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THE image of Evie Gallant's bloodied body haunted Coraline all night. She hardly had a good night's rest since Michael's arrival, but last night had been the worst above all. Every dream she had featured the older woman lying in her bed, bleeding out from multiple stab wounds. What Coraline would give to just forget.
Like usual, Coraline pushed the vision to the back of her mind. She tended to do this a lot during stressful situations, and began to focus on other less important things. Currently, she was obsessed with her breasts appearing even in the dress she wanted to wear for dinner that night. The corset certainly wasn't helping with the overall look, nor did it make her feel comfortable whatsoever.
Coraline pulled up the bejeweled collar of her violet dress, shoving one of her breasts up to make it even with the other, while also trying not to push it all the way out. She didn't even want to imagine that happening at dinner. Clothing at the Outpost didn't have to be so complicated, but it was one of Venable's many rules. She wondered who even picked out the dresses in her closet, seeing as they were all so casually revealing. Probably some horn-dog male from the Cooperative.
Pulling half of her hair up, Coraline shook out the remaining strands of her bob and turned in the mirror. Sure, the outfits were unnecessary, but she did grow to like these dresses. She'd like them even better if she didn't have to wear such an uncomfortable corset.
Slipping on a pair of comfy flats, she made her way to the exit for dinner. Coraline was especially starving today. Somehow, the sight of a murdered Evie didn't do so well for her appetite until the last remaining minute. Yanking the door handle open, Coraline began to walk out of her suite, until her chest clashed with something hard. Her eyes adjusted to the tall figure in front of her, causing her to step back instantly.
"Good evening, Coraline," Michael greeted with a sickly sweet smile.
Coraline cocked a brow upward. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough," he replied quickly, eyes sliding down to admire her gown. "Lovely dress."
"Look," she sighed, slapping a hand against the doorframe, "as much as this conversation is thoroughly engrossing, I have to attend dinner."
As Coraline started to push him aside, Michael placed his hand on top of her own, blocking her way. Coraline looked up and noticed he was wearing red leather gloves. Their connection pulsated through the fabric, the threads already tying their skin together, but it was faint. Coraline hardly felt it, yet it still made her heart beat quicken.
"I've excused you from dinner this evening," he continued.
Coraline quickly slipped her hand from underneath his glove. "And why is that?" She smirked wickedly. "Do you plan on slicing me up finally? You did imply last week that it could be imminent. My only request is that my death is quick."
