WHO'S KEIRA?

LEN'S POV (CONT.)

I chuckled, "Sorry but the worst part is over. Now back to how you know ol' girl."

"Obviously my ex is incapable of keeping his side bitches on a leash. She's a stray that needed to be put down."

I chuckled, "I've never heard of someone being described in such a way."

Just as I was about to grab the tweezers, a thought popped into my head. Looking directly into Ivy's eyes; I asked. "Who's Keira?"

If I wasn't paying attention, I would've missed the slight narrowing of her eyes when I said the name; but she quickly adjusted her demeanor and face.

"I don't know. Why do you ask?"

I continued pulling out the shards out, "No reason in particular. I kept hearing someone shout that name."

"Oh well, I didn't hear anything. By the way, what brings you here? We've been running into each other a lot lately. Too much for it to be considered a mere coincidence….. Are you stalking me???"

"I'm the owner, of this club; can't you tell by my office that you have successfully invaded?" glancing at her with a half smirk on my face; "What? Are you surprised?"

"Yes and no. It's a nice place, definitely your style. Please accept my apologies for invading your office and messing up your income."

I chuckled, "It's all good Ivy no hard feelings; only for you."

I decided to test the waters even more now that I know of her relationship with Antonio. "Tell me about your ex-boyfriend."

Scrunching her face, "What would you like to know about his sorry ass?"

"Is he the same guy that I saw you leave with after my grandmother's funeral?"

"Yeah, that's him." She sighed.

"So... tell me what happened?"

"Ain't that much to tell? I mean, he and I were together for a long time. But he changed and I couldn't deal with it anymore."

I nodded, "how did he change?"

"Once he started getting more involved with what his brother was doing, he did a 360. Staying out all night, females calling all hours of the night. His disrespect of me just continued to escalate until it finally climaxed."

Ivy's face began to show signs of hurt, anger, sadness and confusion as she continued to describe her relationship with Antonio.

"He became more possessive and controlling. When I became pregnant he seemed ok for a while. One night he came home drunk and high and we got into an argument. The next thing I knew he had punched me in my face and slammed me into our glass coffee table. I was pregnant at the time. If it wasn't for the return of one of his friends; I'm not sure if I would have been alive to tell the story. His friend rushed me to the hospital. After being in the hospital for a while; I knew I could not go back and said to hell with all of it."

Watching ever so closely as I remove the remaining shards from her hands; Ivy takes a sip of her drink, clears her throat and continues.

"The morning that I was released from the hospital, I took a taxi home. I waited outside across the street until he left that morning. Once I confirmed that no one else was in the apartment; I walked in to the building, went into the apartment and quickly packed my bags, grabbed as much money as I could, loaded my car and left. And I never looked back!"

As I listen to Ivy's story I could feel the rage slowly building inside of me. "Are you serious? He body slammed you while you were pregnant?"

Shaking her head and pursing her lips tightly together she replied "Yeah, If it wasn't for the fact that I knew how to fall, I could've had a miscarriage."

"Ivy, I am so sorry that you were in a relationship like that. I will admit that it was really hard and painful to hear. Never again will something like that happen to you. You have my word. You and your daughter will always be protected. I want you two to live a happy and carefree life." This was all I could say to keep my emotions under control and my deep seeded desire to kill that bastard in check.

Ivy was quiet at my confession. I knew that she could feel my deep concern and need to protect her and her daughter from hurt and harm. I said nothing further, but continued to work on her hand.

By the time I was done with her hand, it was 2:30 a.m.

"What is your flight?" I asked.

"9:45 a.m. Why?"

"Well I'll drive you back to your hotel. It's late and I don't want you catching a cab this time of night."

"Look at you being a gentleman. Thank you Mr. Samuels," she teased with that big beautiful smile of hers.

"Of course I am, always for you," I jokingly waved her off

Grabbing my keys and jacket, I led Ivy out the office and locked the door. We made our way to my underground parking garage. I held the door open and patiently waited for her to be seated and comfortable. I reached over her and fastened her seatbelt.

"Are you comfortable?"

"Yes"

As I drove, we rode in a calming peace, Smooth Jazz filled the air; causing Ivy to relax more and close her eyes. I couldn't help looking at her, marveling at her beauty on the outside and inside. She is the only woman that my heart seems to react to; it has always been her; even when she was young and in the orphanage. All I know is, I want and need this woman by my side, I want her and her daughter to be safe and I will do anything to make this happen,

An hour later, we arrived to her hotel, I gently called out her name, while stroking her right cheek. "Ivy, we have arrived; baby wake up."

Not realizing that she had fallen asleep, she slowly opens her eyes, looks at me and smiles. That smile, she has no idea how much it affects me, moves me. I would move heaven, earth and hell just for her.

I unbuckle her seatbelt, exit the car, open the passenger door and assist her out of the car. "I'll walk you to your room." She smiles an nods her head.

I place my arm around her waist, gently pulling her closer to me, and walk her into the hotel. She didn't pull away from me; I think she approves and I couldn't be more proud. We enter the elevator, she presses the button for her floor and I never removed my hand from her waist.

While in the elevator, I wrap my other hand around her waist. Gently, she leans into my chest and releases a sigh with her eyes closed. Hearing the ding as we reached her floor, the elevator doors open. We both stood there for a moment, neither one of us wanting to make the first move to break our embrace.

I kiss Ivy's temple and say, "Let's go."

Exiting the elevator, Ivy finally speaks; "Well, thanks for everything that you have done for me tonight; well just not tonight but since I arrived here in Miami. I really appreciate it."

"No problem anything for you." I kiss her temple again, my hand never leaving her waist as we walk down the corridor. "Listen, I will pick you up around 7, we will go to breakfast and then to the airport."

"Len, I can't let you do that. You've already done a more than enough for me. And I want you to get some rest. I know that you have to be tired and have many things to do. It is not right for me to monopolize your time like this."

Hearing her words made me feel warm and excited. The fact that she was thinking about me and my well being, genuinely, I couldn't stop smiling. "I just want to see my lady off before she goes. What kind of man would I be to let you leave by yourself? Is this a problem?"

"Your lady? And when did this happen? When did I agree to become your lady?"

"Back when I first took you out and paid for your meal. I told you then sweetheart, a man never lets his woman pay for anything."

"You still remember that?" giggling under her breath and smiling. "Okay, okay, I guess." Ivy was still giggling and staring straight into my eyes, as in disbelief; she finally says, "I'll be ready by 6:45 a.m."

"I'll be here. Until then, get some sleep." I kissed her cheek.

That simple kiss had Ivy's entire face blushing; beautiful.

"Bye." She unlocked her door and went inside.

After she closed the door, I quickly headed home to get some sleep my damn self. Who knew that tonight would turn out like this?

3rd POV:

Ivy woke up at 5:30 a.m. she immediately entered the shower to prepare for her trip home. As she stood in the shower, she couldn't help thinking about everything that had occurred within the last 8 hours. The elation of dragging Sarah made everything worth while; not to mention finding Len again.

She didn't realize how much pent up anger and frustration she had been holding on to for all those years. Ivy would be lying if she said that she regretted it.

A smile gradually fills her face and her heart knowing that Len wants to be with her and her daughter and take her to the airport. Being completely honest with herself, she was annoyed at the fact that Len still gives her butterflies in her stomach. She still has some reservations about it all.

It's not that she suffers from PTSD because of her previous relationship. It's just the thought of getting close to anyone that wasn't her daughter, is what concerns her. Ivy is not the type to trust easily, unless it was her own flesh and blood.

Ivy learned very early, that she couldn't completely trust anyone but herself. It's a dog eat dog world, and even the closest person can turn on you in the blink of an eye. All of her training caused her to be skeptical of people; letting her guard down could lead to instant death.

She snapped out of her thoughts when she felt the water turning cold, she quickly washed and rinsed herself off before getting out and drying off. She applied her lavender body lotion and got dressed.

She decided to wear a black tank top, baggy sweatpants, and a pair of red and black Jordan's. She dried her hair, applied her hair products and wrapped it in a messy bun She only applied minimal makeup and added a pair of hoop earring.

Not wanting to put in her contacts, she wore her wide black rim glasses. Once she was done, she made sure to check her room to ensure that she hadn't left anything behind. It was 6:45 a.m. when she heard the knock on her room door.

Giving herself a look over one more time in the mirror, she quickly answered the door and was greeted with the sight of him.

"Wow! good morning, I like your glasses." Len greeted.

"Thank you. I woke up like this. You look rather handsome yourself."

He wore dark denim jeans with a plain white t-shirt showcasing his nicely toned and muscular arms. He wore a gold chain around his neck and a rock in his ear.

She stepped aside to allow him to enter her room.

"Is this all your stuff?" He gestured at her luggage.

"Yep, everything is packed and ready."

He grabbed her suitcase while she grabbed her bag. They left the hotel and were on their way to breakfast. The car ride was short and comfortable as a general conversation filled the air.

"Any place in particular you would like to eat breakfast?" Len asked.

Ivy told him she wanted to go to IHOP. "Whatever my lady wants, I shall provide." I smiled, lowering her head and slightly bit her lower lip.

As soon as they walked in to IHOP, they were immediately greeted and seated in a booth. The hostess placed two menus in front of us and excused herself, as others were waiting to be seated.

As we got settled, still continuing our previous conversation from the car; the server arrived. The server was a young biracial female probably in her late teens, early 20's; she was a very pretty girl.

With a smile on her face, she greets us and says; "Hi my name is Ashley. I'll be your server this morning. Would you like to begin with something to drink before ordering your food?" Her gaze was dead set on Len; as she was trying really hard to flirt and get his attention; while ignoring Ivy's presence.

Ivy was watching the girl out of the corner of her eye, "Little slut," she thought to herself. This girl is really shameless. Not like I didn't notice her reaction to Len as soon as we walked through the door.

Len being the perfect gentleman that he is didn't even entertain the young slut in training; he never raised his head to look at her nor did he acknowledge her.

Instead he shrugged and asked, "Babe, what do you want to drink?"

Ivy snapped out of her thoughts, "Sweetheart, I'm sorry I wasn't listening, what did you ask me?"

Len gently picks up Ivy's right hand and kisses the inside of her palm and says; "Love, the server wants to know, what would like to drink with breakfast?" he calmly answers; his eyes never leaving Ivy's face.

Catching on, Ivy responded, "Oh, I see, can I have a glass of cranberry juice." Ivy begins to smile while staring deep into Len's eyes.

Quickly becoming jealous, the server quickly rolled her eyes at the couples PDA (Public Display of Affection). She quickly recovers and says, "And for you handsome?" every word dripping with lust.

Not caring to look at her, and keeping is eyes on Ivy, Len says, "Black Coffee, No Sugar, No Cream."

Ashley smiling as she writes down his order suddenly stops, and realizes what Len just said, and the meaning behind it. Her face contorted, and suddenly embarrassed all she could say was, "Yes Sir." as she quickly turned around and ran off to get their drinks, leaving the couple.

"You ain't slick, you know you just hurt that girl's feelings" Ivy said still looking through the menu; her voice full of laughter.

He chuckled," Why whatever do you mean? All I did was simply order Black Coffee; and before she could ask me anything else I told her No Sugar, No Cream"

"You did do that, but you know I am talking about calling me Babe." Still laughter in her voice.

He smirked, "I'm here with MY lady. Plus I was trying to make a point to her that disrespect of my woman will not be tolerated. She got the point."

"Hmm, do tell what the point was?"

"That I only got eyes for you and I want you to only have eyes for me."

That earned a true laugh from Ivy, "Wow You're so full of it."

He smiled, "I know. But I'm just being honest."

"I have some questions for you first before we truly decide what we want from each other. So, tell me why are you single? It's not like you don't have women throwing themselves at you constantly." she asked

"What do you mean? Why is it so hard for you to believe that I am single?"

"I distinctly remember that female from back in the day; remember the one that drove the Black Viper? Uh huh, I know you remember her. Okay, I will play along; let me rephrase my question. Are you single by choice or is there something wrong with you?" she teased.

He said, "It's by choice."

"Why so? Come on Len, give me a better explanation than this. I know that you are trained to not volunteer information unless asked; but I need you to elaborate. Why are you single by choice."

He sighed, "All these females out here are nothing to be desired."

She signaled for him to continue.

"I not gonna lie to you. I've fucked a lot of these females out here and back home. Beyond fucking them, they are not worth my effort. They're easy and simple minded. There is no challenge, they believe anything I tell them; even when they know 100% that I am lying to them. The females that I have encountered, whether I approach them or they approach me are people pleasers. Especially to those who have money and think they have everything that a man desires. The unfortunate thing is these women do not understand that they are not the type of female that I want. They are more so for convenience and my physiological needs."

"I can appreciate what you are saying. So, what is your ideal type of woman Mr. Len?"

He sighed, but there was a change in his tone; it became more serious as he began to speak. "If you want the truth, I will tell you. I am very simple, semi-traditional man. I simply want a woman who has a backbone, who isn't afraid to speak her mind, has her own dreams and aspirations and won't allow anyone to deter her. A woman who has her own; even though I can and will buy it for her she has the will and ability to buy it for herself. One that's not afraid to put her foot down because if she does, her meal ticket might leave. I want a woman that knows how to appreciate me, love me and would be faithful only to me. All I want, is a woman that can move my heart. Now, this is not an all-inclusive list, but it is a start."

Having listened intently, I finally respond and say; "Well said, I can feel the sincerity in your words."

Our server, Ashley returns with our drink order and proceeds to ask for our food order. This time, she seems to have taken her job more seriously. "What would you two like to eat?"

"The Steak and Mushroom Omelet with extra mushrooms, and the Strawberry Banana French toast," Ivy answered.

"And you handsome?" I thought, damn, this girl is persistent.

"I'll have what my woman is having." He quickly handed her the menus and dismissed her.

Ivy decided to tease him. "So, I'm your woman?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

"On you,"

"Well taking me out for breakfast was nice. But it's gonna take more for me to consider becoming your woman." Ivy told him truthfully.

He scoffed, "You think that I don't know that? Listen Sweetheart, I'm a very patient man; something I'm sure that you're not used to dealing with. But make no mistake about it; when I want something or someone, I get it. And I want you and your daughter, because she is an extension of you."

Feeling warm inside, Ivy asks; "What makes you so confident? We haven't seen or been around each other for many years. We have become adults and changed. Our ideologies have changed because of our experiences and the people around us. What if I am some Psycho Bitch that is clingy and you won't be able to get rid of? What if you find out that you really don't like me?"

Len shrugs his shoulders and says, "Simply because I have no reason not to be confident. I can fell how you react to me and I know you. Plus, I told you before that I had already claimed you years ago. And if you were some Psycho Bitch and clingy; there is so much psychological medication on the market; I am sure that we could find something that works for you?"

Looking at each other, they burst out into laughter. They laughed so hard they began to cry. They happily continued talking as their food arrived. They ate in silence, simply enjoying each other's company.

After finishing their breakfast, Len paid for the food and gave the waitress a generous tip. As they got up to leave, he discreetly gave the waitress his number. She seemed down to fuck and all he needed was someone to help him let go of his impending frustration.