Chapter 70: CHAPTER SEVENTY: THE PLEAS OF AN EX.

MEREDITH:

"I am sorry, Lilly, but I am not expecting any package," I replied.

"I think it is best you come down here because the new occupant of that space is uncomfortable about it. We would appreciate your presence," Lilly insisted.

It might be important. There was no harm in going to see what she was talking about. "Okay. Give me some hours. I will be there."

"Thank you, Miss Tate."

"You are welcome."

Returning to the kitchen, I bid the girls goodbye. Since my arrival, I have remained dressed in oversize gray sweatpants, a hoodie, and sneakers. Quickly, I took a shower and changed. The presents that Miles got me had been taken to my room. I would take my time to arrange them.

A simple outfit of a yellow flowery gown from the collection of clothes he got me in Switzerland was my choice. Since the whip marks were on my ass and lower back, the dress completely covered them. To match it, I wore a pair of white sandals and grabbed one of the white Chanel handbags with a golden chain handle. Lastly, I picked up the key to my Porsche. It was time I took that car for a spin.

Tapping on his office door, I heard the low invitation of Miles from the other end of the door. It sounded engrossed with something.

"Hi," I greeted him, trying to get his attention.

"Hey," he excitedly reciprocated when his gaze met my outfit. "Yellow is a radiating color on you. You look beautiful. Spending my money on you is my new hobby, Meredith." He stood from his table and came around to grip my waist, pulling me in for a quick kiss. "You are dressed. What is the occasion? I thought that you would be sleeping since you were jet-lagged."

Smiling, I raked my fingers through his unkempt hair. "You need a trim, Mister." From his hair, I moved down to his earlobe, briefly playing with them, and then to his chin, which was decorated with stubble. It made him look younger but messy. "I got a call that someone had delivered a package to my old building. They pleaded that I come to check it out since it was addressed to me."

"Hmm. You moved out of that place over a month ago. Why now?"

"My question exactly." His wording stuck in my head. "Over a month already? Meaning that I have a few more weeks for our two-month deal to be up. Yet, here I am, relaxed and not looking for an apartment. I blame you for that," I accused with a fake frown.

"You don't need to look for anything. We weren't a couple when that deal was made. Now, we are. What is mine is yours. Including this house. If you move out, the main building will become lonely. You don't expect Brandon to keep me company."

"Not in my wildest dreams." Gently stroking his chest, "I have to go so that I will be back on time."

Glancing at his table, "I am coming with you. We will take just Brandon."

"What about work?"

"I was already exhausted. I will continue when I get back."

In all honesty, having Miles by my side would make me feel better. That building brought back memories, and I was in no mood to feel shitty. It wasn't a bad idea to have him come with me. "Okay."

"Wait in the sitting room. I need to freshen up and change. Will be down soon. While you are at it, inform Brandon to prepare the car."

Twirling the keys to my Porsche with my index finger, "We will be taking this, and I am driving."

"Oh, dear. Fine."

"See you shortly." I gave him a quick kiss and went to the sitting room, searching for Brandon. When I found him, he was on his phone checking out something. "Hi, Bran."

"Miss Tate." He gave me a curt nod, his face void of emotions. Did he hear all the screaming and moaning that happened on the open deck of the yacht? Thinking about that, I wanted to disappear out of embarrassment.

When I asked Miles if any of the guys heard us, he simply said, "the world heard us." I didn't know whether I was going to punch him or enjoy the tease. The world now knew what I sounded like in bed. How I pleaded like a whore.

"Mr. Pierce, instructed that you get the car ready. We are going to my old apartment once he comes down."

Like an obedient puppy, he nodded, finally flashing a smile at me. "Do I need to bring more security?"

"Oh, no. It would be just us three. It is nothing serious."

"Okay."

Around an hour later, Miles came down. Almost screaming at him for taking such a long time just to take a bath, my words hung before they could exit my mouth. I saw the reason for that. He had trimmed his hair, giving it a sleek style with a parting by the side. He lined up the stubble but left it. Wearing ash flannel pants, a white shirt tucked into his pants, and white sneakers that were immaculate. He wore a golden wristwatch with a diamond on it and a small gold necklace with a key pendant on it. He left two of the top buttons on his shirt open, revealing the craving on his chest.

"All set," he announced.

His voice vibrated, waking me from the enhancement of his presence. Rising, he took my hand in his and led me out the door.

With my fantastic driving skills, we were in front of my old building in no time. Parking, Miles, who paled like someone who had seen a ghost, exhaled. "You are never driving. Ever! You could have killed us. I am enrolling you in a driving class, woman."

Chuckling, I said, "stop being a drama queen. You are just jealous that you can't ride a Porsche the way I do."

"Of course, I am. I can't ride it because I don't want to get us killed."

Getting out of the car, I phoned Lilly, who let me into the apartment after calling the new occupant of my old unit. The more I looked at the entrance of my building, the sadder I felt. Pulling myself together, I led Miles up. It wasn't the time for tears and all that.

After much nagging from Miles about the staircase and how hazardous it was to use, we were in my old unit. I walked to my old door and knocked on it.

A shabby-looking woman with tattoos smoking pot, opened the door, puffing her smoke into my face. "Who are you?"

Coughing and waving the smoke out of my face, I explained, "hi, I used to live here, and the agent called that something was delivered to this place for me."

The woman poked out her head and looked left and right. When her eyes landed on Miles, she winked at him, cracking a smile that showed that half of her teeth were gone. "You are one fine young man," she complimented.

Miles shyly bent his head, rubbing his ears. “Thank you, ma'am.” His cheeks were flushed, and he was so flustered. I nearly laughed at how uncomfortable he was. Really? Miles? Women flock around you all the time and you never act this way. One compliment from an old woman and you are a glowing rainbow.

“Come in. Whosoever sent all these must be in love with you. I went to work, and when I came back, my apartment was half decorated with these,” she opened the door ajar for us to step in as she explained.

“Did you say your door was opened in your absence?” I questioned.

“Yes.”

I couldn't recognize the inside of my old apartment. Even Miles had to scrunch his face. Clothes were scattered everywhere with packs of half-eaten Cheetos. Cigarette ashes on the table with dirty plates. Some cleaning could help, woman. Besides that, placed in a corner, was a box with roses around it and a nice scented candle burning. By the side, a bouquet that had lotus, jasmine, hibiscus, and marigold lay on the floor. With that flower, I knew who it was.

I reached for it, and attached in the middle was a note that read, 'Happy twenty-fourth. I miss you.'

“Can I make use of your knife or pen?” I asked the woman.

“Sure, dear,” her high-pitched voice answered.

Tearing the box, inside was a pearl locket with pictures of us and an earring set with my initials, there was also another set of siren wire earrings with pink pearls, a little teddy bear with my initials stitched to it, and blue pumps. A bold note again that read, 'I want you back. I haven't stopped thinking about you.'

The flowers were a sign of our infinity promise to each other, and the gift would have excited me before, as they were the things I always wanted. Each time, I begged him to save up and buy me at least one, but he didn't. Now, they meant nothing because I was presently used to the thoughtful, extravagant, and genuine gifts from Miles.

Picking up the bouquet, I handed it over to the woman. “You can have this. Everything inside the box too. Kindly burn the notes. I apologize for the inconvenience. I will ask the agent to change your locks, as someone from my past still has a spare key, and he has no idea that I have moved out.”

“Really? I can have this?” The woman broke into tears, surprising me. “No one has ever gifted me such beautiful flowers.”

Hugging her, “a beautiful woman like you deserves beautiful flowers every day.” She kissed me on both cheeks before breaking off the hold.

Miles was relaxed and only smiled at the moment I was having with the woman. “Who are those from?” he asked when we left the unit.

Breathing hard, “Alan,” I told him.

“And he wants you back?” he raised an eyebrow.

“You saw the note?”

“I read the notes.” Miles snaked his hand around my shoulder, tugging me closer to himself. “He should have kept you when he had the chance. It is too late. What is mine, no one can take.” Kissing my head, “do you want me to get a restraining order against him or have some of my men beat him up?”

Cracking up, “no. We are not gangsters. I will simply avoid him.”

“I respect that. However, I will handle it myself if he oversteps his boundaries. I don't take it gently when I am handling things.” He was so serious that even his words sounded bitter. I didn't see jealousy or intimidation; I saw pure confidence in this man's eyes.