You’re Mine by Penny Brooks novel Chapter 87

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."

"She's not worth you getting in trouble,” I say.

And that's exactly why she keeps talking all this shit to me and Sadie.

She knows we won't do anything.

"Listen to your little friend.

I can make your life a whole lot worse."

Promise fills her tone and she walks away.

The moment she's out of sight I let go of Sadie, who practically growls in frustration.

"I can’t stand her.

God, I wish you'd let me tear her eyes out.

Getting suspended would be worth it to make that bitch scream.” "So bloodthirsty.” I shake my head, though I can't deny it would be wonderful to witness Sadie tearing the hair straight out of Aisha's head.

"I totally agree, She sucks.

But we can't let her get to us."

We can't let anyone get to us.

"Hey."

I turn at the sound of the familiar male voice, relief flooding me when I watch Easton and Ryan approach us.

"Why didn’t you guys wait for us outside?"

Easton approaches, his gaze eating me up as he sweeps me into his arms and holds me close.

I press my face against his chest and close my eyes trying to calm my racing heart, breathing deep his delicious, masculine scent.

"You told us to wait for you?"

"Ryan was supposed to tell Sadie,” Easton says, his tone vaguely accusatory.

"Whoops.

My bad,” my brother says.

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

Easton's right.

We totally should've waited for them to show up so we could all walk in together.

My brother stayed the night at Easton's house—and so did Blake.

I guess they worked it all out? I don't know.

Easton was vague via text since he was still with them and he promised to explain everything later.

I'm going to keep him to his promise.

"Did you hear? Mrs.

Scott is on leave as they investigate the allegations brought against her,"

Ryan says.

"Oh we heard,"

Sadie says, rolling her eyes.

Easton's gaze meets mine.

"From who?"

"Aisha,"

I admit, sinking my teeth into my lower lip.

"Of course."

He shakes his head.

"I wanted to beat her ass, but Harper wouldn't let me,"

Sadie says.

"At least one of you has common sense,” Ryan tells her.

"Hey."

She tries to duck out from under his arm but he grips her too tight and hauls her to him, dropping a kiss on her lips.

I stare in open shock.

My brother isn't overly affectionate.

Not with my family, and definitely not with girls he’s been with.

He usually operates in stealth mode.

It's nice to see him be so open with Sadie.

Kind of warms my heart.

Even if Aisha called my best friend a brother fucker.

Ew.

We continue walking down the hall until I grab Easton's hand and pull him outside, tucked away in the very spot we had one of our many recent confrontations.

"Talk to me,” I demand.

He frowns, facing me.

“About what?"

"About Leigh.

About the investigation.

The allegations.

Have they questioned you yet?” "Who would question me?"

His frown deepens.

He's either being purposely obtuse or he really has no clue.

“I don't know.

Staff.

Admin.

The freaking police."

"The police aren't going to get involved,” he says firmly.

"Right.

You had sex with an adult while you were a minor.

Someone of authority at our high school.

A counselor.

She could go down for sexual abuse.” "I consented."

"It doesn't matter.” "I refuse to let the police get involved.” I roll my eyes.

"You're eighteen and a student at the school.

You don't call the shots."

“My lawyer dad could call the shots.” "You're going to tell your dad you fucked Mrs.

Scott?"

My voice rises and Easton flinches, but I don't care.

The more I think about it, the madder I become.

"Listen.

Babe.

It's all going to work out.” He takes a step closer, his hand snagging mine and he brings it up to his mouth, where he drops a kiss on my knuckles.

"I promise.” "I'm glad she's not here,"

I admit, my voice small.

"But people are going to still talk.

And something might happen that's—out of our control."

"I will make sure nothing happens,"

he says assuredly, tugging me to him so he can press his mouth gently to mine.

"I swear on it.

I swear on us.

I will make this all go away."

I kiss him back, needing his reassurance.

But it doesn't fully erase my doubt.