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,”

that's exactly why she keeps talking all

knows we

to your

life a whole lot

her tone and she walks

sight I let go of Sadie, who practically

"I can’t stand her.

you'd let me

worth it to make that bitch scream.” "So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful to witness

totally agree, She

we can't let her

can't let anyone

"Hey."

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

didn’t you guys wait

he sweeps me into

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

told us to

to tell Sadie,” Easton

"Whoops.

bad,” my brother

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

Easton's right.

to show up so we could all walk

at Easton's house—and

they worked it all out? I don't

text since he was still

keep him

"Did you hear? Mrs.

as they investigate the allegations

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

sinking my teeth into

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

wanted to beat her ass, but

Sadie says.

one of you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

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

in open

brother isn't

definitely

usually operates

see him be so

warms my

my best friend

Ew.

I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot

to me,” I

He frowns, facing me.