Page 32 of Lessons in Touch

“Ummm… Thank you, I guess, Liam. Is there anything you need? Like some notes from class?” I ask, hoping to steer the conversation away from anything personal.

“Oh, God, no! I have my assistant take notes for me. I don’t bother with that kind of stuff.”

He talks so casually, and I don’t even think he understands what he’s saying. In the world of the ultra-rich, you have assistants who do the classes for you.

“So, we should hang out more, Rosie, you know? Get to know each other.”

“Please don’t call me Rosie. It’s Rose.”

“Huh? What? What’s the difference?” he asks me stupidly.

“So, what is it that you need, Liam?”

“There’s a student gathering tonight, and it’s different than the usual parties. It’s not like a boring mixer. Wanna come?”

At first, I hesitate a little. But his offer seems like a good one. It might be a great way for me to get to know some of the other students and make more friends.

“Sure,” I say, more politely than eagerly. “What kind of gathering?”

He winks at me, looking sleazy. “You’ll see. Meet me by the east gate at eight. You won’t regret it.”

I nod, and he lingers a little, maybe hoping for more. But my focus is only on my Gabriel. My professor.

Liam is kind, but he’s not Gabriel. Nobody is.

***

In the evening, the grounds at Wolfswood are cold and misty. I button my coat against the autumn cold and walk toward the east gate, where I’m supposed to meet Liam.

He’s waiting for me already. The logos on his jacket are discreet but still visible, even in the faint light. He’s dressed in a Gucci coat that screams old money.

“Are you ready for something unique?” he asks.

“Ummm… I guess it depends on what you mean by unique.”

He starts to laugh, even though I wasn’t joking.

“Come on!” he says and leads me through the grounds.

We walk past the manicured lawns to a secluded grove. There are a few trees here that stand like sentinels. The path is narrow, and the atmosphere seems off somehow. I can feel my stomach twisting with unease.

Soon enough, we reach a clearing. It’s lit by a single iron lantern that is casting long shadows. A dozen students stand in a loose circle, but they’re not wearing uniforms. Instead, they seem to have some kind of costumes on. Costumes that I’ve never seen before.

Long, flowing gowns or cloaks of dark red color. Masks and hats, in identical colors. It creates an eerie sight, resembling a scene from a horror movie.

“What’s happening here? What are they all doing? Are you going to… sacrifice me or something?” I ask, trying to joke. But I can feel my fear rising with each step.

But Liam laughs.

“Why? Are you a virgin?”

My thoughts fly to Gabriel and the countless things he’s done to me. I think about his cock in my mouth, and his cum all over my face, and how definitely I am not a virgin.

I don’t answer Liam’s question, and he takes it as an invitation. He slides his arm around my shoulders and pulls me closer. But I gently take his hand off me.

“So, what is this place again?” I ask as I watch the students in the circle.

Their faces are serious, and their postures are rigid. Cassandra Vane is among them, and her eyes narrow as she spots me. I feel like an intruder. My adopted roots are a stark contrast to their pedigreed confidence.