Page 115 of Twisted Ties
I am definitely fired.
“Principal York,” I say loudly enough that my companions in the bedroom can hear, “to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Apparently Rhianna Blackwaters may be missing from campus, again,” she says with obvious irritation. “Do you happen to know of her whereabouts? You were the last person to see her.”
Is she playing with me? She takes in my half-dressed state, my ruffled hair. Hell, I can smell the girl’s arousal on my fingers. I hope to god the principal has a poor sense of smell.
My brain plays through a thousand different scenarios, excuses and explanations for Rhianna’s absence. I clutch at the first reasonable one.
“Yes, she’s been in my cabin.”
The principal frowns. “Excuse me?”
“Rhianna Blackwaters has been recuperating after the werebeast attack in my cabin. I wanted to be able to observe her.”
“Phoenix, this is highly inappropriate. Why on Earth was I not informed of her ill-health and why wasn’t she taken to the infirmary, where the matron could watch over her?”
“Stella,” I say, “we both know Pippa’s skills are limited. Miss Blackwater’s injuries could have led to a were infection if not treated and monitored with the utmost care and attention.”
York narrows her eyes. I don’t think she’s buying one bit of this story. I’ve never shown much of an interest in helping my students before, and I’ve never suggested the matron’s talents may be lacking. Shit, I hope that doesn’t get back to the woman. She’s not half bad really.
The principal’s mental shields are too well practiced for me to see what she’s thinking, not without force anyway.
“I’d like to talk to Rhianna.”
“Miss Blackwaters is sleeping. She had a restless night.”
“Is the treatment not working?”
“No, but the attack has caused some disturbing night terrors.”
“You were in her room at night!”
I decided I’d better change the subject. “Any further explanation on how the werebeast was able to enter the campus?”
The principal’s face remains absolutely passive but I spot her tell, the way she adjusts the collar of her tweed jacket. “No, I’m still looking into it. I’ve tightened security. Miss Blackwaters can rest assured there will be no further intrusions from such a beast.” She peers over my shoulder with suspicion. “I assume she’s well enough to return to her own room?”
“Yes, as soon as she wakes up.”
“Send her to the matron first. Then on to me.” I nod. “And Professor Stone, I understand your concern for the girl but your actions are inappropriate, and given the matron’s years of experience, unwarranted. I need not remind you that students are strictly forbidden from entering a memberof staff’s personal quarters. I am disappointed to say I will have to issue you with a written warning. Do not let this happen again.”
“Of course not. I apologize. Ill judgment in trying circumstances.”
She hums with suspicion and leaves.
I close the door, not knowing whether I’m relieved or disappointed. Not fired. Just a written warning.
Did I want to be fired? For the principal to force my hand? Perhaps, because having this girl around is going to be a million times harder now.
“You have to go,” I say as I open the door and find the two of them perched on the end of my bed. Azlan has his boxers back on and the girl is dressed in her t-shirt and panties, somehow looking even more delicious than she did spread out and naked. Perhaps it’s the flushed cheeks and messed up hair, the slight glaze in her eyes like we took her to heaven and back.
She nods her head.
“I told her you’ve been recovering in my cabin from the werebeast attack, somewhere I could look after you and ensure you were treated right.”
“Did she buy that?” the girl asks, nibbling her thumb.
I shrug. “I’m being given a written warning for allowing a pupil into my cabin. But unless you tell her otherwise, I think we’re safe.”
