Page 14 of My Favorite Sin

“Why not?”

“One thing you’ll learn about working at Sacred Heart is that you’re always on show and one step out of line will get you in deep shit. Staff relationships are highly frowned upon.Anythingthat isn’t the utmost respectable behavior is frowned upon.” He leans in, lowering his voice. “Listen, you didn’t hear this from me, but last year one of the female staff got pregnant and it was rumored she’d been having an affair with a married teacher in the math department.”

“Was it true?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. But they both lost their jobs over the rumor.”

“How is that allowed?”

“When parents are paying as much as they do for an education at Sacred Heart, the school does anything to keep them happy. Staff reputation is everything here.”

I gulp, intimidated by Killian’s story.

He laughs. “Don’t look so worried. You have the cleanest record of anyone on this planet.”

“Yeah, aside from being caught at a strip club.”

Someone steps up behind me, and a cold chill runsdown my spine. “Yes, I heard about your weekend fun, Alexandra.”

My stomach tightens as I turn around and see Headmistress Sinclair. “I can explain. It was a complete misunderstanding. I wasn’t?—”

“I do hope so,” she cuts me off. I try to maintain my confidence, like an adult should. But her reprimand makes me feel like I’m one of the students at Sacred Heart. “Alexandra, I am quite aware the media makes incorrect reports. What I have no tolerance for is when a staff member’s name brings a bad reputation upon the school. Make sure you are not placing yourself in a position where misinformation can spread. This will not happen again, will it?”

“No. It won’t.”

“I’m glad we have an understanding. We’re very pleased to have such an esteemed musician such as yourself teaching at Sacred Heart.”

I nod. I’m so nervous the gesture almost turns into a bow. “I’m very grateful to be working here.”

“Killian, I trust you can show Alexandra to the Performing Arts staff room.”

“Yes, I’ll take care of her.”

“Very well.” Headmistress Sinclair walks off without another word, and I feel about two feet tall.

The comforting smell of garlic and rosemary fills the house as soon as I step through the front door. Josh is right behind me, having picked me up from work in his car. I planned on walking home, but when the hour grew late due to new staff induction meetings, Josh insisted I get alift with him, worrying about my safety walking alone at night.

My mother’s high heels click on the marble floor and she appears from the kitchen wearing a Chanel dress and cooking apron, along with pearl earrings. “Honey, how was your first day of work?”

She looks so excited for me. I fake a smile to please her. “Amazing.”

“They’ve got you working hard, staying back till seven-thirty. I can’t wait to hear all about it over dinner. I’ve made your favorite, garlic chicken.”

“Thanks. Do you mind if we eat a little later? It’s been a long day and I need a moment to myself.”

“Of course. Take your time.” She places a kiss on my cheek, then takes Josh’s hand, leading him into the kitchen.

I climb the stairs to my bedroom, each step a struggle, being drained of energy. Killian and Violet are meeting up for drinks right this minute but I can’t find it within myself to join them. I enter my room, not bothering to turn the light on, and send Killian a quick apology text before collapsing onto my bed.

A moment later, my phone starts buzzing with an incoming call. I press the phone to my ear. “Killian, I’m sorry. I’m so exhausted?—”

“Wrong brother.”

My eyes flash open at the smooth sound of Dan’s voice. A flicker of nerves coil deep within me in places Dan should have no impact over.

If I’d taken any notice of the caller ID and known Dan was calling, I probably wouldn’t have answered. After the way things were left between us yesterday, I have a feeling this conversation will take a lot of effort that I don’t currently have the capacity for. I don’t even knowhow he feels about the way I left for Paris, but he can’t be pleased.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

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