Chapter six : Lucifer

I looked down at her, she was looking at me in complete shock, I smiled. "I'm sorry, but I heard what you were talking about. And I can help." A moment passed and it's as if she regained her senses, she spoke, "You were eavesdropping?"

It made me smile more, after everything I said to her this was what she wanted to talk about. "No. I accidentally heard what you were talking about. There's difference between the two."

She stepped back, putting some distance between us and I instantly hate it, "No. I don't think you can help. But thank you for your concern." She said.

I liked that in her, she didn't give in easily, my girl was a fighter. I knew she needed the money but she was not someone to ask for it but I had my ways, and I'd help her out even if she didn't want me to. "Look sweetheart–"

"I have a name!" She cut me off.

"A name you refuse to tell." I shrugged. She opened and closed her mouth, "Everly." She exclaimed.

"So Everly, from what I heard you really need that money. Don't you?" I said. And I swear I saw her do a little nod. Okay almost there. "And it's not like I'll just give you the money. I'll give it you as a loan."

"How do I believe you? What if you're a fraud and I'm just one of your targets?" She shrugged.

I looked down at her, thinking what exactly I was in that little head of hers. I took a deep breath, "Everly, I am not a fraud I can assure you that. And I know you believe me. So why not we go ahead? I'm just here to help you."

She looked around herself as if contemplating every freaking decision she had ever taken and after what seemed like an eternity she finally spoke, "What are your terms?" I released a breath which I didn't even know I was holding. "Good. I heard you need $2000. I'll give it you but I have two conditions. Don't worry they are reasonable."

She nodded at me and I continued, "First, I want you to have dinner with me."

Her mouth dropped open, "Are you kidding me? I don't even know you and you think I'll have dinner with you. You think I'm an idiot?" She snapped. And I loved her even more. "No Everly you are not. But that is one of my conditions. You've got to accept it."

She opened her mouth to say something but her friend pulled her towards herself, increasing the distance between us. She whispered something in her ear and my girl was ready to fight again but before she could say anything her friend said something, which she considered for a moment. Her eyes snapped back at me, she walked over, "Okay. What's the second condition?"

Whatever her friend said actually worked, good. "I need a collateral."

"Collateral?" I could hear the disappointment in her voice and I wanted to take back what I had said. She took a deep breath and then looked down at her feet, "But I don't have anything worth calling a collateral."

"You can give me anything that belongs you. I'll accept it as a collateral. It's not supposed to be expensive or anything." Damn the shrewd capitalist in me.

She looked at me with her big green eyes and I just want the world to stop. She went on taking off the bag from her shoulders and rummaged through it. She took out a small black leather box, she looked down at it and then back at me, "Well this, it is the only thing I cherish. And since you're giving me a loan, I think this will fit your condition." She extended it to me. I took it from her hand and without saying anything put it in the inner pocket of my suit jacket.

I took my phone out and texted Linda before putting it back, "So now that everything is settled. The money will be transferred–" I heard her phone buzz, Linda's fast. "See you soon sweet Everly."

"Wait but I don't even know your name." She said.

"You need my name?" I quirked an eyebrow, "As far as I remember you didn't give me any when I met you."

"But, I need to know your name. You know for any kind of assistance." She said and I could read the confusion in her voice. She wasn't even sure about asking me for my name.

I smiled and then gave it to her, "Adler." I looked into her beautiful green eyes and turned to leave.

***

"How did it go sir?" Alistair asked.

"It went well Alistair. Thank you for asking." I said almost sarcastically.

From the moment we pulled out from the store all I could think about the conversation I had with Everly, she finally told me her name though. Everything was going according to plan until I mentioned my second condition, I couldn't take her image out of my brain. The moment I asked for collateral I saw her face dip, gone was her fire and there was dejection. It took everything in me to not pull her into my arms and tell her everything was fine.

The box, I remembered. I took it out from my suit jacket. It seemed like one of those passed over generations. I held it gently, careful not to damage it. Opening it, something shone in there, reflecting back the light making me close my eyes. As I opened it fully, I sew a watch in there. It had a tan leather strap which had with stood time and a white dial. Looking closer, I noticed Mickey mouse on the dial, his hands, needles for the watch. It didn't seem to work and was stuck at four hours. Perhaps I could get it repaired for her or maybe not. I didn't want her to be mad even though I liked it when she got all worked up.

Well whatever, this was something my Everly cherished and so would I. I just couldn't stop loving her more. I brought it close to my mouth and kissed it gently, as if it were her. I examined it carefully, looking for any mark I might have left. Then with great care I placed it back in the box as if it was never touched and closed it.