stand her.

you'd let me

my head, though I can't

totally agree,

let her get to

let anyone get to

"Hey."

the sound of the familiar male voice, relief

guys wait for

his gaze eating me up as he sweeps

eyes trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep

to

was supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his tone

"Whoops.

my brother

around her shoulders, all of Sadie's

Easton's right.

them to show up so we could all walk in

night at Easton's

it all out?

still with them and he promised

keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

on leave as they investigate the

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

teeth into my lower

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

her ass,

Sadie says.

has common sense,” Ryan tells

"Hey."

arm but he grips her too

stare in open

isn't

definitely not with girls he’s been

operates in

to see him

warms

my best

Ew.

down the hall until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot we had one of our

me,”

He frowns, facing me.