Page 66 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

She takes the charcoal from the desk and spins it between her fingers and says breathily, “Extra tuition if you like, away from the academy.”

“Where exactly?”

“A little place I call home. I offer my most gifted students mentorship and it’s best away from the confines of the academy. It unleashes the creative urges and many students consider it worth every minute of their time.”

She leans down and whispers seductively, “Shall we say in the lane at six, after lessons? I can drive us there and bring you back afterwards.”

“After what?”

“Your lesson.” Her soft smile reveals a set of perfect teeth and my eyes flash, causing her to bite her lower lip and groan. “So much darkness, so wicked inside. I could unleash your creativity and the demon inside you.”

“How?”

“By taking your darkest thoughts and making them a reality. Painting a masterpiece that transcends barriers.”

She crosses her legs. “So, do we have an agreement?”

“Sure.” I reach out and grasp her wrist hard, causing her to groan.

“Are you sure about this, Miss Sloane?”

“Positive.”

I force venom into my smile and she gasps, almost high with pleasure.

“So, your students. How many do you mentor every semester?”

“Does it matter?”

“I like to be the only one.”

“I can’t guarantee that.”

“Then I’m not interested.”

I release her wrists and stand, casting a disappointed glare her way.

“Let me know when you can meet my terms.”

“But–”

I head toward the front of the class and she says quickly, “You are asking the impossible. I am a teacher. I teach.”

“Then teach, Miss Sloane, but teach someone else.”

I turn the key in the door and make to leave and she says quickly, “Okay.”

I regard her coolly. “Okay what?”

“I’ll offer you a crash course. For one week where you get my undivided attention.”

“Six o’clock it is, but I’ll make my own way there. What is the address?”

She grasps the charcoal and my work and scribbles on the back of it before heading toward me with a sultry smile. “You had better be good at earning my undivided attention. Don’t let me down.”

I regard the drawing I did of a serpent wrapped around a dagger and smirk. “I’ve always loved snakes, Miss Sloane. Remarkable creatures, wouldn’t you agree?”

She chews on her bottom lip and nods, her eyes heavy with desire.

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