You’re Mine by Penny Brooks
Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Harper

“You've been warned. I'm killing your brother. Prepare yourself!” Sadiescreams into the phone. I have to hold it away, so my head doesn'texplode. “I'm serious this time, Harper. Julia's? Why the hell was he atJulia's? She's such a whore!"

“True.” I agree. "But..." I almost spill that Easton is using her to write hispaper because that would also mean I have insider information, and asof right now, Sadie just thinks we had a few makeout moments andaren’t serious when in reality, my heart doesn’t understand the conceptof beating for anyone else but him.

I deflate a bit and listen as she goes through another tirade about howall boys are the devil and should burn in hell. “...seriously though,Harper, look at both their snaps!”

I pull the phone away and tap my Snapchat putting Sadie on speaker.Sure enough, there are pictures of Aisha and Julia with both guys,drinks in hand, winking at the camera like, hey there’s more where thatcame from, and it's gonna be a long night

Jealousy burns through my body.

Was Easton still there?

Even now?

I get my answer when Ryan shows up minutes later stomping all overthe house like he has a personal vendetta against the hardwood floors.Did that mean Easton was still there or did he go home, and how do Iask without my brother being suspicious. It's not like I can text Eastonafter what went down, it might look desperate, or like I was jealouswhen I'm still pissed he’s hooking up with random girls and me.

“Let me call you back,” I whisper into the phone, hanging up on Sadieand walking into the living room.

Ryan throws himself against the couch. “I hate girls.”

I laugh. “Could have fooled me.”

He groans. “Fucking Easton.”

I freeze, unable to breathe or move. “What did he do now?” I sit downand wait for

“Oh, you know Easton thinks with his dick more than his brain.” Heshakes his head. “He's lucky all he had to do was give Julia a quick kissfor her to write his paper. I'm sure Aisha was ready to run her over withher Benz."

“What?” I snap.

Ryan looks over, frowning. “You should be happy. You hate Aisha. Imean, they're both Satan, but if I had to choose...”

I'm fuming.

So not only did he have a booty call with Aisha, but he kissed Julia soshe'd write his stupid paper?

I'm so angry I could scream.

I concentrate on the anger.

Because the hurt does nothing but make me feel like I'm bleeding out.I'm not special to him.

I'm nothing.

And I'm stupid for even thinking that I'm more than what those girlsare, that he sees something in me when I'm so off-limits it's laughable.My heart tries to remind me of his face when he came to the house andtried to comfort me after the car incident, was that genuine though?Was he? He's so

arrogant it's impossible to know if he’s randomly showing up becausehe’s just a horny high school guy, or he knows I can't resist him.

I want to punch a wall.

“Whatever.” Ryan looks down at his phone. “If he wants to dip his dickinto the entire cheerleading squad, go for it. At least he'll get a goodgrade out of it.”

“Right.” I clench my teeth.

He smiles down at his phone and then laughs. “Dipshit's home, andapparently Aisha thought we were all gonna hang out tonight, so she’sblowing up his phone again. It's scary how obsessed she is with him.”"Yup, crazy.” I agree, breathing again because he's back at his houseand away from her claws.

“You okay?” Ryan looks up from his phone. “You keep repeatingeverything I say..." His brows knit together in concern. “Is this about thecar paint?”

“No.” I sigh. “Yes.” My body rebels against me, reminding me ofEaston's mouth, his hands, the way he aggressively tugs down myleggings, his full lips glistening after each taste. I'm just tired.”

Ryan yawns. “Me too. Don't worry, we'll figure out who has a personalvendetta.”

I stand. “I'm going to go do some homework.”

Abrupt subject change but the more he reminds me of the cars, themore I think about Easton, and I want to strangle the guy. Why is it sohard? It should be easy. Hot boy with his perfect mouth only wants youfor one thing.

And yet, I replace myself justifying reasons and actions-even when he saysto my face that it means nothing.

I'm so screwed.

I can't focus on anything as I go to my room and sit at my desk. I don’treally have a ton of homework or reading to do. My text alert goes off.Easton: What are you doing?

I snort

Me: Are you serious right now?

Easton: Um, yes?

Me: Shouldn't you be texting Aisha or kissing Julia?

The little bubbles pop up and disappear only to pop up again,

Easton: Aw, it sounds like the cute little virgin's feelings are hurt.Besides, I kissed her on the cheek, dodging her mouth like a pro. Plus,I'm too busy to write the paper, and technically it was your fault.

Me: Name-calling, typical Easton behavior, oh add in a bit of deflectionand blame... Did you need anything?

Easton: You really need to get laid. Not it.

Me: Like I'd let you.

Easton: I'd have you panting in seconds but not sure you can handle mydick. It's for women, not girls afraid of the dark and jealous over girlstexting me and small kisses and favors.

Me: Yes, you're such a man.

Easton: You're being a bitch.

Me: And you're an asshole, stop texting me, delete my number.Easton: Fine.

Me: FINE

Easton: BTW I texted you to let you know that you're pretty when youcome...

I drop my phone and squeeze my eyes shut.

Easton: Deleting now.e«