You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 25

Harper

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

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

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

But it doesn't seem to matter to him. He's too busy stroking my tongue with his. Deepening the kiss, his hand coming up to touch my face, his fingers stroking my cheek. My heart flutters at his gentle touch and I have 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 is pressed against mine, our harsh breaths mingling together. “We can figure out who did this to your locker.”

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

“You're my best friend's sister. Why wouldn't I want to help you?” His hand drops from my face and he pulls away from me, taking a big step backwards. 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 currently pissed 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 help but 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 him I didn't do it.”

He starts walking and I follow beside him, my heart racing, but not from his nearness. No, now I'm nervous over convincing my brother Easton 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, and as we get closer to the cafeteria, I can tell he's scanning the clusters of people 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 this hell hole. I'm not about to risk it.”

“You think it's a hell hole too?” I hate school. I know some people love high school-Sadie for one-but I find it the ultimate misery. I've never had an easy time making friends. I'm too quiet. Too into reading and homework and whatever else. I want to get good grades so I can go to a 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 the cafeteria with Sadie by his side. By the firm set of his jaw, I'd say he's mad. When is he not?

Ryan spots us and makes his way over to where we're standing, going right up to Easton and shoving at his chest. “You better tell me you had nothing to do with Harper's locker this morning.”

“You saw me leave the cafeteria with her and now you're mad?” Easton is totally taunting him. Something I would never have the guts to do. “Sadie told me Harper needs to fight her own battles.” My brother flicks a glance in my direction. But I can't take it anymore. You better tell us the 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 help Harper figure out who did.”

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

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, loud and shrill, and from the shocked look on my brother's face, I can tell he didn’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 discards them because he doesn't give a shit about anyone else but himself. If you 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 aside like yesterday's garbage.”

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

Hmmm. Maybe Easton has a heart after all.