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,”

why she keeps talking all this shit to me and

knows we won't do

your little

can make your life a whole

her tone

let go of Sadie, who

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear her

"So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful to

totally agree, She

can't let

can't let anyone

"Hey."

the familiar male voice, relief flooding

you guys wait for us

me up as he sweeps me into his arms and holds

against his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his

told us to

was supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton

"Whoops.

bad,” my

over at him and Sadie to see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's

Easton's right.

them to show up so we could

at Easton's house—and so

they worked it all out?

since he was still with

keep

"Did you hear? Mrs.

they investigate the allegations

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

my teeth into my lower

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but Harper wouldn't

Sadie says.

one of you has common

"Hey."

tries to duck out from under his arm but he grips her too tight and hauls her to him, dropping a kiss

stare in

brother isn't

definitely not with

usually operates in stealth

nice to see him be so open with

warms my

called my best

Ew.

walking down the hall until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside,

me,”

He frowns, facing me.