You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 159

Harper

I stare at Easton, shocked he would say such horrible things.

He actually believes I couldn't kick Aisha's ass? That Sadie couldnt either? Please.

It would probably be an even fight between Aisha and I, but if we were ever to completely unleash Sadie on Aisha, I would worry for Aisha's entire future.

Sadie hates her that much.

"You think I'm immature?"

I squeak out, like that's the only word I can focus on.

He nods, his entire expression tight.

Even when he's pissed, he's still gorgeous, which is infuriating.

"You can't just go around beating people up and thinking that'll solve your problems."

"This from the guy who gets into physical fights all the time, even with one of his best friends." I'm referring to the fights with Ryan.

With Blake.

With everyone, I swear.

"Look, babe.

Men are different."

He shrugs.

"We get in each other's faces and hash it out-and sometimes we hit each other, I can't lie.

But then we're over it and we're friends again.

Women are petty.

You hold grudges and always end up getting into stupid cat fights.

Even when you say you're not mad at each other anymore, deep down, you still are."

I absorb what he said, not bothering to deny it.

"You and Sadie always talk about kicking Aisha ass,"

he continues.

"It's stupid.

At least with guys, we get over it."

"You're being a misogynistic jerk right now."

My voice is shaky, and I'm so tempted to say something worse.

But I don't.

"Only speaking the truth."

His expression is smug.

"Just...let that shit go, babe.

Aisha isn't a threat to us." "Yesterday you were furious at her and calling her all kinds of names.

And now she's not even a threat?" "I can forgive and forget."

"Really? After everything she's done? After all that she's put me through?"

My eyes sting with tears and I blink hard, forcing them away.

I refuse to cry right now.

This is not the time.

"Dont let her factor into our relationship," Easton says, his voice easy breezy, like what he's saying is no big deal.

"She isn't worth all of this.

Don't you trust me?"

I don't even hesitate with my answer.

"Of course I do.' "Then prove it.

When I say she doesn't matter, believe me.

When I say you shouldn't go after her, don't do it.

Listen to me." He taps his chest.

"I know what's best for you.

For us."

What the hell? Is he for real? "You're being a total asshole." "And you're being ridiculous." Without thought I reach out and slap him across the face.

So hard, the sound cracks in the air when my fingers make contact with his cheek.

Oh shit.

My hand, my entire body is shaking.

I didn't know I could deliver that big of a wallop.

Easton's eyes are wide with shock as he slowly brings his hand to his cheek.

"You slapped me."

"You deserved it." I am eerily calm.

Totally Zen.

Not that I would ever say it out loud, but it kind of felt good, to smack him like I did.

Months of pent up aggression inside of me coming out, I guess? Maybe I have a violent streak after all.

"What the hell, Harper?"

He removes his hand from his face, the red marks my fingers left on his skin obvious.

"I didnt mean to hit you that hard,"

I whisper.

The dirty look he sends me would normally make me collapse to the ground.

"Got a little too into it, I think."

Frowning, I watch him as he hits the keyless remote to unlock the Jeep and then throws open the door to climb into the driver's seat. "Get in the car, Harper.' I cant move.

It's as if I'm rooted to the spot.

It's only when I feel his icy gaze linger on me that I finally bolt into action.

I round the front of the Jeep and open the passenger side door, slipping into my seat and slamming the door so hard the vehicle rocks.

"Damn woman."

He's wincing as he rubs his face.

"That fucking hurt."

"I'm so sorry."

I lean over the console, quickly raining kisses on his cheek where I slapped him before I pull away.

"Did it hurt?"

"Yeah, it did.

I wasn't expecting it, so that

it worse."

He's shaking his head.

"You were fierce."

I smile faintly.

"You were too." "If I hurt your feelings with all that shit I said, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to,' he says, his voice low, his gaze lingering on my lips.

As if he's thinking about kissing me.

Which he shouldn't do.

Not right now.

That would ruin everything.

"It's okay."

My smile is faint.

"I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings.

I got really into it."

"Clearly."

He rubs his face again, but at least he's smiling.

"And you didn't hurt my feelings.

We're good." "Good."

He leans in, his lips hovering above mine.

"I'm dying to kiss you.

It was kind of hot, how mad you just got.' "Even when I slapped you?"

He nods.

"Even then."

"But you can't kiss me," I whisper.

"We don't want-her to see us."

"I know." He pauses.

"Think she bought it?"

I nod.

"Think she's here?"

"Oh she's here,"

he says with arrogant confidence.

"Pretty sure I saw her skanky blonde ass when we walked out of the restaurant.

In fact, her car is parked two rows over."

"You can see her right now?"

My brows draw close together and I glance over my shoulder, wishing I could see her.

"Pretty much.

But don't look.

She might figure out we're on to her," he says.

"Let's go find Sadie and Ryan and see what they got."

Excitement fizzes in my veins and I put my seatbelt on as Easton starts the Jeep.

"Look sad for a few, okay babe? Or look mad.

Like you want to tear me apart,' Easton suggests as he backs out of the parking space.

Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I slump in my seat, staring straight ahead with a glower on my face.

I feel like a bratty little kid.

"How's this?"

He chuckles.

"Perfect."