Tortured Souls (The Orion Circle) Read Online Free PDF Page A

your locker after school if you’d like an escort,” he offers in a rather casual tone, though if I’m not just reading things into it, his gaze is anything but casual. His fingers rake through his curly hair in what almost appears to be a nervous gesture.
    “Sure, Logan, that’d be great,” I reply, trying not to blush. My heart races, the beat rattling my chest. He flashes another killer smile before he stands.
    “I’ll see you after school then,” he says before turning and walking away.
    A tiny sigh escapes me as I watch him walk away, unable to ignore how his jeans cling to his long legs. I’m so enrapt with Logan’s retreating figure that I jump and squeal when Celia plops down beside me. She’s dressed to perfection as usual, her denim miniskirt hugging her tanned legs, adorable black ankle boots adorning her feet. A green and black varsity jacket covers her body, dwarfing her. Her boyfriend du jour is a fullback on the football team and built like a tank.
    “Logan Finley, huh?” Celia says, tossing her long, blonde hair. Her dark eyes twinkle with a knowing look. “Holding hands at the party last night and now making googly eyes at each other.”
    “He invited me to a club meeting today,” I say, trying not to sound as interested in him as I feel.
    When Celia lets out a tiny gasp, I realize my mistake. She knows the basic stats on every cute guy in school—guess she’d have to considering she has a new boyfriend every month or so.
    “The Orion Circle,” she breathes in wonder. “I can’t believe it. You have to tell me everything that happens!”
    “Can’t,” I tell her. “I have to take a vow of silence.”
    “No way,” she says. Her eyes narrow in suspicion. “Wow it really is a secret society.” When she begins to pout I have to stifle a giggle. “So you’re into Logan?” she asks, the beaming smile returning to her face. It’s sometimes exhausting to keep up with her mood swings.
    “Well,” I say ready to defer, but then I realize I have to get it out or I might explode. “He’s gorgeous, I’m totally into him. I could get lost in his eyes,” I admit in a whisper as my cheeks heat up. “Do you think I have a chance?”
    “Of course you do!” Celia all but squeals. “We need to make a detour to the bathroom, get your hair fixed, get some more make-up around your eyes, you know really make them pop…” She trails off, digging through her backpack.
    Anxiety eats at me as I consider the awful things she might subject me to. When she pulls out a lash curler I cringe.
    “That thing looks like some kind of medieval torture device. Put it up, Celia,” I say in exasperation. There’s no way she’s putting the metal monstrosity anywhere near my eyelashes. “If he doesn’t like me the way I am why would I want to be with him? Besides, I’m already wearing make-up.”
    “Oh, Kacie, you’re so naïve. It’s cute, really,” she says looking at me like I’m a poor lost child. “Fine,” she sighs when I continue to glare at her. “Have it your way. You’re gorgeous so you can probably get away with it.” As she’s stuffing the eyelash curler back in her make-up case the bell rings signaling the end of fourth period. She leaps from the bench. “Let’s go, I’m only two tardies away from detention.”
    I jump from the bench, grab the damp towel, and follow her back into the building.

    When the final bell rings, I bolt from my desk and rush from the classroom. Pushing my way through the throng of chattering students, I arrive at my locker to find Logan waiting for me. He’s talking to Celia and her boyfriend, Jake, but when he notices my approach, his gaze moves to me as if the others have ceased to exist. His lips curl into an adorable smile, making my belly flutter in response. Celia and Jake step back so I can reach my locker, but Logan doesn’t move.
    I brush up against him when I open the locker. Another tiny spark passes between us, causing me to shiver in