You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 177

 Harper 

"Do you need a drink?" I ask Easton.

He takes a look at his glass and says, “Wouldn't mind a refill, babe"

He hands me the tumbler.

"How about you?" I ask Ryan.

He checks his bottle of beer.

"Still got a half, I'm good for right now, but do me a favor, check on my girlfriend, I haven't seen her in like ten minutes or something.” Now that I think of it, he's right.

It feels like it's been a century since Sadie disappeared to the bathroom.

“I'm on it," I tell both of them and I carry Easton's glass into the kitchen, making him another vodka soda and deliver it to him before I go to the downstairs bathroom.

There's a small line outside the door and I ask the person in the front, "Is Sadie in there?" He shrugs and replies, "I think it's Michael, but I'm kinda too drunk to remember"

Sadie isn't in line.

There's a chance she went upstairs to use Easton's bathroom.

That's where I'm going to check, but I'm going to get myself a beer first.

I go to his dad's private garage to grab one from his secret stash and open the door, flipping on the light.

"Turn off the light,’ I hear someone say the moment I look inside.

I immediately notice someone leaning against the wall halfway between the fridge and me.

That someone is my best friend.

And there's a guy pinning her to the wall, his lips all over hers, his hands moving up and down her sides.

“What the fuck?” I shout, my hands instantly shaking, my heart freezing.

They stop kissing and look at me.

My stomach churns when I see who it is.

"Blake?" I gasp and look at Sadie.

"Sadie, what the hell are you doing with him?" “Blake,” she slurs and her eyes widen, like she's just now realizing it's him.

Her hand flattens against his chest and she pushes him away from her.

At least she attempts to, but he doesn't move.

"H—how dare y—you.” She's a mess.

Drunker than I thought.

I never should have let her go to the bathroom by herself.

But it's too late.

And now ...

made out with Blake? Oh

tries to

"I—I.

you were

to me, his empty hand telling me he'd come in here for another

just chosen the worst

as bad as it

Still, it's bad enough.

hands are

smeared all

spilling down Sadie's

cries, "I didn't

it was you

as it all seems to click in his head, his teeth grinding together as he roars, "Sadie, what

throw my best friend under the

my brother to kill Blake in Easton's

to feel betrayed because his girlfriend was just making out with

Fuck.

"Ryan .."

I start.

behind Ryan, stopping him by holding him steady, and I quickly realize Easton has joined us and he's

going on?" Easton shouts across the

No one says anything.

wasn't for Sadie crying, we'd be standing

fucking answer

me go!" Ryan shouts, trying to

what the fuck is happening,”

him, Harper!" Ryan

saw because your face

a chance to say anything because Sadie moves away from Blake and closes

and—d it was dark—k.” She

“And then I—lips"

Another hiccup.

y—your name and I was sure it was

when he says to her, "Did he take advantage of you?" “Come

Ryan cuts him off and says, “Answering the

Blake take advantage of you?"

puts her hand on her forehead, her skin starting to turn

"l don't th—think so.

I'm s—so drunk, Ryan"

my best

I know when she's reached her alcohol

past the boys

to me, I'm going to bring you into Easton's room so

up the stairs into Easton's room and close the door

and just as I'm grabbing a washcloth to wet, she leans over the toilet and

God, Harper,’

cool water and hold

“It's okay.

better after

hold her hair out of her face, rubbing soft circles over her

all right,” I

I do, Harp?” She

I do with Blake?" “Don't worry

hate me.” She turns to me,

"Hate, hate, haaaaate me"