Love or Lust?

Chapter Three: Saved by the Devil

The lady recognised her. She quickly pulled the scarf over her face it was too late, people had surrounded them.

"She was on the TV last night! Ivy Ashby. I am a fan."

"Uhh..not now....

"Can you sign this for me?"

A small hole interrupted her, stretching the book in her hand to Ivy.

Ivy became trapped. Some onlookers brought out their phones and started taking pictures of her while others shoved their various things into her face. Edward would be so mad at her if he realized she went out without him knowing and no guards following her!

Having no options, she took pictures with some fans who were desperate and even signed autographs on the spot. She had thought she could have the day to herself but it seems nature had other plans.

Just as she was about to sign a customized jotter, a black sleep car pulled up to the sidewalk, making the crowd panic as they moved away from Ivy.

The door opened and Ivy slid in immediately, even though she was safe, the cameras wouldn't stop clicking at her face. She closed the door with the strength left in her and the car reversed back into the road before driving away from the crowd speedily.

Ivy heaved a sigh as she pulled off her scarf then relaxed into the seat.

"Thank you...

The words stopped in her throat as her gaze landed on the driver. It was the least person she had expected.

Richard Walker.

The designer she exchanged pleasantries with last night.

She had thought her savior was her guards...she never expected a famous designer to save her from fans. Her face flooded with embarrassment but she summoned the courage to speak to him.

"Hi." He said, his eyes glued on the way.

"Hi, Mr. Walker. I did not know you were the one who came to my rescue..how did you know I needed help?" She inquired curiously.

"I did not know if anyone needed my help. I only stopped by the restaurant for a moment to enter my car with her crazy fans banging on my car." He replied nonchalantly.

"Oh. About that, I'm ver...

"Where were you headed to? And your bodyguards? You know damn well you can't walk freely on the streets especially where your die-hard fans are gathered at or do you intend to organize a meet and greet?" He scolded, as he turned his gaze to hers.

"Well, I...Hey! Watch out!" She yelled as the car was about to collide with another car that suddenly came from behind but fortunately, Richard swerved to the side and the engine died down.

Fear had gripped her. If she had not noticed on time, they would have been in a ghastly accident.

"Do you want to get us killed?" She asked, glaring her eyes.

"Are you scared of death?"

His expression was indifferent. He did not care if they had died.

"I am sorry for raising my voice but your focus should have been on the road not somewhere else. I don't know if you don't value your life but I value mine, so much." She replied as she folded he hands on her lap.

"My eyes were somewhat on the road but my attention was on the road." He admitted then added. "We met last night but there was no chance to talk well. Why are you in Los Angeles?"

"I have a film I'm working on and I shouldn't be here. I'm staying at Hotel Bonnet, I just decided to come out and buy a rich meal for myself but...as you can see, it did not work out." She answered back softly.

The rumors she heard about him were true. He was more like a sadist and a very arrogant man. If not for the fans who recognized her, she would not be in his car at the moment but what choice does she have?

"Have we perhaps met before?"

The question pierced through her thoughts.

She glanced at him and observed his outfit.

He wore brown trousers and a white T-shirt with sandal what complimented his trousers. His hair was brown and styled messily. His face was too handsome for a designer, it was perfect for modeling.

"Are you okay?"

Ivy looked away immediately then cleared her throat. "Yeah...about that question, I've never seen you before until last night."

"Are you sure?"

Ivy furrowed her brows as she shifted her gaze to him. Their eyes met and she noticed he was looking at her strangely, which made her feel very uncomfortable.

The huge building appeared in the distance, making her relieved.

"We are here!" She declared excitedly.

Richard focused on the road and soon they arrived at the front of the hotel. He drove into the parking lot and after parking, Ivy alighted from the car, not wanting to spend one more moment with him.

As she stepped down, her gaze fell on a red car beside Richard's car in the parking space. She widened her eyes as the door opened and David alighted from it.

"David!"

The tall man looked at her and his eyes lit up as she rushed forward.

"Ivy?"

She ran into his arms while Richard watched quietly.

"I missed you so much ." She muttered as she withdrew from him.

David cupped her face with his hands. "I missed you too. How have you been? And you did not tell you'd be in Los Angeles."

"Didn't Stewart tell you?"

"He told me about the big project he's working on but he didn't tell me you'd be featured in it. Maybe he wanted to use it as a surprise? You know he likes surprises." David retorted as he lowered his hands from Ivy's face.

"I see."

David shifted his gaze from Ivy to Richard wbhi waved at him. His expression changed instantly.

"Richard? Is that you?"

Richard came forward and accepted the handshake from David.

"Look at you. All grown up." Richard said, grinding as he withdrew his hand from the handshake into his trousers' pocket.

Ivy felt dejected.