Reckless Billionaire’s Ruthless Claim (Obsessed Billionaires, Cherished Brides #4)

Chapter 23 A Little Joke

Sawyer’s gaze flicked between the two of them before stepping forward with slow, measured steps.

"Out," he said flatly to Ada.

Ada, scrambling, stepped in front of Ellie like a human shield.

"Mr. Stark, it’s alright!" she said with forced cheer. "Just a little joke!"

Sawyer ignored her. He grabbed Ada’s shoulders, turned her around, and gently but firmly pushed her toward the door.

"I know. Ada. Now get out.”

"Mr. Stark!" Ada resisted, glancing at Ellie in alarm. "Don’t hurt Ms. Ellie! She’s still young! She—she didn’t know what she was doing!"

"I won’t hurt her," Sawyer assured, his voice dripping with impatience. "Now, go."

"But, Mr. Stark—"

"ADA. OUT." He pushed her past the threshold and shut the door in one swift motion.

From the other side, Ada’s muffled voice still carried through. "Mr. Stark! Don’t take it to heart! Ms. Ellie is just an innocent young girl!"

Sawyer exhaled sharply, clearly irritated, before yanking the door open again. "Ada. I’m not going to hurt her. Go home. Send lunch. Thank you."

Then, without waiting for a response, he shut the door once more and turned to Ellie.

Ellie, who had been slowly inching back into the couch, now looked like she wanted to be swallowed whole. But the moment Sawyer’s gaze locked onto her, she knew that hope was gone.

Panic surged through her. Without thinking, she jumped to her feet and bolted toward the washroom.

Bad idea.

She nearly made it—her fingers had just grasped the doorknob—when Sawyer caught her, yanking her back effortlessly. A startled gasp escaped her lips as he pulled her out of the washroom and pushed her onto the couch.

Her back hit the soft surface. Before she could recover, he was on top of her. One of his hands clamped around her wrists, pinning them above her head, while the other gripped her jaw firmly, forcing her to meet his burning gaze.

"You’re pretty cocky, huh?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Calling me names to my fucking face?"

Ellie swallowed hard.

‘No, Ellie. If you give in now, he’ll use it against you and make your life a living hell. Get a grip!’

Lifting her chin stubbornly, she forced a smile. "It was just a joke," she said, feigning innocence. "You wouldn’t take it seriously, would you?"

Sawyer matched her smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. "Wouldn’t I?" His grip on her tightened. “After all, I’m a narcissist, aren’t I?"

"No! No, of course not!" She shook her head quickly. "You’re the most generous man ever. Ada must’ve misunderstood me. I actually meant… Sawyer Nicest Stark!"

His lips twitched in amusement, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes, they darkened. "Ellie," he said slowly, voice dropping to a deadly whisper.

"What?" she asked, feigning nonchalance. "It’s just a nickname! Don’t be such a baby."

"So now I’m a baby too?" he drawled, his voice dark and rough. "Maybe I should put a baby in you right now—then by next year, you’ll know exactly what a real one looks like."

Ellie’s breath caught. Her eyes snapped open, a deep blush creeping up her neck.

"Don’t you dare!" she hissed.

His glare only intensified.

Before she could fight back, he grabbed her waist and hauled her fully onto the bed, flipping her body effortlessly. She barely had time to gasp before he grabbed the hem of her oversized t-shirt and yanked it up, dragging it over her arms and throwing it to the ground.

"Sawyer!" she shrieked, struggling.

"You’ve become too damn spoiled, Ellie Madden," he growled, his voice dark and dangerous. "Let’s see if you can even remember your own name when I’m done with you—forget those damn nicknames."

And then his lips crashed over hers

His hands roamed over her body, deliberately tracing the places where she was most sensitive, where even the slightest touch made her tremble.

A startled gasp left her lips, but he silenced it with his mouth, crashing into hers with a hunger that sent a shiver down her spine.

His hands gripped her waist, keeping her pressed against him as he deepened the kiss. His tongue teased, coaxed, and demanded more, and Ellie couldn’t stop herself from melting into him.

She barely had a second to breathe before his lips left hers and traveled down her neck, hot and urgent. He kissed, licked, and nipped at the soft skin, drawing out a sharp inhale from her. The scent of her—sweet and intoxicating—wrapped around him, making his blood run hotter.

Ellie arched against him, her fingers threading through his hair, tugging him closer. The low growl he let out sent a thrill through her.

“Sawyer…” Her voice was breathless, a mix of frustration and longing, and it only made him hungrier.

His hands roamed her curves, his lips finding hers again in a kiss that left her dizzy. She clung to him, her heart racing as he pressed her deeper into the couch.

His head lifted, a thin string of saliva connecting their parted lips, carrying the taste of her. His gaze darkened as it roamed over her exposed skin, drinking in every inch of her. Then, with a slow touch, he spread his hands over her full breasts, squeezing them possessively.

He pressed her breasts together, deepening her already generous cleavage. Just as she took a shaky breath, he bent down, claiming her sensitive buds with his lips, teeth, and tongue. A moan escaped her before she could stop it, and her back arched as she instinctively pressed closer.

His mouth claimed her swollen peaks with a feverish hunger. His hands kneaded and explored, finding the spots that made her gasp, teasing her mercilessly.

She whimpered, writhing beneath his touch.

A smirk tugged at his lips, his fingers trailing down her sides, grazing the delicate skin of her waist before teasing the dip of her hip.

Before she could recover, he spun her around, pressing her upper body on the couch, revealing the soft curve of her ass that was barely covered by black cotton panties.

His fingers traced up the back of her thigh, slipping between her legs to brush over the damp heat at her center.

“Sawyer…” she moaned, her voice betraying her resolve to not let him take control over her.

His fingers moved with expert precision, teasing her over the thin fabric. “You’re already wet,” he whispered, his breath hot against her neck.

Ellie squeezed her eyes shut, embarrassment flooding her. “Don’t rub me there,” she pleaded, though her body trembled against him.

Ignoring her weak protest, Sawyer pushed her panties aside, slipping a single finger into her wet heat.

A sharp gasp escaped her lips. “Sawyer…”

“You want me, Ellie?” His voice was husky, teasing, as he slid deeper, curling his finger inside her.

“No,” she whimpered, her legs shaking.

His fingers moved in slow, deliberate strokes, drawing out her pleasure. “Are you sure?”

Pleasure curled deep in her belly. His fingers stroked her most sensitive spot, pushing her closer and closer to the edge.

“Sawyer, I’m going to… fuck!”

Just as she felt herself about to shatter, he withdrew his hand.

“No!” she cried out, her body trembling with unfulfilled need.

Sawyer smirked at her desperation. “Stay still.”

She watched, dazed, as he gently palmed her breasts, lifting them up. The added pressure made her gasp, her nipples pebbling from the sensation.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, his gaze hungry as he took in her flushed body.

A muffled moan escaped her as he pinched her nipples, sending shockwaves of pleasure through her.

"Good girl," Sawyer whispered, his voice a deep murmur against Ellie's ear. His fingers traced a slow, teasing path along her thigh, his touch featherlight yet searing against her heated skin. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she felt something slick slide against her inner thigh, teasing closer to her aching center.

His mouth descended upon her breast, lips wrapping around the taut peak, sucking hard while his other hand squeezed the soft mound. Ellie arched beneath him, the combined sensations making her mind spin.

He lifted his head, piercing eyes locking onto hers with dark amusement.

Her body was shaking, overstimulated yet craving more.

Sawyer’s lips curled into a knowing smirk as he reached for his belt, unbuckling it, and undressing with an agonizing slowness.

She barely had time to catch her breath before he hooked his hands under her knees and lifted her effortlessly, spreading her legs wide until her glistening heat was on full display for him.

Ellie trembled, pleasure pooling in her belly. Her body burned with need, her head spinning with the intensity of his gaze, the heat of his touch.

His fingers slipped between her legs, rubbing slow, torturous circles around her swollen clit.

Her breath hitched. God, she needed him. But she wanted him to break first.

Watching her unravel, her body glistening with sweat, Sawyer reached down, wrapping a fist around his hard, throbbing cock. He stroked himself lazily, his gaze never leaving her.

He leaned in, the heated tip of his cock brushing against her sensitive clit. A shockwave of pleasure shot through her, making her legs tremble.

"Mmmh—!" A strangled moan slipped past her lips.

She was so wet that her arousal dripped down her inner thighs, pooling onto the seat beneath her. Sawyer’s gaze darkened, his breathing heavy as he rubbed his thick crown against her entrance, teasing, barely pushing in before pulling away.

Ellie’s body jerked with need. Her fingers curled against the couch. "Sawyer…"

He smirked, gripping her thighs to spread her open even wider. "Yes."

Ellie clenched her jaw, her pride warring with the desperate ache in her core. Then—his thumb brushed over her tightest spot, pressing just enough to make her shudder.

"Oh, God—!" Her whole body convulsed, her thighs quivering.

Sawyer groaned at the sight of her, at how her body trembled, how she was drenched for him, dripping onto the leather seat. He dragged his hands up her thighs, savoring every inch of her before his fingers slid between her folds, feeling the slick, needy heat waiting for him.

Ellie whimpered, her body betraying her. She couldn't take it anymore.

"More." Her voice was a breathless whisper. "Please…"

That single plea shattered his restraint.

"Of course," he rasped, gripping her waist before flipping her onto her stomach, pressing her forward until her forehead touched the couch.

And then—he sank into her.

Ellie gasped, her nails digging into the seat as he stretched her inch by inch, filling her to the brim. The delicious burn made her back arch, her legs trembling.

Sawyer growled low in his throat, his grip tightening on her hips. "Fucking hell, Ellie." His deep, husky voice sent a shiver down her spine.

He pulled out slowly, letting her feel every thick inch of him leaving her drenched heat, before slamming back in, forcing a strangled cry from her lips.

Her body shook.

His next thrust was harder, deeper.

Ellie’s mouth fell open in a silent scream, her vision blurring as he fucked with ruthless, punishing strokes. The couch seat beneath her was slick with sweat, her swollen nipples rubbing against it with every thrust.

"Ah… ahhh!" She cried out when he drove even deeper, harder, hungrier.

Sawyer gritted his teeth, his face twisted in agonized pleasure. "You take me so fucking well," he growled, watching how her body sucked him in, how her wetness coated him.

His thrusts became faster, rougher. He slammed into her harder, forcing her body to melt under him.

A deep groan ripped from his throat as he leaned over her, his lips grazing her ear. "I’m going to fuck you senseless."

She shuddered, gasping, moaning. Her body was burning, tightening, her orgasm coiling in her belly, ready to snap.

Sawyer dragged his teeth along her shoulder before biting down, a growl reverberating through his chest.

Ellie’s body convulsed, shattered, broke apart. Her orgasm crashed through her in waves, her vision going white as she let out a strangled, broken cry.

Sawyer groaned into her skin, his hands gripping her tighter as he thrust deep, burying himself inside her, claiming every inch of her body.

"Fuck, Ellie!"

And then he followed her into the abyss.

***

Sawyer’s eyes cracked open with a heavy sigh. He had dozed off in the chair while working, keeping watch over Ellie as she slept through the day. Since the hospital had discharged her earlier, he had stayed home, unwilling to leave her side. But at some point, exhaustion caught up to him, and he had fallen asleep without realizing it.

Now, the clock read six in the evening.

Now, as he woke, the first thing he did was glance at the bed—but it was empty.

Frowning, he sat up and scanned the room. "Ellie?" he called out, but there was no response. He checked the bathroom. Still no sign of her.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," he said.

Ada entered, setting a tray of evening tea on the table.

"Ada, where is Ellie?" His voice came out rough with irritation.

"Ms. Ellie?" Ada blinked. "She went out, Mr. Stark. I thought you knew? She left just a little while ago."

Sawyer's drowsiness vanished in an instant. His sharp gaze snapped to Ada.

"She what?" His jaw clenched. In one swift motion, he grabbed his coat, his frustration boiling over.

"This woman is going to drive me to my grave," he muttered, marching out to get to his car. "There are people out there trying to kill her. Olivia is after her goddamn life out of jealousy, and she almost fucking died. And yet—she went out?" His voice darkened. "Why the hell doesn't she ever listen to me?"

Agitated, he threw his things into the car and pulled out his phone. Since the accident, he had secretly installed a location tracker on Ellie's phone—just in case of emergencies. He checked it now, his irritation spiking when he saw where she was.

His eyes darkened.

Her location blinked on the screen.

She was near Olivia’s house.

“For fuck’s sake.” His hand shot up, fingers digging through his hair in frustration. “What the hell is she doing there?”

Without wasting another second, he jumped into the car, flooring the gas as he sped toward Olivia’s home.

***

Ellie hesitated at the entrance of the Whitlock house.

She never felt like a stranger here. This house held memories—familiar warmth. Yet, it wasn’t her home. Not really.

Ever since she discovered Olivia wasn’t Jack and Jessica’s biological daughter, something inside her felt… unsettled. The thought of them living under the same roof as a murderer made her uneasy. Were they safe?

Straightening her back, she took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The hall was quiet. Too quiet.

She barely took a step before, she nearly stumbled back in shock. Jack stood in the middle of the hall, placing photos on a shelf. His sharp gaze flickered to her in surprise.

“What are you doing here?” His voice held no hostility, just mild confusion.

Before she could answer, Jessica appeared from another room.

Ellie immediately regretted coming.

But then—

“Ellie?” Jessica’s voice softened in surprise. “Come here.”

Ellie’s heart pounded. She hesitated, but there was no point in backing away now. “I… I just wanted to check on you both. And… about that attack…” She swallowed. “I swear, I didn’t do it. I didn’t attack Olivia.”

Before she could ramble further, Jessica walked up to her and took her hands.

"I know."

Ellie blinked in shock.

Jessica exhaled slowly. “I’m sorry for hitting you that day. For yelling at you. I couldn’t put you above my daughter then. That was my failure.”

Ellie stared at her, unable to believe what she was hearing. She had never expected Jessica to even look her way again, let alone apologize.

"I understand," Ellie finally said. "I don’t blame you."

Jessica smiled.

For the first time, it felt… real. Not the polite, distant smiles Jessica had given her before. This one was warm, genuine. And something about it made Ellie’s chest tighten, as if she had been waiting for this moment for longer than she even realized.

Her gaze drifted to the pictures Jack was arranging on the shelves. Rows of framed memories—Jack, Jessica, and a little girl.

Jessica followed her gaze. "We were just putting up the pictures we have of our daughter. Ever since the fire, Olivia refused to let us keep any in the house." Her voice dropped into a bitter murmur. "Now it makes sense why."

Ellie’s eyes moved over the photos, scanning each one. And then—she froze.

One picture caught her attention. It was familiar.

She stepped closer, her heart pounding as she reached out and picked it up.

It was the same picture she had. The exact same one.

Heart pounding, she reached for it, gripping the frame tightly. A boy in green pajamas. A little girl beside him.

Her fingers trembled as she turned to them. “Who is this?” Her voice barely escaped her lips as she pointed at the boy.

Jessica smiled. “That’s Sawyer.”

Ellie’s heart stopped. Her pulse roared in her ears.

The world around her blurred as she stared at the boy in green nightwear. And the girl beside him in pink.