54 - Blaine.

I pace up and down the length of the courtyard outside the library under the cover of the overhang that wraps around it, irritated that she hasn't arrived yet. My text to her yesterday evening was clear that she was to meet me here in the courtyard at nine o'clock sharp. It's ten minutes past and there's still no sign of her. I'm not a person who accepts tardiness, especially not from a sub.

I pull my cellphone out of my pocket and call up her name, when I hear soft footsteps approaching. When I turn around, she standing a few feet away from me. "Sorry, I'm late."

I tilt my head. "You'd better have a good reason."

She shrugs. "My alarm clock didn't go off."

I shake my head. "That's not a good enough reason, Azira." The desire to hold her to account is strong, but I know we don't have the time and this isn't the place. "I'll have to punish you after spring break."

Her cheeks redden. "Yes, sir." She tilts her head. "Why did you ask me here?"

I glance around the courtyard to ensure we're