A day after shocking audio tapes revealed Gov. Robert Bentley made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to his chief political advisor, questions over the future of the Alabama governor remain.

In the wake of accusations by former Alabama Law Enforcement Agency chief Spencer Collier, who Bentley fired Tuesday, the governor apologized for comments made to advisor Rebekah Caldwell Mason but denied having a physical affair with the married mother and his former communications director.

Here's what we know so far and what we can expect

Collier makes allegations, Bentley apologizes

On Tuesday, Bentley announced the firing of ALEA chief Collier, who said he learned of his dismissal on social media. Collier later announced he had seen and heard evidence of an affair between the married governor and Mason. Collier's statements were the first on-the-record comments regarding the governor's relationship with his advisor. Rumors of the affair began circulating shortly after Dianne, Gov. Bentley's wife of 50 years, filed for divorce in the summer of 2015.

Bentley held a Wednesday press conference to deny a sexual relationship with Mason but apologized for what he described as "inappropriate comments."

"I am truly sorry and I accept full responsibility," Bentley said, adding, however, he had broken no laws.

Mason makes statement

Mason, whose husband Jon also works for the Bentley administration, issued a statement saying Collier's claims that she exercised undue influence over the governor's office were examples of "gender bias."

"There is no way that man (Collier) would have said what he did...about another man. He only said what he said about my professional abilities because I am a woman. His comments were clear, demonstrated gender bias," Mason said.

The tape

Audio tape of a conversation between Bentley and Mason was released on AL.com Wednesday night. In the somewhat graphic conversation, Bentley tells Mason he loves her.

"You know what?" he said. "When I stand behind you, and I put my arms around you, and I put my hands on your breasts, and I put my hands (unintelligible) and just pull you real close. I love that, too.

"'If we're gonna' do what we did yesterday we're going to have to lock that door," he later cautions.

Bentley said he has not heard the tape referenced by Collier and published by AL.com.

Not the only time comments were made

During the press conference, Bentley conceded the taped conversation - recorded in 2014 - was not the only example of inappropriate comments he has made. When asked if he had only made the comments during the recording, the governor shook his head and said "no."

However, he said "it is not a physical relationship making those statements."

What's next?

Investigations into Collier's dismissal at ALEA and any allegations of mismanagement there are ongoing. A spokesman for Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange's office had no comment on any possible investigation into the governor's office and the United States attorney in Montgomery said she could neither confirm nor deny whether federal officials were investigating Gov. Bentley.

Meanwhile, legislators are starting to respond to Wednesday's shocking events.

"No one rejoices in the downfall of another person. Accusations have been made against the highest law enforcement officer in Alabama by the man who hired him, while the governor has been accused of using his office to cover up his infidelity - the same governor who said 'if you're not a Christian, you are not my brother," House Minority Leader Craig Ford said. "Democrats are not rejoicing today in what has happened. We believe everyone is our brother, and our focus will continue to be on representing the people who elected us. "