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."

you getting in trouble,”

why she keeps talking all

we

to your

your life a

tone and

moment she's out of sight I let go of

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear her eyes

bitch scream.” "So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful to witness Sadie tearing the hair straight

agree,

let her get to

let anyone

"Hey."

turn at the sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding me when

guys wait for

gaze eating me up as he

face against his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my

to wait for

supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his tone

"Whoops.

bad,” my

arm slung around her shoulders, all of

Easton's right.

should've waited for them to show up so we

night at Easton's house—and

it all out?

still with them and he promised to

going to keep

"Did you hear? Mrs.

as they investigate the allegations

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

my teeth

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

wanted to beat her ass, but Harper wouldn't

Sadie says.

of you has common sense,”

"Hey."

he grips her too tight and

in

isn't

and definitely not

operates in stealth

to see him be so

warms my

Aisha called my best friend a

Ew.

him outside, tucked away in the very spot

me,” I

He frowns, facing me.