Page 34 of Lessons in Touch

“Thanks, Liam,” I say, and quicken my pace. “But I need to get back.”

Chapter 12

Gabriel

“Good morning, Elliot!”

“Hey, Gabriel! Are you going to your class?”

“Yes. It’s in a few minutes.”

“Me too! God, I feel so tired…” Elliot joins me and, together, we leave the professors' quarters and walk to our classes.

“These kids had another one of those rituals last night,” he says.

“Yes, I saw them heading to the clearing. I can’t believe they’re still doing that,” I reply, sipping my to-go cup of coffee.

“Why? Are you jealous you weren’t invited?” Elliot laughs.

“Not exactly. I went to plenty of those things when I was young and attended Wolfswood. They were pretty wild back then.”

“Really? We didn’t have them at Oakleaf. What did you do?” he seems very curious all of a sudden.

“Me, personally? Well… I can’t disclose that, Elliot. It’s a secret club, after all. But I will say this. I learned a lot from the older students during those ceremonies. If you know what I mean…”

“You dog!” Elliot laughs. “You should write a book about it. And only let me read it!”

“Well, right now I have to go to class,” I pat him on the back and walk away. “See you later!”

I open the door to the east wing and walk in. I can’t help but notice something. Elliot was tired, and he was talking about the students’ ritual. Could he have gone too? I know that I amin a secret relationship with Rose. But if Elliot is indeed going to those things, it would be even worse.

“Good morning, Professor Thorn!” the students greet me. I can see just how tired they are. They all seem to have dark circles under their eyes. And they all smell like fire, smoke, and alcohol.

I look around the room, but Rose is, of course, not here. She’s not taking the corporate law class. For a moment, I think about her trembling body in the costume room. The way her pussy clenched around my cock when I read her poetry was thrilling. I know that she’s evolving and that her confidence is blooming. She’s challenging me in ways that make my chest ache and my cock stir. I push the thought aside, though, and focus on the day’s demands.

By mid-morning, I’m in a strategy session in one of the Institute's conference rooms. My campaign team, Alistair Crane, and two analysts are huddled over donor lists and polling data for my Senate run.

“Your numbers are solid, Gabriel, but we need more grassroots appeal,” Alistair tells me.

“You’re right. Schedule some meetings with the town halls. I want voters to see my vision, not just my name.”

We discuss logistics, but Rose creeps into my thoughts again. She seems to be consuming my mind, something that has never happened to me before with a woman.

“Gabriel? Are you paying attention?” Alistair asks me.

“What? Oh, yes… What were you saying?”

He laughs and wipes his mouth of saliva. It’s a gross gesture that makes me look away.

“I know that look! A man’s face looks like that only when he’s thinking about pussy!” he continues to laugh.

“Please, Alistair, you’re being rude.”

“Oh, she’s got you bad, hasn't she? Whoever she is! She must have some good pussy between her legs and a mouth made for sucking, to make your mind go blank like this. And when we’re talking about your political campaign, no less.”

I get up and gather my things. I feel disgusted by the way he’s talking.

“If we’re done here, Alistair, then I have to leave. I have some other classes.”