Sorry for the delay in posting this! I'm usually really good about posting new chapters at least once a week, but I got caught up in some editing and was working on upcoming chapters for my other book in progress (Painting it Red).
If you're enjoying this so far, you should check out my other book. 😉 It's farther along so there's more to read!
❤Thanks for your support!❤
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Who knew getting ready for a simple dinner could be so much work? I've never had any reason to wear a formal ball gown-- and even if I had I definitely wouldn't have been able to afford one-- but in the last twenty minutes I've slipped in and out of almost ten different dresses, each more extravagant than the last.
After zipping me up, Alexa hands me a pair of scrappy black heels, and steps back to examine the ensemble. Once the shoes are fastened, I straighten up, relieved to see her pleased expression. If she likes it, I can finally end this exhausting fashion show routine!
"Perfect! Turn around, you should see how stunning you look!"
Skeptical but admittedly still curious, I turn carefully on the platform in front of the three-way mirror to see how the dress actually looks.
"Alexa this is.. too much! It's showing waaay too much skin! I'm so not daring enough to pull this off!!" My cheeks flush angrily at the thought of Luc seeing me in this slinky number.
The black dress shimmers in the light, the bodice tightly fitted, and way sheerer than I had expected. The skirt floats down in endless tiered layers, lighter than air. In the right light, it looks like the flowing material is a collection of silken raven feathers, cascading down around my far too exposed legs.
Which brings me to the biggest problem I have with the selection: the slit. It hits at my upper thigh, just below the band of the lacy black thong Alexa insisted that I wear. I'm even more uncomfortable in the lingerie now, and I feel unnervingly exposed. I'm terrified enough as it is, why would she think I'd want to feel even more vulnerable!?
"Honey, calm down. This is hell. If you want to be taken seriously here, you need to be fierce. If you walk around looking like a nun, no one here will respect you! They won't even see you as an equal. You have to take control, before people start walking all over you. This will help you look the part, and it just might even inspire you to act the part."
I let her words sink in for a moment, processing each word, and carefully weighing my options. She's right about one thing, this dress is fierce. Maybe if I can adapt a formidable persona, Luc will listen to my demands and return me to earth. It's worth a shot, and it's the only plan I've got right now, so I have to resign to wearing this seductive costume of a ball gown.
"Okay.. but I still look like I'm playing dress up, don't I? I just don't know if I can pull this off."
"Well that's because we haven't done your makeup yet. Just wait until you see what I've got planned for those big brown eyes!" She chides, almost flirtatiously.
I've never had close female friends, or any real friends to be honest. People my age really just
didn't seem interested in slumming it with unspectacular, unimportant me. Although Alexa may just be helping me because she's been sent here by her boss, I can definitely see the appeal of girl-time. It's pretty nice having someone to help me make fashion choices and give me friendly advice.
YOU ARE READING
Like Hell
Paranormal"Welcome to HellCorp, have a miserable afterlife!" Valerie Snead is unemployable. Or at least she must be, because every position she's ever applied for has completely shut her down. Until now. A mysterious job offer arrives by mail, inviting her...
