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

she keeps talking all this

we won't

to your

make your life a whole lot

fills her tone and she walks

sight I let go of Sadie, who practically

"I can’t stand her.

wish you'd let me tear

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

totally agree,

can't let her get

anyone get

"Hey."

relief flooding

didn’t you guys wait for us

he sweeps me into his arms

trying to

to

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

"Whoops.

my

Sadie to see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's earlier anger dissipating now that they boys

Easton's right.

them to show up so we could

brother stayed the night at Easton's

guess they worked it

text since he was still with them and he promised to explain everything

to keep him to

"Did you hear? Mrs.

on leave as they investigate the

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

admit, sinking my teeth into my

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

her ass, but

Sadie says.

of you has common

"Hey."

tries to duck out from under his arm but he grips her too tight and hauls her

in open

isn't overly

my family, and definitely

operates in

to see him

warms

if Aisha called my

Ew.

outside, tucked away in the

to me,” I

He frowns, facing me.