Out of Control: Into Your Everything-Chapter 17: Unwilling?

Scarlett Shaw was yanked downward, thinking Ryan Ford would cushion her fall, but the man never intended to catch her. Scarlett was forced to land on one knee.

Her kneecap slammed painfully against the floor.

Scarlett lifted her eyes and met Ryan Ford’s gaze as he looked down at her.

He was towering over her, eyes calm, but like a devil driving her into desperation.

Ryan’s large hand caressed her face, his fingers resting on her lips, pulling her closer between his thighs.

Scarlett’s expression shifted dramatically, struggling to get to her feet.

"Ryan Ford!"

At moments like this, she didn’t care that he was her boss. Even if God Himself walked in, she couldn’t keep getting entangled with him.

"You don’t want to?"

Ryan didn’t force her; instead, he pinched her chin and asked with indifferent ease.

Scarlett was forced to look up at him.

He lowered his gaze, his obsidian eyes fathomless, impossible to read. The way he stared down at her was as if she were a toy for his amusement.

Scarlett glanced at the fruit knife on the table, thinking maybe she should give Ryan Ford a taste of blood to sober him up.

In the dimly lit private room, Ryan slouched on the sofa, Scarlett still half-kneeling; the two of them locked in a standoff.

Outside, rain pattered softly. Suddenly, a clap of thunder startled them.

Scarlett’s body trembled.

At the same time, Ryan suddenly leaned in and pulled her onto his lap.

"Scared?"

Scarlett pressed her lips together. "I’m fine."

Ryan lifted his eyes, pressing down on the back of her neck, his lips sealing hers. Scarlett’s eyes widened. Reflexively, she tried to push him away, her hand on his chest, only to have her wrist caught.

The sofa in Scarlett’s place was narrow and hard. Ryan already crowded the space just by sitting, let alone holding Scarlett in his arms.

Her apartment was a single bedroom; the bed sat next to the sofa. Ryan simply picked her up and pressed her onto the bed.

Ryan’s breath was thick and heavy. Scarlett’s mind spun from his kisses, and with the alcohol dampening her body, she felt soft—her subconscious warned her that something dangerous was eating away at her heart.

"Ryan Ford."

When Ryan’s lips dropped to her neck, Scarlett said softly:

"I know your ex is getting engaged and you’re in a bad mood, but don’t use me as a vent for your anger."

Ryan paused, bracing himself on either side of her, lips curling up faintly, a mocking smile flickering in his eyes. "What makes you think you’re even worthy to be compared to her?"

"..."

She hadn’t been sure before, but hearing this, she knew for certain.

This bastard was definitely drunk because Zoe Sutton was getting engaged, and now he wanted to use her as an outlet for his...desires.

Just like the first time, same damn thing.

There was an iron alarm clock on the nightstand. Scarlett considered, if Ryan got forceful, she’d smash his head with it.

If she lost her job, she could always find another.

But Ryan, perhaps thrown off by her words, seemed less interested. He rolled over, lying beside her instead.

Honestly, Scarlett figured it was partly the booze—drunken lust was overrated. Most of the time, men who drink too much are useless.

If Ryan lost steam halfway, and she had to be the witness to his failure, she’d probably end up marked for assassination for life.

Scarlett had also had some drinks tonight; though not drunk, Ryan’s rough treatment left her drowsy all the same.

The bed was a tiny 1.5-meter mattress—just right for her alone, but with Ryan lying beside her, it was downright cramped.

She considered retreating to the sofa but thought—this is my house, why should I be so pathetic? No way. So she stayed in bed as well.

Still, she was a coward at heart and didn’t dare disturb the big shot next to her, so she shrank closer to the edge.

When she woke up again, she discovered at some point she’d rolled into Ryan Ford’s arms, hugging his waist like a pillow.

And now, in the early morning, things were awkward for a man.

Ryan was no exception—for obvious reasons.

Scarlett stiffened all over, delicately and quietly wriggling herself out from Ryan’s embrace. As she looked up, she locked eyes with his cool, clear gaze.

Scarlett froze in place.

After a moment, she forced a smile. "Good morning, President Ford."

How was this any different than going to work!

Ryan let go of her, glanced around the room, and for once, looked annoyed as he rubbed his temples.

Afraid he’d blame her, Scarlett hurried to say, "Last night you insisted on coming to my place. You were drunk; I didn’t do anything."

Ryan glanced at her. "You’re quick to clear yourself of blame. Did you learn that at Veridian?"

Bro, what responsibility could I possibly have for you?

Last night you practically forced your way in!

The most beautiful night—from Saturday to Sunday—Scarlett already missed. Now it was Sunday, her only real day off, and she didn’t want to be bothered again.

She was plotting to kick him out when Ryan suddenly said:

"The tie clip, did you buy it?"

Scarlett was stunned for a moment, then nodded.

Ryan raised his eyebrows slightly.

"If you’re returning something, why not do it yourself? Instead, you had Aaron Carson deliver it—and snuck in something extra. Scarlett Shaw, what are you up to?"

Scarlett had thought, after last time, with Ryan drawing such a clear line between them, it’d be embarrassing to approach him herself.

But "snuck in something extra"—that was really insulting.

Scarlett resisted the urge to punch Ryan Ford right in the head, and decided to explain:

"I heard from Skyler that the day Ryan Ford took me away, you canceled your engagements and rushed back to Cloud Mansion. Ryan Ford had answered a phone call from the chairman, so I figured it must’ve been your doing."

As far as Scarlett knew, Ryan and Ezra Ford didn’t have the best father-son relationship.

At least in the three years she’d known them, she’d never seen the two interact in any way.

Ryan gave her a casual glance. "If Ryan Ford gets into trouble, it’ll be a hassle."

In other words, rescuing Scarlett Shaw had nothing to do with it.

Scarlett: "I know, but you did help me out. The tie clip was a thank-you gift. I know it’s nothing to you. If you don’t want it, just throw it away."

The tie clip really wasn’t worth much to Ryan Ford.

But it was the latest model from a well-known brand, understated and elegant. Given Scarlett’s financial situation, picking it as a thank-you gift actually showed genuine appreciation.

"You’ve really got good manners."

Ryan didn’t say whether he’d tossed it—just replied carelessly:

"If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were some rich heiress."

Scarlett fell silent.

Before the family bankruptcy, Benjamin Shaw had always taught her how to deal with people. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Take it on the chin; no matter what others do, just keep your own conscience clear, and you’ll walk tall and live freely.

She’d kept these words close over the years.

Even if those creditors hated Benjamin Shaw, in her heart, Benjamin would always be the best dad.

Ryan Ford’s gaze dropped, catching the faint redness at the corner of Scarlett’s eyes.