The Touch Series: Initiation by Cecilia Lonski Read Free Book Online Page A

and sprinted towards the hotel's club though it was really difficult given that I wearing super-high spiked heels.  I bought my sprinting to a halt when I entered. Electronic dance music played loudly in a dimly lit room with mirrors aligning all the walls. It was super classy and super expensive looking at the same time. The massive white chandelier alone looked pricier then anything I had ever owned in my life.  No way would I have ever been invited to an  establishment like this before. I had only ever seen such a place in magazines that showcased high luxury living.
                  I saw the other girls standing around at one side of the room. Some were mingling and some sipped drinks by themselves. Not one of them danced but then again neither did anyone else in the entire room. The dance floor was empty and Josef, Artie, Jacob and a few other men were near the bar on the other side of the room. I felt as if I were making the walk of shame across the empty dance floor.  Artie waved as he saw me and then pointed towards Josef who was right next to him. I guessed that Artie wanted me to apologize to Josef for being late. And that made me feel sick inside. It didn't help that he stood still and tall with his hands behind his back. His eyes and face were completely cold. He looked like a powerful King at court, reminding everyone of his status with his stare alone.
                  I slowly walked up to him, ignoring the scolding looks I was receiving from a few of the other girls as I made my walk. Gwen bit into a cherry with her fangs as she looked at me with more scorn than I had ever received in my life. This was definitely going to be a long night. I quickly tried to think of a joke or two I could say to Josef to, hopefully, brighten his mood.
                  I was half-way there when he saw me and he definitely did not look happy. He still had his arms behind him and he looked rigid. He didn't even seem to blink as he stared at me, and I shook just attempting to keep myself together.
                  I sped up towards him. “I am so, so, so sorry that I am late. The bus was delayed. I'll take a cab next time. Lesson learned!” I honestly could not have sounded more afraid and apologetic at the same time. I gave a quick smile, hoping I could douse the situation.
                  “You took the bus?” His voice was cold which reached his eyes too.
                  “Yes. I couldn't have the car today. My dad is going to have a night shift at work.” I looked down at my hands but quickly looked up when I remembered what he told me before about looking up.
                  His face softened a bit. “That's fine. But next time, have Artie arrange you a ride. I don't want you taking the bus. Especially not at night.” He gestured for me to join the other girls.
                  “Want to get me a drink later?” I asked jokingly.
                  His eyes grew bigger and he looked at me as if he couldn't believe that I was still standing there talking to him. I shook my head as a form of an apology. I walked backwards from him and his expression never changed until I was clear from his sight and near the others.
                  I walked towards the others with my head down. I was too embarrassed. It made me feel pissed that Josef was upset with me in any way. But, at the same time, it's ridiculous for him to act like that. I was going to try not be late again but I don't think I deserved such a cold shoulder; I could have done a lot worse than be late.
                  I quickly helped myself to a glass of champagne. This really was going to be a long night.
                  For the remainder of the night, I found myself near a corner far from the dance floor, the other guests and, most importantly, Gwen. I noticed how some of the girls danced and mingled with the other male