THEY MAKE THE DEVIL SEEM LIKE A SAINT

Ivy's POV:

We arrived at the airport. Len taking my bags and walking with me to the ticket counter; he took out his card to purchase my return ticket, but I stopped him. I presented my corporate credit card to the ticketing clerk and checked in my luggage. After I was done and received my ticket, Len and I walked into the VIP lounge area, as I still had about 30 minutes before my flight would begin to board. We sat on the reclining loveseat, as no one was in the lounge except us. We got closer and reclined the sofa. Len put one arm around my waist and the other arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him.

Looking at Len, I couldn't help touching his face, slowly stroking his cheek. I was looking at Len with so much love and admiration in my eyes as though I was memorizing every inch of his face. My thumb began tracing over his lips; they were smooth and perfect. I lightly kissed his lips, slowly pulled back and looked wantoningly in his eyes. Len took this opportunity to return the kiss, deepening it as though he was a man deeply in love.

Len's hands were running all over my body and mine over his. Things were beginning to heat up quickly. I climbed and straddled him in the seat, he then adjusted himself so that we were centered in the loveseat. I began grinding on him and he returned the grind in-kind. He lifts my shirt and began to caress my breast while rubbing my ass; I began to quicken my pace and Len lets out a deep groan in my mouth. I broke the kiss and began kissing his face, licking, biting and sucking on his neck.

Over the intercom, I could hear, the notification that my flight will begin to board soon. I knew that I had about 15 more minutes before I would need to go. My seat was in first class and we board first.

I began to intensify my attack on Len. As I began to buck and grind harder, Len began holding me tighter; panting harder and louder, calling out my name; telling me that I was his and that he wants me, really really wants me. I did a low throat moan, agreeing to everything that he was saying.

Moving back up Len's neck, I reach his ear and whisper his name, "Len", I then take my tongue and put it in his ear; he almost lost his mind. I began licking his earlobe, sucking and licking it quickly, then put my tongue back in his ear again, calling out his name, "Len" as I intensify my breathing while still bucking and grinding on him.

Len responds "Yes baby anything for you, whatever you want it is yours."

"Len..I..."

"What is it baby, say it"

"Len, aaah! you feel so good"

"Baby stay, stay here with me, I can't let you go, stay please stay."

"Len....Len..." Ivy kisses him deeply.

"I have to tell you something"

"What is it baby, you can tell me anything"

"Len" lvy stops and looks him in the eyes, still kissing his lips.... "I can't be with you."

SCREEEEEEEEEEEECH! COLD WATER JUST GOT SPLASHED ALL OVER HIS BODY!!!

Len stopped immediately, thought for a moment and was confused by what Ivy just revealed. Staring at Ivy, Len couldn't move he was at a loss, his mind could not wrap around what she just said.

Ivy unwrapped herself out of Len's embrace, climbed off of him, situated her clothes and began to speak.

"Len, look I will like everything about you, I'd be lying if I didn't say that I didn't want you. I 'd be lying if I were to say, you are everything that I ever dreamt that you would be. Nothing would make me happier than to be your woman and stay by your side. I know you knew how much I wanted you back then and I know that you can tell that I want you now."

Ivy, slightly paused, un-reclined the love seat and helped Len to stand. she stepped closer to him, wrapped her arms around his neck, looked him deep into his eyes and began to speak again.

"You see, my deal breaker is infidelity. Did you not think that I saw you when you gave that waitress Ashley, your telephone number? Seriously? After you just told me that I was your woman and how you claimed me back in the day. You made me look like a joke and I don't take that lightly."

Releasing her arms, taking a step back, Ivy smirked. Picking up her bag, she turns and walks towards the lounge door.

Len, is so shocked at what she said and the fact that she saw what he had done. He became very uncomfortable and called out to her. "Ivy, I am sorry, your not a joke. I really want you in my life. I want you and your daughter. I...."

Ivy cuts him off, turns around and sighs. "Len, you are not ready for someone like me. And I would never wait for you to become ready. All, I can say is maybe one day you will find the woman of your dreams and have only eyes and a desire for her and not disrespect her. But today is not that day for you, nor am I the woman for you. Thanks again, for everything. One day, I will return the favor. Goodbye Len."

Len knew he was wrong for what he did and immediately regretted it when he did it. He had already made up in his mind that if he could get Ivy, he would not entertain the thought of even looking at another woman. He had no intention of answering his phone if Ashley called. He was just so used to being single, he did not think. Now he was about to lose Ivy forever he could not let this happen.

Len darted towards the door as Ivy opened it and began walking out. He called her name and she paused for a moment and looked over her shoulder.

"Ivy, please, I am so sorry. I did it without thinking and immediately regretted it. I promise I would never lie or betray you. I will be back in Cali within a week, please give me an opportunity to prove myself to you. Baby, I just found you again and every word I said to you was true. I want you and I want your daughter. Please give me a chances, I am begging you. I have never begged anyone in my life, but I am begging you for one chance, just one. Could you please give me that?"

Ivy turned around and looked at Len. She knew his mood wasn't good anymore and she could see the panic in his eyes and body. However, she could not make things easy for him or else how would he learn his lesson.

Ivy spoke in a very affirmed voice and said; "You have one week from the time that you arrive back in Cali to find me. If you cannot find me to stand before me by Midnight on that 7th day, you will never get another chance. Even if you stand before me at 12:01 am, you will never get an opportunity again. Do you understand?"

Len exhales, "Ivy, I understand. I will find you and I will never let you down again. But when I do find you, will you agree to be my woman then?"

Ivy did not say a word and began turning around to walk away.

Len grabs her wrist to stop her and asked, "Can I please hug you before you leave?"

"No." Ivy turns and walks away.

All Len could do is watch her back as she reaches the ticket agent and boards that plane.

Len immediately calls his men in Cali and told them to follow Ivy from the time he lands until he returns. He gives them a picture of her, that he had taken earlier and another more casual picture of her. Len also provided them with her last known home address but did tell them that she may have moved. He told them to run her telephone number and a background GPS system to run so that they could keep their eyes on her; then he hung up the phone and left the airport.

Len reached his car in the parking garage and began laughing at himself. He has never felt this excited about a woman, EVER. He knows that he has met his match and couldn't be happier and is even more impressed with her. He also realizes that her observation skills are second to none.

"Ivy, you will be mine in 2 days and then for the rest of your life. Let's see how you react when taken by surprise. I can't wait to to see your face!" Still laughing, Len starts his car and drives out of the airport.

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Ivy's POV

Six hours and forty minutes later, I was finally back home. Even though I was tired as hell, I was glad to be back home. It has been a while since I've had a little light weight business trip.

I wasted no time going through the terminal to grab my luggage. Once I made sure I had everything; I quickly made it to the valet to have them bring my car around.

"Shit! he has someone following me already? Don't you have better men than this? All right Len, the chase is on. Let's see if you and your people can keep up."

My car finally arrives and the valet quickly loads all my bags into the trunk. I handed him a nice tip and rolled out. I took out my phone to call Mrs. Martinez to let her know that I was in town and I was on my way to pick up Harley.

All of a sudden Ivy's phone pings, "You've got to be fucking kidding me! He is trying to track my cell phone....OMG, this man must really want to be with me. He's trying to cheat. Well Mr. Samuels, I told you that I am not that easy. Let's see what else you have up your sleeves."

Ivy quickly keys in a series of number into her phone and activates a pseudo GPS system that will provide false tracking information to the persons who is trying to track you. Not only is it providing false information, it is also tracking the person that is tracking you, while uploading a virus at the same time. The virus will not activate or show itself until it is told to do so.

Ivy is a little excited to play this cat and mouse game. This is the first time that she has ever been able to play for fun. This is a thrill that she has never had before. The thought of a man trying to pull out all the stops, just to be with her, to pursue her is exciting, wonderful, sexy and it makes her heart happy.

"Len, catch me if you can! I really hope that you can. Don't blame me for making your way hard. I just need to test your resolve." Ivy says to herself as she slowly begins her journey to retrieve her Princess.

"Hola mama. Como esta?" I asked. Sometimes it was easier for Mrs. Martinez to speak Spanish rather than English.

"Hola mija. Soy muy bien y tu?"

"I'm well. I actually I'm just now getting in my car I'll be on my way to come and pick up Harley."

"Sounds good. Me and this chiquita are sitting down watching Frozen 2. How was your trip? Did you visit Antonio while you were there?"

"Yes mama. He seemed to be doing fine. He and I didn't talk for long. Oh and good news, or bad news depending on how you view it."

"Why what's going on?"

Oh this should be good. I chuckled, "Um well your son misses you and he's getting out soon. He wanted me and him to get back together."

"Well thank God! I'm glad that you two finally decided to be together. He's always loved you. Even though he's done some questionable things in the past; I'm glad you two were able to leave it all behind," Brenda cheered.

I rolled my eyes out of sheer annoyance, "That's not going to happen. The chick he cheated on me with came as I was leaving."

Next thing I HEAR was Mrs. Martinez cussing up a storm in Spanish.

"HE'S STILL SEEING THAT WHORE?!" She screamed

"Apparently so."

"He better get rid of her or I'm going to kill him myself!!"

"Well you could do that. But, I prefer if you didn't get locked up."

"I swear. My son is a complete idiot. I really wanted you two to work things out."

I sighed, "No offense, but can we talk about something else now mama? How has Harley been?"

As much as I loved Brenda; I still couldn't understand how the woman was truly oblivious about her sons. Many of times I wanted to tell the old woman the truth about Antonio and Dominick. However, I know that would only cause the old woman more stress than she needs, and I'm not about to be the reason why she rolls over, has a stroke, and dies.

For all Brenda knew; that her son was locked up for drug charges and the other fled. She didn't understand that it went deeper than that. Her son's had so much blood on their hands, they'd make the Devil seem like a Saint. Sometimes ignorance is bliss and I will not tell her more than what she needs to know.

"This little girl has been having the time of her life. She's been to the zoo and the park. Nothing major; but I know that she's been missing you."

"Well I'm on the way as we speak. It shouldn't take me more than 45 minutes."

"Alrighty. We'll see you when you get here."

We quickly said our 'goodbyes' and hung up. I was pleased to be off the phone with that woman. If you let her, she'll talk your ear off and I really wasn't in the mood to deal with it.

I was ten minutes away when my phone rang. I glanced at my phone seeing Len's name pop up. Instead of answering, I let the phone ring until it went to voicemail.

Even though I do like Len, I don't want to get attached too quickly. It's been some years since I've seen him and I'm no longer the young girl that I was back then. The thought of him chasing after me is nice but made me slightly uncomfortable.

Finally, I arrived Brenda's house. I quickly cut the engine and got out the car leaving my phone behind. Brenda gave me a spare key months ago, so I was able to let myself in. I walked further down the hall to see Harley sitting in front the TV.

That damn Coco melon is her favorite thing to watch. I honestly want to shoot whoever came up with it. Those stupid big-headed babies and the God-awful version of nursery rhymes irritated me to no end.

But if it kept my child quiet and entertained, I put up with the stupid show. I've been trying to get her onto Sesame Street, at least which was educational and nostalgic.

Harley was mixed, her skin tone was four shades lighter than mine. Anyone could tell that was my child. She did favor Antonio when it came to her smile and her eyes; but everything else was mine including her wavy silky hair. A lot of people thought Harley was the most beautiful baby ever.

She's so cute to the point where I almost got into a fight at the grocery store, when this woman thought it was okay to just start touching my child without permission.

Harley had jet black wavy hair. She had light brown almond shaped eyes, a cute button nose, and full lips and soft chubby cheeks. She indeed was a cute child with a sweet disposition.

Rarely ever did she cry unless she wasn't feeling well, hungry, or the usual temper tantrum. She was also a very quick learner and loved to explore and try new things.

Just as much as she was sweet, that baby was a little gremlin/con artist. She knew exactly what she was doing. She conned Mrs. Martinez out of a cookie after I told her no.

I quietly snuck up behind Harley and reached over to grab one of her animal crackers. One thing I quickly learned about Harley was like both of her parents; she did not play when it came to her food.

Instantly Harley turned to scream at the thief but quickly stopped when she noticed it was me.

"Mama!!" She squealed lifting up her arms wanting me to pick her up.

"I missed you." I gladly picked her up to hug and kiss her chubby cheeks.

Even though I was gone for a couple of days, it's hard being away from my only child. I missed having Harley waking up to her in the morning, giving me wet kisses. I had gotten used to it being just her and I. I didn't mind being a single parent, it was the easiest thing I've ever done in life.

However, there is always this gnawing feeling in the back of my mind. The thing was, I had broken a lot of rules by having Harley. Don't get me wrong I don't regret anything I've ever done, including her; it's just that now that there is someone else dependent on me, I can't afford to slip. I wasn't concerned for my life or safety, but for that of an innocent child's.

After I got Harley all packed and ready to go. We said our goodbyes to Brenda. As I was making sure Harley was strapped in securely, my phone started ringing again. Ignoring the phone call, she made sure Harley was secure and strapped in before getting in the driver's seat.

I quickly hopped into the front seat and looked at my phone. There were three missed calls and four text messages. It didn't really surprise me that all of them were from Len.

I waited until I was down the road from Brenda's house to call him back. I called him back putting him on the car speaker.

His phone rang twice before he answered, "Why haven't you been answering? So you've been avoiding me now?"

I lied, "Nope not at all. I just don't like talking and driving. I just picked up my daughter from her Grandmother's."

"At least let a nigga know that you're alive," he sounded annoyed.

"I left my phone in the car my bad."

"You almost had me worried."

I smirked, "Awe that's cute. You were worried about me."

"Well I didn't want nothing special. Just wanted to call and check on you."

"You're too kind. I got off the plane an hour ago and heading home."

"That's cool. Well I'm gonna let you go. But I'll be back in California in a couple days. I'll hit you up and if you want to we can go out."

"Um…. I'll see if Brenda can watch Harley. Just let me know when"

"You could just bring your daughter with us." That didn't sit too well with me.

"I'll think about it. But I'm driving so I'll talk to you later okay."

"Aight and yo' ass better call me too."

"Alright, bye Len."

"Bye."

I quickly hung up the phone focused back on the road. I just hoped and prayed that things didn't become more complex than it already was.