At precisely nine o'clock, Ruby was ready in the study, waiting for her student. But Bill was nowhere to be seen.
After pacing outside his room three or four times, she debated whether to knock.
Their last interaction had been far from pleasant, but getting paid for doing nothing felt wrong. Just as she raised her hand to knock, the door swung open.
Bill stood there, tousled hair falling messily over his forehead, his bare torso lean and toned. His half-lidded eyes suggested he had just woken up.
Ruby spun around hastily, heat rising to her cheeks.
"Why are you standing outside my door?" His voice was groggy, softer than usual.
"It's time for class. I came to get you." Ruby refused to turn back.
Bill's tone shifted back to its usual coldness. "Since when did I agree to take lessons?
