Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

[Cordelia]

Even though I don't know this man at all, I find it surprisingly easy to open up to Magnus.

As we sat in the diner, the storm outside got stronger, and my feelings poured out of me like the torrent of rain on the street. Maybe it is because I probably won't ever see him again, but I told him everything about Atlas, my sister, and my work. He didn't have a single negative thing to say, he simply held my hand while I ate large amounts of carbs and wept about potential futures gone sour.

"It'll be okay Miss Cordy," he pats my hand as my words finally slow and I finish off another waffle. "You are young. You have so much life ahead of you. Even if things do not work out between you and your young mister, there is still so much more out there for you to discover.

"I guess so," I sniffle, blowing my nose on a napkin and then looking around for somewhere discreet to hide it, feeling gross and a bit rude. "Sorry."

He snaps his fingers and gets the attention of one of the waitstaff who gives him a little bow. "Mr. M."

"Wastebasket," he says simply and the person nods, and then hurries off to procure a small basket for me to place my used napkins. They also brought a box of tissues.

"Is the service here always this good?" I stare amazed at how responsive the staff is.

"It is for me," he gives a gentle smile. "Now as you were saying, about Atlas."Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"Um, yes," I take another swig of hot chocolate. "I just don't know if he knows what he wants," I sigh. "He says he wants me, but whenever either Sydney or my sister bat their eyes and whine about the next big problem in their lives, he comes running like a knight in shining armor," I vent, irritated.

"And you are upset because he doesn't do the same for you?" He queries.

I pause to think. Well, he has done a lot to help me. He rescued me from the island with his brother, he rescued me financially after the fire, and he also rescued my line when Angelica ruined it in her attempts to "help" me. Even this move, of trying to get my parent's approval and agreeing to work with Sydney again is about protecting me.

"I wouldn't say that," I swallow. "Maybe I'm being too harsh on him."

"I don't think so," he shakes his head. "If he is as devoted to you as he says he is, he'd be willing to give it all up for you. He wouldn't need all of the money or the fame, he'd only need you."

"Do you think that's reasonable?"

"I don't know," he takes a sip of coffee. "But it sounds like it's what you want and need. Have you ever thought of leaving all this, taking your child, and running away from this city and this shallow world of fashion billionaires? You'd be a lot less stressed. And if this Atlas fellow loves you like he says, he'll follow you."

"I..." Is he right? Would Atlas be willing to give up his entire way of life if it were to make me happy?

"Because if you were my girl," he winks, "I'd move mountains to keep you."

My cheeks grow hot at his flattery. Here I was thinking he was a safe old man but it turns out he's a bit of a dashing flirt.

"But you, my dear, should head back now, don't you think?" He smiles, looking down at my empty plates. "L have enjoyed talking with you and sharing a bit of your life. It has been an interesting distraction. You really are a charming thing. I can see why your man is so enamored of you."

Enamoured? "I don't know if I'd go that far." I smile as I see the rain clearing up. "He hasn't yet moved mountains for me. "Pity," he lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles lightly. "His loss."

Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a business card with his name emblazoned in black ink. On the back, he scrawls a phone number. "This is my private line," he informs me. "If anything changes and you decide you want to disappear, you and your baby both, do not hesitate to contact me at this number, any time, day or night." He holds out his card to me. "I will help you in any way that I can."

"Th..thank you," I stutter unsure of how to interpret his actions. He seems sincere and very generous, but who is he? Why is he so willing to help out a girl he hardly knows? "I hope I won't need to call you." I laugh nervously. He smiles wistfully as we part. "I hope you get the life you deserve, Cordelia Steele," he gives a little bow before walking away, whistling as he twirls his umbrella.

I watch him walk away for a few minutes more, placing his card inside my purse.

It is only as I turn around to head back the way I came that I realize two things.

One, I still don't know the way home.

Two, I never told him my name.

Stopping still in the middle of the street I turn back to look where he disappeared.

How did he know who I was? I didn't tell him and forget, did I?

The loud horn of a taxi wakes me out of my stupor. While I was standing there thinking, the light had changed but I was still standing in the middle of the crosswalk. LA drivers are not known for being the most patient. "Get out of the road!" the red-faced man shouts at me. "What the hell are you doing? Are you some kind of mental case?"

"I'm so sorry," apologize trying to

shuffle the rest of the way across

the street not watching the opposite direction and a large red truck almost hits me. He slams on his brakes so hard it makes a loud

skidding sound right before the truck bounces forward and lands hard.

"What the fuck lady!" the truck driver screams.

Panicking I start to pant, my breath coming too fast as my mind becomes jumbled. "CORDELIA!" Someone shouts, rushing forward, blocking me from an oncoming car.