Sinful

“Nothing else,” I say.

Her next words are spoken slower, as though speaking to an idiot. “The founders’ sons have always had certain leniencies and liberties. Complaints made against them seem to always get smoothed over. I understand after the last time, you might want to keep your head down, but my door is always open if you need to talk off the record.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that. I’m sure it’s over now,” I say.

“If you’re sure?” She crosses her arms, eyes narrowed.

I shake my head. I can’t say anymore. What would I say?

Romain’s been harassing me since day one because it turns out I slept with him? That when he shoved his hand between my legs, I felt his fingers ignite a spark within me that I thought was long since dead. And then what? Now his boys are making my life hell. Possibly kidnapped my cat? Maybe Helen is trying to help, but she can’t help me at all. I need to handle this myself. I should find Romain and talk some sense into him.

She gives me a blank look. “Right, I see. Well then, you’re just going to have to ride it out.”

I gnaw at my inner lip. Ride it out. I just spent the night in a damn cupboard. It’s going to be a long rest of the week.

Helen lets out a sigh. “I wouldn’t worry about the boys. It’s because you’re new, young and pretty. They’ll move on, find another target soon enough.”

I do hope they do. I’m ready to walk out, but I need the money, and I have nowhere to go but home. I decline Helen’s offer to take the day off. Gloria takes homeroom and my first period, giving me time to get a spare key, shower, and change in my rooms before heading for the second.

My work is the only thing keeping me sane right now.

It’s all I have.

I can’t let Romain take that from me too.

Even if I deserve it.