Page 2 of Learning Little Lizzie

The rest of the class was a blur. She tried so hard to focus on the lesson, but every little thing seemed to be distracting her, from the way Harmony tapped her pencil to the bird that kept flying up to the window and hopping around on the sill. That happened a lot, usually when she was in a class she didn’t find very interesting, like math.

And nothing was more distracting than the teacher himself. Even when she was able to focus on him, all she could seem to think about was the deep timbre of his voice or how his hands looked tailor-made to deliver a spanking. Occasionally, his gaze would latch on to hers, and she would swear the corners of his mouth tilted up in a smirk. Like he knew some kind of secret she didn’t.

Needless to say, it was a relief when the bell rang to dismiss them from class.

A relief, unfortunately for her, that was short-lived. “Ms. Bennett. A word, please,” he said before she had a chance to pack her bag and flee.

He already knew her name? Did they give the new guys a crash course on the problem students or something? “Yes, Sir.”

While the rest of the class filed out, with Harmony pausing to shoot a sympathetic glance over her shoulder, Eliza gathered her things and slowly approached the stern-faced professor. It was her bad luck that the way he was watching her only made him about a million times hotter than he already was. Despite her declaration that she didn’t want a strict Dom in her life, she very much enjoyed going toe to toe against one. “I don’t need a lecture. I know I fucked up.”

One silvery eyebrow raised in response and a muscle in his stubbled jaw jumped, making her heart race with excitement. Dammit, strict Doms with a short fuse were her kryptonite.

It was going to be a long year.

“First of all, I expect you to use respectful language while you are in my class. Second of all, I have no intention of lecturing you.”

She frowned, feeling a bit off-kilter by his assurances—and even more off-kilter by the fact he’d managed to rattle her so easily. “But… I didn’t do the work.”

“Yes, and while that is regrettable, it’s clear you understand the error of your ways.” That damned eyebrow raised another fraction, and she had to squeeze her thighs together against the flash of arousal. “However, the fact remains that you will need to complete the work in order to keep up with the rest of the class.”

“Oh.” Was that all? Easy peasy. “I can do that. If you give it back, I’ll work on it this week.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Let me see your schedule, please.”

Clutching her books to her chest, Eliza took a step back, suddenly wary of his intent. “Why?”

“So we can find an acceptable time for you to study with me.”

Oh, god, no. She wasn’t giving up what little free time she had so Professor Hardass could watch her struggle her way through math problems. “That’s not necessary. I can do it on my own.”

“You’ve already proven that is not the case.” Looking about as immovable as a mountain, Professor Eaton held out his hand. “Schedule, Ms. Bennett.”

She didn’t bother to hide her eye roll as she pulled out her schedule and handed it over with an annoyed huff. Another rush of adrenaline pumped through her veins as that muscle in his cheek jumped again. That barely-controlled temper was practically making her mouth water.

His gaze lowered from her to the sheet of paper in his hands and he hummed quietly. “Let’s see. Yes, we both have this afternoon free. Meet me back in this room at four o’clock, so we can make a plan for you to finish the workbook.”

Looking altogether pleased with himself, he handed the schedule back to her. “Tardiness will result in a punishment, Ms. Bennett. I trust I do not need to go into detail about what that means here at Rawhide.”

“No, Sir.” She was more familiar than most with Mr. Chambers’ office, as well as Master Derek’s. But a few swats with a paddle would be a small price to pay for seeing how many of Eaton’s buttons she could push.

Poor guy has no idea what he’s just gotten himself into.

A quick check of his schedule told him he had nearly an hour before his next class, which should be just enough time to track down Master Derek for a quick word. Or so he hoped, anyway. Since he’d been delayed in leaving Boston, he’d only just gotten to the Ranch the night before classes began instead of the full week early he’d been expected to arrive. Which meant he’d only had time for a brief tour of the facilities before his first class of the day.

Luckily for him, Derek was exactly where Samuel had hoped to find him, and with a few free moments in his schedule. With his signature welcoming smile, the owner of Rawhide gestured for Samuel to have a seat in one of his visitor chairs as he leaned back in his own.

“Don’t tell me you’re calling it quits after just one class. I thought you were made of sterner stuff, Samuel.”

“Nothing of the sort.” Since time was short for both of them, there was no point in beating around the bush. “I met the infamous Ms. Bennett.”

Derek’s brows rose, but there was no other hint to his thoughts or emotions on his face. Keeping it close to the vest until he knew the lay of the land, as usual. “And? Thoughts?”

“A brat, through and through, just as you said.”

“Really?” A hint of curiosity twinkled in Derek’s pale gaze. “Right out of the gate. That’s quick, even for her.”

“Yes, well, I may have provoked her a tiny bit.” What else was a Daddy with a weakness for brats supposed to do when presented with such a perfect opportunity? “I was hoping you could tell me a bit more about her.”

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