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,” I

she keeps talking all this shit to me and

we

your little

can make your life

fills her tone and she

moment she's out of sight I let go

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear her

my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful to witness Sadie tearing the hair straight out

agree,

can't let her get

can't let anyone

"Hey."

male voice, relief flooding me when I watch Easton and Ryan approach

didn’t you guys wait for us

approaches, his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me into his

his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my racing

told us to

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

"Whoops.

bad,” my brother

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

Easton's right.

show up so

night at Easton's house—and

guess they worked it all out? I don't

was still with them and he

going to keep him to his

"Did you hear? Mrs.

as they investigate

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.

wanted to beat her ass, but

Sadie says.

you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

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

stare in

isn't

my family, and definitely

operates in stealth

him

warms my

Aisha called my best friend a brother

Ew.

and pull him outside, tucked away in the very

me,”

He frowns, facing me.