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

talking all this shit to me and

knows we won't

to your little

your life a whole lot

her tone and

she's out of sight I let go of Sadie, who practically

"I can’t stand her.

I wish you'd let me tear her eyes

to make that bitch scream.” "So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though

totally agree,

can't let her get

let anyone get to

"Hey."

the familiar male voice, relief flooding me when I watch Easton and

didn’t you guys wait for

his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me into his arms and

against his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my

to wait

tell Sadie,”

"Whoops.

my

see his arm slung around her shoulders, all of Sadie's

Easton's right.

them to show up so we could all walk

the night at Easton's house—and

they worked it all

since he was still

keep

"Did you hear? Mrs.

leave as they investigate the

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

my teeth into my

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

to beat her ass,

Sadie says.

has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

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

in

isn't overly

family, and definitely not with girls he’s

usually operates in

to see him be so open

warms

Aisha called my best friend a

Ew.

hand and pull him outside, tucked away in the

me,” I

He frowns, facing me.