Free The House of Grey- Volume 5 by Collin Earl Page B

was exiting the building
    Stunning was the only word that described the glamour presence now filling the doorway. Her strawberry blond hair was pulled into an elegant up-do, tight spirals framing her face and a large cream-colored flower adorning the back. Her long, clingy dress was strapless; a tight band of iridescent green across the bust wrapped around to her back, gems sparkling against the fabric. The color of the dress gradually lightened to a creamy white at the bottom and continued to the end of the train making the lower part basically see through. Her light green shoes matched perfectly and added a very edgy look to the outfit; the straps wrapped around her legs, stopping just below her knee.
    There was a collective gasp at her appearance. She stopped before the crowd, allowing people to swing their cameras to eye level and take dozens of shots of her million-dollar smile, which was accompanied by a look of surprised innocence that Monson was not quite sure he bought. Flashes erupted around them, lighting up the surrounding area. After a minute or two of this, Taris walked calmly towards Monson and the others.
    “Good evening, everyone,” she said as she closed the distance between them. Monson tried to look at her properly but the cameras were still going off; it was really annoying.
    “Evening,” replied Monson, approaching her. He gestured to the cameras. “Did you know about the photo op?”
    Taris shot him a dimpled smile. “I had an inkling they might be here.”
    Monson laughed. “I wondered why you weren’t upset about me not coming to get you.”
    She shrugged. “Being a star is awfully cutthroat, you know. You have to take every advantage.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    Taris’ eyes tightened playfully. “You’re making fun of me!”
    Monson gave her incredulous look. “Now, would I do something like that?”
    She gave him a smack on the arm; it actually hurt. “Silly boy.”
    More cameras snapped at Monson as their lights blinded him. He shielded his eyes while Taris posed for more pictures. His gaze inadvertently shifted when a suspicious movement tugged at his peripherals.
    Two people were now exiting the building, only one of whom Monson recognized. Kylie Coremack wore a sultry, ankle-length, Chinese-style dress of the deepest red. The dress’ slit was high, allowing free range of movement. Her crimson lips matched the dress, while her hair hung long and straight in all its golden glory. Kylie moved conspiratorially, apparently doing her best not to attract attention as she shielded another person whose head and shoulders were covered by a dinner jacket, a girl judging by the visible portion of the outfit. Damion Peterson, suspiciously jacketless, stepped out a half-second later and followed Kylie and the person under the jacket. Kylie led them quickly out of sight, taking an alternative route away from the flashbulbs. Monson strained to see. Who on earth could that be?
    “Monson sweetie?”
    Taris startled Monson as she grabbed onto him forcefully. Monson turned to look at her as she did. He cocked the eyebrow.
    Sweetie? he thought. Since when do you call me ‘sweetie’?
    Coherent thought died in the blitz of camera flashes that started up again right as Taris grabbed his arm. Monson instinctively threw up a hand, but dropped it as Taris whispered in his ear.
    “I know it’s annoying, but roll with it for just a bit.”
    Monson gritted his teeth and tried to do just that.
     
    ***
     
    The Senators Room at Coren University was located on the eastern side of the campus. The central chamber of the Senators Room was where the festivities would commence, including the four-course Dinner of Elegance, which was part of the Spring Solstice tradition.
    Monson and the others arrived at the gleaming marble staircase of the Senators Room and huddled together uncertainly as pandemonium descended upon them.
    Reporters, security and wait staff lined the area, calling out, taking pictures,