You’re Mine by Penny Brooks
Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Harper

I can't stop staring at Easton's lips. They're complete perfection, and myskin grows warm when I remember what they feel like pressed againstmy own.

As if he can read my mind, he does exactly that, his mouth landing onmine before I can protest, before I can do anything but kiss him back. Igrab hold of the front of his shirt, pulling him in closer versus pushinghim away and he wraps his arms around me, crushing me to him as hedeepens the kiss.

We're out in public. On campus. Anyone could see us. He's taking a riskto his reputation, being seen kissing me.

But it doesn't seem to matter to him. He's too busy stroking my tonguewith his. Deepening the kiss, his hand coming up to touch my face, hisfingers stroking my cheek. My heart flutters at his gentle touch and Ihave to remind myself this means nothing. He's just-1 don't know.Kissing me. For no apparent reason.

“Meet me after school,” he says once we end the kiss. His forehead ispressed against mine, our harsh breaths mingling together. “We canfigure out who did this to your locker.”

“Why do you want to help me?” I swallow hard when his thumb streaksacross my bottom lip.

“You're my best friend's sister. Why wouldn't I want to help you?” Hishand drops from my face and he pulls away from me, taking a big stepbackwards. Like he needs the space. “I'll drive you home.”

I shake my head. “I'm riding with Ryan, like I always do.”

“Not today. You're riding with me.”

“How am I supposed to explain that to my brother?” Ryan is currentlypissed at Easton too since I brought up his name this morning to Mr.Rose.

“I'll take care of him,” Easton says with all that confidence I can't helpbut admire. “Just say yes, Harper. Let me help you.”

Slowly I nod, dropping my gaze so I stare at my feet. This is so weird.And confusing. Exhilarating.

Wonderful.

Having Easton's unwavering attention is something I'm not used to.Him wanting to help me?

Not used to that either.

“I'll talk to Ryan,” he says. “But I need you to vouch for me too. Tell himI didn't do it.”

He starts walking and I follow beside him, my heart racing, but notfrom his nearness. No, now I'm nervous over convincing my brotherEaston is innocent. “I told him I thought it was you.”

Easton comes to a stop and so do I, the both of us facing each other.“Tell him you were wrong.”

"You really didn't do it?" I have to ask again and I don't know why.Reassurance maybe?

He slowly shakes his head. “I didn't do it. I don’t know who did either.Have you pissed anyone off lately?”

“Just you,” I say, which actually makes him crack a smile.

And it's the most beautiful smile I've ever seen, I swear.

"Vandalizing school property isn't my style.” We start walking again, andas we get closer to the cafeteria, I can tell he's scanning the clusters ofpeople sitting outside, his gaze assessing.

Like he's trying to figure out who looks the guiltiest.

“Besides, that's a fast way to get yourself expelled,” Easton continues“I'm not that stupid. We're only seven months away from leaving thishell hole. I'm not about to risk it.”

“You think it's a hell hole too?” I hate school. I know some people lovehigh school-Sadie for one-but I replace it the ultimate misery. I've neverhad an easy time making friends. I'm too quiet. Too into reading andhomework and whatever else. I want to get good grades so I can go toa good college and get out of here. I wouldn't

mind forgetting the last four years. They weren't memorable.

Until now.

“I'm over it,” Easton says, and that's all he offers. “Hey, there's Ryan

We both glance over to see my brother standing just outside thecafeteria with Sadie by his side. By the firm set of his jaw, I'd say he'smad. When is he not?

Ryan spots us and makes his way over to where we're standing, goingright up to Easton and shoving at his chest. “You better tell me you hadnothing to do with Harper's locker this morning.”

“You saw me leave the cafeteria with her and now you're mad?” Eastonis totally taunting him. Something I would never have the guts to do.“Sadie told me Harper needs to fight her own battles.” My brother flicksa glance in my direction. But I can't take it anymore. You better tell usthe truth, E. Did you fuck with my sister's locker? Call her a slut?”

“No,” Easton says. “I had nothing to do with it. But I'm going to helpHarper figure out who did.”

Ryan steps away from him with a frown. “Why the hell are youbothering?”

Easton's gaze never wavers from mine as he says, “It's the least 1

can do. She needs help.”

“I'll help her.”

I roll my eyes. “I don't want your help, Ryan.”

“Then let Sadie help you. Not this guy.” Ryan points at Easton.

“What's your problem with Easton?” The words explode out of me, loudand shrill, and from the shocked look on my brother's face, I can tell hedidn’t expect it. “Seriously, why are you always on his case? Or my case?Why can't we be friends?”

Ryan laughs. “Easton is friends with no girls. He fucks them and discardsthem because he doesn't give a shit about anyone else but himself. Ifyou want to put yourself through that kind of pain, then be my guest.Just don't come crying to me after he fucks you and tosses you asidelike yesterday's garbage.”

With those cryptic words, Ryan stomps away, Sadie approaching himbut he just shakes her off. I chance a look in Easton's direction, shockedto see the anger and the sadness in his gaze. As if what my brother justsaid offended him. Maybe it did.

Hmmm. Maybe Easton has a heart after all.