Reclaimed By Love

Two

Ellie stared at Alex, his words sending a chill down her spine.

Be his plaything? Until he was satisfied?

It meant surrendering her freedom, her body, her very self. And he expected it to start now?

Ellie, raised in a loving and protective family, had never experienced such humiliation. If her parents hadn't died, would she be here, begging this man?

The memory of the past days—the condescending smiles, the cold dismissals, the predatory gleam in those men's eyes—stung like a fresh wound. Her uncles, once so eager to please, now treated her like an obstacle.

But she had to be strong. Her parents were gone. All they'd left her was their house and Sterling Enterprises. She couldn't lose the company, the embodiment of their hard work. She wouldn't let their legacy crumble.

Yet, Alex's demand was outrageous.

Ellie bit her lip, her hands twisting together. She looked up at him, pleading, "Mr. Ramsey, I can give you shares in the company. Or… or even half of Sterling. Just please, help me save it."

Alex's eyes narrowed. Her desperation, her vulnerability… it was like looking at Isabelle all over again. The resemblance fueled a surge of anger within him.

"I said," he growled, "be my bed companion, or get out."

"But—"

"No buts. Those are my terms."

Alex's gaze hardened. Without another word, he began to undress, shedding his jacket and shirt.

"What are you doing?" Ellie felt a wave of panic.

But Alex ignored her. He turned and walked toward the bathroom, seemingly unconcerned about her presence.

Ellie stood alone in the opulent hotel suite, her eyes darting around the unfamiliar luxury.

What should I do?

Sell myself?

She'd come here determined to do whatever it took to get Alex's help. But this…

She was still a virgin. The thought of giving herself to this cold, demanding man…

Yet, what choice did she have? Only Alex Ramsey, the business genius, could save Sterling Enterprises.

A wave of nausea washed over her. She couldn't do this. She couldn't.

But she had to.

Ellie gritted her teeth, her gaze fixed on the bathroom door. Alex would be out soon. She had to stay. She had to go through with it.

As soon as he was out of sight, Ellie grabbed her phone. "Maddy," she whispered urgently, "do you have… those pills? The ones that make you… you know…"

"What? You're going to drug Alex Ramsey? No, wait… you’re going to drug yourself? Ellie, are you insane? Sleeping with him to save the company? That's crazy!" Madison's voice was shrill with alarm.

"Just tell me if you have them! And if you do, bring them here. Now!" Ellie hung up, her heart pounding.

Stepping out of the bathroom, fresh from a shower, Alex assumed Ellie would stay, but she was nowhere to be seen. All that talk about saving her parents' company, but unwilling to pay the price.

He scoffed, settling onto the bed and checking his phone. But Ellie's face, so like Isabelle's, lingered in his mind. He'd finally managed to bury his feelings for Isabelle, only to have this woman appear, stirring up old wounds.

Damn her!

Upset him and then run away?

Not this time.

At the elevator, Madison rushed out, a small box clutched in her hand. She spotted Ellie, her face etched with worry.

"Ellie, are you sure about this? This… this isn't the way. Your parents wouldn't want you to do this." Despite bringing the pills, Madison still hoped Ellie would reconsider.

"It's okay, Maddy. It's like… having a one-night stand. Just… getting it over with." Ellie's smile was brittle.

She never imagined she'd have to sell her body to save her company.

But she had no one to blame but herself. She'd been too carefree, too content to live a life of luxury, never bothering to learn about the family business. And now, those vultures were picking it clean.

"Thank you, Maddy. Go back now. I'll call you later." Ellie turned and walked away.

Madison watched her go, a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest.

She knew Ellie's stubborn streak. Even if she hadn't brought the pills, Ellie would have found them elsewhere. Better to ensure she had something safe.

Standing outside Alex's suite, Ellie swallowed the pills, her throat tight.

This will make it easier, right? At least I won't be so scared.

She pushed open the unlocked door and walked in.

Alex looked up, his eyes meeting Ellie's. She looked like a woman walking to her execution.

"No need to be so dramatic," he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "If you're having second thoughts, the door's right there."

"I accept your terms," Ellie said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands. She could feel the pills taking effect, a warmth spreading through her, her cheeks flushing.

She began to undress, quickly shedding her clothes until she stood before him in black lace lingerie.

"Don't think you can trick me," she said, walking toward him.

She'd never been with a man before. Her movements were clumsy, hesitant. But she reached for him, trying to mimic the passion she'd seen in movies, hoping to please him.

She couldn't bear the thought of him rejecting her, of this all being for nothing.

Her Isabelle-like face, her perfect figure, the flush on her cheeks… Alex felt a flicker of desire.

The woman was practically throwing herself at him. Her inexperience was evident, but it only seemed to intensify his arousal.