628: War to fight

War to fight

Unlike Aria and Noah, Joshua and Ivy did not have much of an argument. The couple was calm and did not fret on the matter for they had already dealt with a similar situation once in the past. Joshua already understood that in her stream of work, Ivy had been exposed to such dangerous situations and she was capable of protecting herself.1

Yet, he could still not help but worry about her and the moment they entered the room, he started to check her thoroughly. Since the night had been troublesome and frightful, they had decided to use one of Noah's guestrooms for the night. Anyway, the mansion was huge and it did not matter if another couple stayed under his roof.

"Don't you think you are going overboard?" Ivy could not help but squirm when she saw Joshua running his gaze all over her body. Though his intentions were pure, she could not help but have dirty thoughts in her mind and she subconsciously took a step back. 

"What are you saying? I am checking if you have any injuries. How is it me going overboard?" Joshua was busy looking at her to see how red her face had become. 

It was only when he was finally convinced that Ivy was not injured that he nodded lightly and stepped back. "You are perfectly fine." He smiled at her. But it vanished when he saw how red her face had become.

Worry lines appeared on his forehead and Joshua held Ivy in his arms again. "What's wrong? Why is your face so red?" He queried and touched her forehead. "Are you running a fever?"

As soon as Ivy felt Joshua's palm her face, her cheeks heated up and she tried to dodge him. But the man was having nothing of it and he held her in place.

"Ivy, stop struggling. Why is your face so red and why is your cheeks hot? You must be running a temperature. Let me get a thermometer."

Joshua was concerned about her and he let her go for a moment, only for Ivy to hold his hand immediately. "I am fine, Joshua. There is no need to get the thermometer."

"But..."

"I do not have a fever. Believe me." She interrupted him and looked at anything but him. She did not have the courage to look at him in the eye after the thoughts she had just had.

"Then...." Joshua still remained oblivious to what Ivy was thinking and looked at her in confusion.

"It's just...it's just..." Unable to tolerate his curious gaze on her, she pushed him away and ran to the bathroom, closing the door after her with a thud. She leaned against the door and patted her heart that was fluttering like a humming bird.

Her heart finally calmed down after a long time and she walked towards the huge mirror behind the sink. "Ivy, what the hell is wrong with you? How...how.. did you become so dirty minded?" She mumbled and turned on the tap. 

The cold water helped her and her cheeks returned to normal gradually. Since she did not have any change of clothes, she could only settle for washing her face. And fortunately for her, she found a new toothbrush in one of the bathroom cabinets.

However, when she was done, the problem she had so badly avoided started to haunt her again. She did not know how to face Joshua after what she had done to him. Though the man had been oblivious to what her thoughts had been, her reaction must have instilled some doubts in him and considering Joshua, Ivy was sure that he must have deduced the truth by now.

She banged her head lightly against the door, cursing herself for giving away her predicament. She so badly wanted to avoid him. 'But I cannot stay here forever.' She thought and taking a deep breath, she walked out of the bathroom, only to find the man now lying on the bed.

From his expression, she could not make out what he thinking. But his gaze did not seem right and Ivy felt her heart skipping a beat when the man stared at her. Contrary to her expectations, the man immediately averted his gaze and stared at the door.

Ivy realized that he was thinking about something and whatever it was was not related to her. She crawled on the bed and sat beside him.

"What are you thinking, Joshua? Looks like something is bothering you."

"Yes, Ivy. I am now worried." Joshua mumbled and his frown deepened.

"About?"

"About our future."

"Pardon." Ivy could not make out what he was trying to convey. He was speaking in riddles and Ivy's face scrunched up on seeing him.

"Since Shane was working for Jared, does that mean Jared knows everything about us?" He explained what was bothering him and Ivy's eyes widened in realization.

"Then, do you think Jared knows that about us...I mean my family. Aria and Dad." Ivy explained and Joshua pursed his lips immediately.

"I am not sure. It all depends on how much Shane has revealed to Jared." Joshua remained silent for a few seconds. "But my intuitions tell me that Shane has already revealed everything to Jared. Since he was here with a vendetta, why will he give up on this opportunity to go against Noah?"

"Joshua, this is bad then." Ivy realized the solemnity of situation and her face paled immediately.

"Yes, it is."

"Should we inform Noah about it?"

"Ivy," Joshua let out a chuckle and shook his head. "Do not worry. Noah is a monster when it comes to things like these. He must have already thought about all these matters even before we did. He must now be conjuring a plan to handle Jared."

"But I am worried, Joshua. What if..what if..." Ivy's lips trembled and Joshua sat up straight and held her by her shoulders.

"I understand your concerns, Ivy. Do not worry. With us around, nothing will ever happen to you or your family. But I need a promise from you." Joshua's face was devoid of any expression and Ivy more or less had an inkling what the man wanted of her.

"What promise?"

"I do not want a repeat of what happened today. You may do anything you want. I will not stop you. It is your duty and wish to protect your friend. Maybe I would have done the same too if my friends were in trouble. But at least, inform us from now on so that we will know where you are." Joshua stated with all seriousness.

Just like Noah, he too had been worried beyond belief. The ladies had risked their lives and the thought of them being in danger was enough to send the men into a mad reverie. It was only when they saw the women return safe and sound that they could sigh in relief.

"I promise, Joshua. I will not repeat what we did today. From now on, I will inform you whenever such a situation arises." Ivy had learned her lesson and she sighed lightly.

"That puts my heart at ease. You must be tired. Sleep, Ivy. Jared must be pissed off after what happened today. We might soon have a big war to fight."

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