Page 19 of Lessons in Touch

Chapter 7

Rose

I sit cross-legged on my bed and open my laptop. My parents’ familiar faces fill the screen.

“We’re so proud of you, Rose,” my father says. “But stay focused. That inheritance depends on you graduating.”

“I know, Dad. I’m trying my best.” The weight of the Devereaux legacy presses on me, but my parents’ pride keeps me grounded.

My mum leans closer to the camera, and her glasses slip a little toward the tip of her nose.

“How are your classes going, darling? You seem different somehow, more confident. You’re practically glowing!”

“They’re challenging,” I say, forcing myself to smile. “But I’m learning.”

Mum tilts her head, studying me.

“You’re changing, Rose. There’s a poise in you now, like you’re stepping into something bigger. You’re not our shy girl anymore.”

I blush and tuck my hair behind my ear. “I’m still me, Mum. Wolfswood just… pushes you to be more.”

“It’s more than that. You’re carrying yourself differently, with confidence. You’re growing into a remarkable woman, Rose. It’s beautiful to see.”

“Thank you. I’m trying to find my place here. It’s not easy, but I do feel stronger.”

“You’ve always been strong, darling, but now you’re owning it. You look more mature, too. Wolfswood suits you.”

“It’s just the uniform, Mom. It makes everyone look polished.”

My father chuckles. “No, it’s you. You’re blooming, Rose. But don’t let this place change you too much. Stay our Rose, alright?”

“I will,” I promise. “I miss you both.”

“We miss you, too,” Mom says. “Keep shining, love. You’re meant for this.”

“I’ll call again soon. Love you.”

“Love you, Rose,” they say in unison, and I close the laptop.

Their words stick with me as I get ready for the day. The conversation I had with my parents has given me a little strength. I never realized how much I missed them and how much I miss home.

I gather my books off the bedroom floor and shove them in my bookbag and head to class. But my heart is still tangled up in thoughts of Gabriel. Professor Thorn.

He kissed me. Actually kissed me. And I loved it. But there’s another side to it. What if someone finds out? My inheritance depends on graduating from Wolfswood, and if my relationship with Professor Thorn becomes public, I’ll almost certainly be expelled.

And yet… And yet, his lips, his eyes, his hands on my body…

My head grows dizzy with desire, and I stumble into the classroom.

Professor Elliot Thompson’s lecture hall is a stark contrast to Gabriel’s intimate lessons. The room is filled with students. I sit near the back and open my notebook, but the concepts—market exclusivity, consumer psychology—prove to be too boring. All I can think about is Gabriel, and his fingers brushing my neck.

Cassandra Vane is seated two rows ahead of me. She turns to look at me, but her eyes look mean and threatening. She leanstoward her friend and starts to whisper loudly enough for me to hear.

“Some girls get special treatment from professors, don’t they? They receive private lessons, I suppose.”

I flinch, and my cheeks are burning. She doesn’t know anything about me and Gabriel. This is just mean gossiping from an awful girl. But her words hurt me anyway. She is hinting at the truth I’m hiding.

Am I just a fool, caught in Gabriel’s orbit? The room feels stifling, and I can’t focus.