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."

getting in

talking

knows we

to your little

your life a

her tone and she

out of sight I let go of

"I can’t stand her.

you'd let me tear

though

agree,

can't let

anyone get

"Hey."

the sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding me when I

guys wait for

gaze eating me up as he sweeps

chest and close my eyes trying to calm

to wait

to tell Sadie,”

"Whoops.

my

arm slung around her shoulders, all

Easton's right.

show up so we could all walk

the night at

it all

was still with them and

going to keep him to

"Did you hear? Mrs.

is on leave as they investigate the allegations brought

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

says, rolling her

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

my teeth into

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

ass, but

Sadie says.

of you has common sense,” Ryan

"Hey."

from under his arm but he grips her

stare in

isn't

and definitely not

operates in stealth

him be so open with

warms

called my best friend a

Ew.

hand and pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot we had one

me,” I

He frowns, facing me.