2. EVERLY

EVERLY

TWO

A s I walk into my local coffee shop, I can't help but be thankful I wore my large sunglasses as a headband last night so I can use them to cover my eyes today. I'm just not in the mood for the stares. My eyes get me a lot of head turns normally due to my extreme heterochromia—meaning my eyes are not matching in color and if that wasn't unique enough, one of my eyes is yellow, not light brown or honey, but amber yellow. It's rare and as someone who doesn't like to stand out, I hate it. Typically, I wear my colored contacts, making both my eyes brown, but since I was unable to gather any of my things last night before Devon, my boyfr— ex-boyfriend , decided that he's over me and changed the locks on our… his apartment , I have to rely on my sunglasses to hide them, along with the dark bags I'm sure I'm sporting.

"Hey, Pip!" The sweet older barista, Lucy, smiles politely at me. I'm going to miss her dearly, but with Devon kicking me out, I have nothing left keeping me here. I moved to this city to be with him since I have no family of my own and as ashamed as I am to say it, I relied on him financially. It's not that I don't want to work, I've asked Devon to let me get a job several times, but he wouldn't, stating that he didn't want me out there for other men to look at. He said I was walking sex, that my body makes men go against their better judgment and it's wrong of me to put them in that position. He would know, Devon was one of the first men to go against his better judgment and hurt me.

But because I allowed him financial control for the past three years, I don't really have enough to buy this cup of coffee, let alone support myself. Devon always said to let him worry about everything, that I wasn't able to handle bills or money. Maybe he's right, I mean, I grew up with nothing and here I am, down to my last twenty dollars and what am I doing? Buying an overpriced coffee with no phone, no car, no friends—nothing. I spent the night in a hotel that I can't afford to stay in tonight, and I have enough money for this coffee and maybe lunch. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. Who do you talk to when you have no one and nothing? Do I go to a homeless shelter? Where are those? Would they even take me?

"Hey, Ms. Lucy, can I get my usual please." I hand her my last twenty and want to cry when I receive my change.

"No Dev today?" She asks and I try not to flinch. Devon always went with me to the coffee shop, and anywhere else I would go. Again—walking sex—I couldn't be out here alone. What if someone came along and fucked me? I swear it's only been hours since we broke up and already I'm seeing how disgusting he is. I mean, I know how disgusting he is, but I also know how cruel and dangerous he could get if he didn't get his way, so I ignored his controlling bullshit. It was the lesser of two evils and I was trapped. I should be happy that he dropped me, and maybe I am, but right now with no plan, I'm scared.

"N-No." I give her a polite smile. "Caught a cold," I lie as I move to allow the person behind me to order. But in my nervous haste I stumble over their boots and fall against them, my elbow driving into their torso.

They let out a winded "Oof" while trying to hold us steady.

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry!" I apologize, my face going bright red while grabbing their forearm to keep from falling over them. Jesus Everly, way to make a fucking scene. I look up and, wow he's beautiful. The man I'm currently tangled over is traffic-stopping beautiful. He's tall, with messy dark blonde hair and bright green eyes. His scruffy beard adds this sexy messiness to his sharp features. He's in a black hoodie and I see the black and grey tattoo peeking out on his neck. Is it a moth?

"Sorry," I whisper again, releasing his strong arm as I feel embarrassment continue to flood my cheeks.

"Pip!" Lucy calls, waving me over to the pick-up counter.

"Pip," he whispers so softly I almost miss it. It's as if he's trying the name on for size, and by the look on his face, I'm assuming it's not his size. I don't blame him, I hate the nickname too, it's another Devon thing that I had no say over. As I walk over to the pick-up counter, I thank Lucy for the coffee while peeking at the man from behind my glasses. My god he's massive. His shoulders are so broad under his hoodie. I notice the silver gauges dangling in his ears and the tattoo on his hand going up to his wrist. Is that a rosary? That's a weird tattoo.

He orders his drink but as I glance up from his hand, I realize his gaze is on me. Even through my sunglasses, I feel like he's staring into my soul. There's the slightest upturn of his lips when the other barista gives him his total and asks for a name.

With a gentle and quiet voice, he responds with a simple "B" as he reaches for his wallet. Like a moth to a flame, I'm drawn to the softness of his tone, feeling myself gravitate towards it.

"I got this, Mason." I smile, pulling out my last bit of money to cover his drink. He looks at me, genuine shock taking over his strong face.

"What? I have money," he says, as if I'm offering him charity.

"Wha–No I'm sure you do, I was, well…it's just a kind gesture? You know, for falling over you?" I give him an unsure smile and his face still holds the same look of confusion. Laughing nervously, I tuck a lock of my hair behind my ear while sliding the money to Mason. "What, you've never done something kind before? Never wanted to make someone's day a little nicer?" I sip my iced coffee as he considers me for a moment.

" Kindness is not something my heart is known for, or knows of." He says it so simply, like he's giving directions but what he says, it's so sad. It's sad because I know exactly what he's implying. Kindness isn't something my heart knows either.

"Well, B , accept this as the first act of kindness on your heart." I beam brightly while placing my hand on his chest only for a second, but it's long enough for a look of near panic to wash over him. Realizing I must've overstepped, I back up a step. "I hope you enjoy your coffee and find a reason to smile today." Giving him a slight, very awkward nod, I walk out of the shop.

Once the fresh air hits me, I groan, I now have two dollars left to my name because I saw a cute guy. So classic Everly. I get dumped by my boyfriend because he wants to move his new girlfriend in, so I run to anyone offering me attention. I'm not an idiot, despite what people may think. I know Devon was banging anyone and everyone willing, except me. Why would he bang me though? I'm used goods. A disgusting dumpster I believe were his exact words when I questioned him about our lack of intimacy. He didn't want me sexually, he wanted me to stay with him so I wouldn't tell anyone that he and his buddies took turns raping me on campus years ago. He kept me close so no one would believe me if I said he hurt me. And I let him. Maybe I am an idiot. I should've never gotten with him after that, but I was scared. He told me I could stay with him and he would take care of me, or he would make my life a living hell to ensure I never breathed a word about what he did. I had nowhere to go and after the attack I was so traumatized I couldn't stay at school, and I couldn't work because of my fear. Devon offered me a place to stay, and if I was living with him, he couldn't rape me again, and he wouldn't make my life a living hell, win-win… right?

I hear footsteps behind me and look to see the man from the coffee shop. "Oh!" I breathe in surprise as unease twists in my stomach. I back up against the car behind me as he walks toward me. His height and overall size are intimidating compared to my small stature and slight build. "B, right?" I give him an uneasy smile as rain begins to fall from the skies.

"Belial," his voice is still the calm, soft voice like at the coffee shop—it has an accent to it, though faint. I can't place it though. Which is shocking to no one considering up until Devon and I moved here to Oregon, I had only ever lived in a small midwest city in Indiana.

"Belial? Why is that familiar? "

"Haven't stayed up to date on your Old Testament scripture there, Angel?" He cracks a smirk and I try to relax but something in his eyes has me on edge. "It's the name given to the Devil." I frown at his explanation.

"Well, that's a terrible name to give to your child, I would go by B too, at least until I could change it." His laugh is surprised and soft, like a low rumble as he steps closer, invading my personal space.

"I go by Belial, that's not my given name, Angel. Well, I guess it was given to me, just not at birth. Listen, I gotta ask you something, why did you give me this?" he asks, gesturing to his cup of coffee.

"I told you?—"

"The real reason," he nearly snaps but almost instantly calms back down. "Humans by nature are selfish beings, they do nothing without the expectation of something in return. Some form of gain be it financial, pleasurable or otherwise, so tell me, Pip what did you plan on gaining by paying for my coffee?"

"This riveting conversation." I wince as the words leave me. My mouth is always getting me into trouble and that's precisely what Belial is. He's all trouble. His emerald eyes darken before a smirk pulls at his scruffy face. Deciding to try and defuse whatever is igniting inside of him, I take a breath and step away from the trunk only to have him press the button on his key fob to open it. "Oh, this is your car, I'm sorry," I say while he tosses his bag into the trunk. "And I'm sorry for being a smart ass, it gets me into a lot of trouble. But you're right, I was trying to get something out of the coffee." He raises a brow as the rain starts to pick up. Wonderful, I get to walk around soaking wet as well. "I'm having a really shitty morning… day… life, I don't know. Everything is screwed up, I'm alone, homeless, I—" Shaking my head, I redirect myself. "I saw you, and something about you made me smile, even though I have nothing to smile about right now. It's probably just you're good looking, I don't know. Either way, you made me smile and I wanted to return the favor."

He's silent, my words evidently catching him off guard. "D-Do you want a ride? It's raining." I giggle at his comment.

"Yeah, I'm aware but no thank you, I've inconvenienced you enough."

"If it were an inconvenience Pip , I wouldn't have offered."

"You don't seem to be a fan of my name,"

"It's not your name," he states almost as fast as I could get the statement out. "Pip is not a name. No one in their right mind would look at an angel as beautiful as you and soil her with a name such as Pip. " I feel my blush returning. Beautiful? Fuck, when was the last time I was called beautiful?

"Big talk from a man who named himself after the Devil." His chuckle is low as his green eyes nearly glow.

"Tell me your name," He states and I wrinkle my nose.

"You first," I counter while looking around. No one is out here, we're the only two idiots in the rain, perfect.

"Hmmm…Get in the car and I'll tell you." I look from him to the car. This is a bad idea.

"Taking rides from strangers is dangerous." He lets out a surprised laugh and it makes me crack a smile.

"Really? So I guess you've never used a ride-share before?" Tapping my finger to my chin I think for a moment.

"Hmm… I suppose. So do you have a rating system." He snorts and shakes his head.

"You're funny, "

"I've been called worse." I smirk before looking at his car again. "Alright fine," I relent.

"Well don't hurt yourself with all that excitement." He laughs lightly. "I do have heated seats." I'll admit, that's a luxury my frozen body would love right now. Opening the door I slide in, my body shivering as it makes contact with the cool leather seat. Belial closes his trunk before going to the driver's side and sliding his large frame behind the wheel. He pushes the button to start the engine and turns on the seat warmers.

"Thank you," I whisper, feeling overwhelmed by his presence. The sedan is average size but he takes up so much room. "I wasn't kidding about having nowhere to go though so if you want to take me to the hotel down the street, I'll probably hang out in the lobby until I'm kicked out," I half joke while sipping on my coffee.

"Sounds like a terrible use of a day," he mutters while sliding his hand down to his door pocket. Maybe he has sugar packets in there for his coffee?

"Well, I don't really know what I'm going to do yet so it seems like my only option."

"I can think of a better one." he smirks while giving me a sideways stare. I blush, figuring he's implying sex. Damn it, I should've known better.

"Oh, well…I mean I'm flattered bu—" His hand slaps over my mouth as I feel something sharp go into my neck. It only takes a moment for my body to go weak. I stare at him through my rain splattered glasses as my mind tries to get my body to fight. It's no use though. Devon was right, oh my god that fucker was right. Men are only out here to hurt me, to use me and I have no one to blame this time but myself for getting into th is stupid car.

"Sleep my angel," He coos softly as my eyes grow heavy. "There's this beautiful trail a little way from here I'm sure you'll love to see when you wake up."

"Stupid, stupid, stupid," I groan while banging on the hood of the trunk with my shoe. Perfect Everly, you happy now? You're being kidnapped and this guy is going to kill you because you got into his fucking car. I have no idea how long I've been out this time, but I do know I need to pee and my back and arms are killing me. I feel like I dislocated my fucking shoulder from being held up from the branch while he…

I blush at the memories of his cock, his tongue and his words. He didn't scare me, not the way he should've. No, I felt challenged—alive. And I wanted so much more at that moment. Ugh, I'm disgusting. Aroused by someone wanting to kill me? Yeah, I'd love for a shrink to have a crack at that one.

"Let. Me. Out!" I bang in between each shout before feeling around again for the release lever. I've seen enough crime documentaries to know there should be one around here. Enough documentaries to know about a trunk release but not enough to keep yourself from getting kidnapped. I feel a plastic handle and pull it, causing the trunk to pop open. I nearly scream in delight until I realize he's pulling over. Fuck, does the car alert the driver if the handle's been pulled? What a useless feature! The car stops and deciding it's now or never, I kick the trunk hatch open before falling out and landing roughly on the road. Standing up, I waste no time, running down the nearly black, completely deserted road. Really? I couldn't be on a freaking highway?

I turn into the tree line and start running as fast as my sore legs will move while trying my damndest to hold my bound hands out in front of me. "Everly if you trip, so help me god," I growl to myself as I continue to run. Each stride is more painful than the last. The drugs in my system are making me feel heavy and my legs hurt from kicking that trunk. After what feels like an eternity of me weaving through trees to lose the asshole, I hide behind a tree to catch my breath. My body is shaking from the adrenaline, drugs, cold or a combination of the three—I can't see anything and my lungs are on fucking fire. My breathing stops as I hear something echoing in the distance.

What is that?

There it is again. It's a high-pitched clicking sound; like metal maybe? The sound is familiar, I just can't think of…

I freeze, the noise is right behind me, and I know exactly what the noise is—a zippo lighter. It opens and closes, again and again. Its owner sighs as they lean against the other side of the tree. I hear them strike the lighter and the smell of a cigarette fills the air as they inhale deeply.

"Having fun?" he asks, and I nearly piss my pants on the spot at Belial's calm, almost bored tone. I pull my lips inward to stop the cry from escaping. He may not know I'm here, he could be guess?—

"I can smell you," he says, still sounding bored as he takes another pull from his cigarette. "You see, when your job, your life's work, is tracking and hunting, your senses become a little more heightened. And then when one sense goes out, like sight for instance." He flicks his lighter again before coming around the tree to face me, only the small flame giving us any light source. I shrink against the tree and force myself not to scream. "Well, you know how senses work. Now, care to explain why you ran into the woods, alone, in the dark? Sweet Angel, you have no idea the type of predators that are out here. I could protect you from most, sure, but what if something came along that I couldn't fight? Or it got to you before I could? It would destroy me to watch you get hurt."

"You're fucking psychotic!" I scream out, my voice breaking. "YOU are trying to hurt me!"

"No—" His voice is sharp, like a warning before letting out a chuckle of annoyance. "No, I am saving you. I am freeing you. Freedom is not without some pain and sacrifice, sure. But what you get at the end is salvation."

"Oh my god, you're fucking nuts! Enough with your bible shit! I'm not an angel and you're no devil. You are a fucking sick, twisted man who needs help and I'm the idiot that took a ride from a stranger. There is no godly work happening."

"Godly work?" he repeats on a laugh as he puts out his cigarette. "Godly work, godly work. Tell me, Pip, do you believe in the Christian's bastardized version of God?" He cocks his head to one side, the glowing cherry illuminating his face just barely.

"I-I guess?" I reply nervously. Is this it? Is he going to kill me?

"Right, because of course you do, pretty young girls like you, go to church three times a year, right? Figure that's good enough but of course you also plan to marry in the church so it's fine. Dunk your two point five kids in the holy water while some old fuck who just got finished getting blown by the alter boy raises his hand to the heaven's and tells you that your children are now welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven. Meanwhile, those preaching ‘god's work' are out here killing, stealing, raping. His children are starving while his flock is nestled in all safe because they give their thirty percent in order to have their spot in the clouds, sound right?"

"I-I… Belial, I don't understand! Why are you telling me this? What does this have to do with you kidnapping me? I haven't gone to a church since I was a kid!"

"You said you believe in God, think of this as his plan." My bottom lip quivers as I realize he's going to drug me again. He's going to drug me and throw me back in that trunk and… I can't. I can't do it again.

"Please," I beg weakly. "Belial, I don't know what's happened to you, if I've done something at some point to cause this but, I'm sorry?—"

"Sorry?" he snaps loudly, as if the word slapped him in the face. "Sorry? Sorry?" he grits out while shaking his head. He lets out a dry laugh. "She's sorry," He mutters under his breath. " She is sorry. This perfect creature is sorry, to me ."

"Belial? I-I don't know what's happening,"

"Sweet Angel, there is no God, and you aren't part of the plan." he states darkly while dropping his cigarette and stepping on it. "You and I were never meant to cross paths, then again…maybe we were." His dark silhouette cocks his head to one side, "Maybe I was supposed to find you, to help you. You're alone, homeless, penniless. Maybe your soul was calling to mine, begging me to help you. Almost as if you need me. Like I need to save you." His fingers play with my hair ab sently as he talks. "And I can vow to you right now, baby, I may be your damnation, but I too will be your salvation if you allow it."

"You don't know me," I grind out, my body trembling in… fear? Rage? Excitement? What is this I'm feeling? "You know nothing about me. You have no reason to keep me."

"I know everything I need to know about you." He chuckles, pinning me against the tree. "Like for instance." He inhales deeply. "That little cunt of yours is clenched so tight I couldn't get a finger in if I tried—all because you're trying to keep those sweet juices in." I shudder, shame and embarrassment flooding me at his dark whisper. His laugh is low and knowing as his hand grips my jaw and he runs his nose over my throat, inhaling me before releasing a shaky exhale. "I told you; I can smell you," He sings against my flushed skin. "You think I didn't see the excitement in your eyes when you were tied up before? I know you weren't lying when I asked you if watching me turned you on. But it's more, isn't it? Does my little angel enjoy the thought of a killer getting her off?"

"No," I spit in his face. He rears back while chuckling before grabbing my jaw roughly, his grip bruising. Forcing my mouth open, he spits into my mouth before covering it with his palm.

"Swallow," he rasps, his other hand on my throat to feel me. I swallow and he releases me roughly. "If you need to piss, I suggest you do so because this little stunt has added some serious drive time to our travel."

"How am I supposed to pee? I can't pull my pants dow—Stop!" I scream as I feel his hand on my hip.

"I'm trying to help you out, calm down."

"Help me by letting me go!" There is a long, annoyed sigh before a flashlight shines in my face. This asshole had a flashlight and has been keeping me in the literal dark this whole time?

"I'm attempting to be nice here. But you know what, fine. You want to go, go. Here." He grips my bound wrists and I whimper as he pulls a knife from his pocket. He flips open the blade, cutting me free. I gasp at the relief I feel upon the release. "Go on, run away. Mind you, you have no phone, no money, no car, but I'm a gentleman—here." He flips the small flashlight around and hands it to me. I'm hesitant as I snatch the flashlight from his grip and back away.

"How do I know you won't find me?" I breathe out as he grabs his lighter and steps toward me.

"Oh, make no mistake, I will," he chuckles as he slides his lighter into the front of my shirt between my cleavage. He allows the backs of his fingers to trail over me for just a second. "So soft," he marvels before pulling his hand back. "I'll make you a deal, I'll give you until sunrise to get away. If I haven't found you by tomorrow night, you can rest assured you won't see me again."

"And what if you do find me?" His smirk widens, showing off his white canines.

" When I find you, you will belong to me. And I will solidify this by fucking you into submission if need be." I exhale shakly as I stagger back.

"I would say no," I whisper, fear and excitement battling for control inside me. "You would be taking it without my consent."

"Would I? Because you're the one initiating the game, Angel. You don't want to play? Stop now and drop to your knees, otherwise, I'll see you tomorrow." His eyes glow in the flashlight as I look to the ground before him. He's going to find me, I know he will, and if he doesn't find me tomorrow, that doesn't mean he'll stop looking, he only said that I wouldn't see him again. I feel the metal of the lighter between my breasts, his silent promise that he'll be retrieving it soon. I back away, one step and then another. He slips his hands in his pockets while watching me.

"I'll see you soon, beautiful." He promises as I turn and take off as fast as I can even though I know in my gut, he's three steps ahead and already knows where to find me.

I look around the misty woods as the sun begins to rise. I'm so fucking cold, I can't stop shaking. I'm starving and I'm itchy—so fucking itchy. I've been running for god knows how long and for all I know, I'm in the same spot Belial left me in last night. Except I can't find the road, or his car. I hate that I wish he'd find me already. Last night with every snapping twig, my heart would skip. Not because I thought it was him. No, despite him giving me exactly zero reasons to trust him, I somehow do believe him when he said I wouldn't see him until after sunrise. No, I was scared because I knew the noises weren't him.

Everly you are so fucked up. I roll my eyes at myself as I keep walking. Though, there is some logic in finding comfort in Belial vs whatever the fuck is out here. "The monster you know" and all. At least, that's how I'm rationalizing it.

A twig snaps and my heart rate quickens, it's morning, and he is fully within his rules to come find me. I hate the excitement I feel at the thought and that said excitement is currently pooling between my legs. This man wants to kill me and yet I want him to make good on his promise on fucking me into submission.

Another twig snaps and I turn toward the sound only to be met with a hand slapping me across the face. I fall to the ground and look up in time to see a male figure— not Belial , grab me by my hair and start dragging me.

"Let me go!" I scream while clawing at the man's wrists. I feel something shift against my chest and remember the lighter. Reaching into my bra, I grab it and momentarily look at the inscription on the front.

"Ronan"

Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I flick open the golden lighter and strike it, the small flame ignites and I hold it to the person's hand. He lets out a wail before dropping me. I drop the lighter as I hit the dirt. I start to get up to run, but freeze. Turning back around, I quickly grab the lighter before tucking it back into my bra and trying to take off. I take too long, evidently, as the man grabs me and slams me into a tree trunk, pressing my chest against the rough bark, causing me to let out a sharp cry as the rough texture rakes across my skin.

"You come onto my property, try to steal from me and then burn me? You need to be taught a lesson," he spits out. I can smell the alcohol on his breath from last night I assume. It's stale and foul and I try not to gag while fighting against his hold.

"Let me the fuck go!" I thrash against him as he rips my pants down causing ice cold panic to rush over me. Suddenly I'm twenty again at my college campus... "No, no, no!" I scream as he presses my face harder against the tree. "Please! I didn't! I'm lost! Please!" I cry out, tears running down my face as I feel his hand slide under my panties and grip my ass.

"It's been so long," he moans, his putrid breath making my stomach churn. I feel his bulge press against me and I cry out as he grips my arms behind my back.

"Please," I beg as my cheek rakes across the bark while he grinds against me again. I close my eyes as I hear his pants fall to the ground and feel my panties being pulled down, exposing my lower half.

"Ronan," I whisper as his bare dick slides over my ass. I don't know how I know it's Belial's name. It's not like it would be beneath him to steal something. But something tells me it is, and I pray he's close enough to hear me. "Ronan, Ronan, Ronan!" I scream as the man bends me over preparing to enter me.