You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 185

Harper

I'm nervous as I adjust my crown and try not to think about what tonight means.

We've had sex so many times I've lost count, yet tonight feels like the first time.

Maybe because it's prom or maybe because a year ago, I had to watch both my brother and Easton take off with random dates (we hate Aisha) and not get back until early moming the next day.

Easton stayed with us.

His lips had been swollen, and his eyes were tired like he'd been up all night partying, but he seemed happy as if prom was the best night of his life.

Isn't that how it's supposed to be? I sat across from him, sipping my coffee, completely invisible.

I hadn't gone to prom because the date I wanted already had someone, so I ate junk food all night, felt sorry for myself, painted my toenails twice, cried while watching rom—coms on Netflix, and then had to see the results of what was the most perfect night ever right in front of me.

Ryan had been pretty tight-lipped, but I can only imagine what happened between the two of them and their dates.

Will tonight be better or different now that Sadie has Ryan and Easton has me? I want to believe it will be beyond epic, but my nerves are getting the best of me.

Once we are in the hotel suite, I kick off my heels and lie back against the bed, spreading my arms wide.

Sadie bounces next to me on the bed.

"Time to party!” “Time to party!” Ryan shouts a bit too loud, making me smile.

Before I know what is happening, the four of us are ordering room service, compliments of Easton's dad's credit card, watching sappy movies, drinking way too much champagne, and laughing hysterically over things that in the moming probably won't even be funny.

Easton pulls me against him on the couch, our legs tangle between each other.

He kisses the top of my head and whispers, “Best prom ever.” “You mean other than the whore business on the limo?” I joked.

He lets out a groan.

"Don't ever remind me.

Ever.” "Too soon.” I nod, my gut clenching.

arm braces my body in a protective way that says he's going to stand in front of the

love him for it.

Ijust love him.

can show him exactly how much I love him and do it in a way that makes sure he

Ever.

to go!”

at me

I kick Ryan with

with Sadie lazily draped around

your room.” “Why are you suddenly channeling mom?’ Ryan sits

fucking scary?” lroll

"Go."

Ryan says to Easton as he gets to

“Could you be any

say through clenched

and then does this whole high five we're bros thing with Easton before

swear he's doing

shoe,

and I'm shoving

a generous grip on my poor brother's ass, she whispers something in his ear, and suddenly he's picking her

have just used her instead,” I

arms around me, his body's so warm, so

a reason you kicked out your best friend and brother?” "I wanted to

want to forget the limo thing and have the perfect night, and I can't have the perfect night with my brother breathing

his arms

the perfect kiss

Not too much tongue.

Not too much force.

Just...

perfection.

cling to the sides of his face keeping him captive as he spins me

wearing my

the dress allow me to wrap my legs around his waist and pull him

the vest, and then he starts this

it didn't rip during

while we