All the Brayton Brothers Want Me

Chapter 5: Brandon’s Game

Diary Entry:

Date: September 7th

Time: 10:15 PM

Dear Diary,

Brandon is a menace. He’s at my desk constantly, making inappropriate jokes, calling me "sweetheart," and generally driving me insane. He thinks everything is a game, including me.

And don’t even get me started on Genevieve. She’s got Brandon wrapped around her finger, but she keeps glaring at me like I’m the problem. This place is a battlefield, and I’m losing ground fast.

-Ivy

If working at Brayton Corporation was a battlefield, then Brandon Brayton was the bomb waiting to go off.

From the moment Ivy had sat down at her desk, he had been there, lounging against the edge like he had nothing better to do.

"Morning, sweetheart," he had greeted her, his grin wicked. "I like the new blouse. Makes me wonder what’s underneath."

Ivy had stiffened, resisting the urge to throw her coffee in his face. "Are you allergic to being professional?"

Brandon had smirked, leaning in closer. "Professional? I’m being very professional. You should see me when I’m not."

It had only gone downhill from there.

By the time she had escaped to the breakroom for coffee, her nerves had been fried. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been alone for long.

Brandon had followed, cornering her against the counter like a lion toying with his prey.

"You’re tense again," he had murmured, his voice lower now. "You know, if Alec’s not… satisfying you, I’d be happy to step in."

Ivy had shoved past him, but he had grabbed her wrist before she could get away. His grip had been firm—not hard enough to hurt, but enough to make her freeze.

"Relax, sweetheart," he had said with an easy grin. "It’s just a joke."

A cold voice had cut through the air like a blade.

"Let go of her."

Both Ivy and Brandon had turned to see Alec standing in the doorway, his jaw tight, his dark eyes flashing with fury.

"Now."

Brandon’s smirk hadn’t faltered, but something in his expression had shifted—like he had been waiting for this.

"What’s the matter, big brother?" he had taunted. "Afraid she’ll take me up on the offer?"

Alec had stepped forward, his fists clenched, the air between them thick with tension.

"Touch her again," Alec had said, his voice low and dangerous, "and I’ll make sure you regret it."

Ivy had felt her heart pound as the two brothers had faced off, the heat in the room suffocating.

Brandon, ever the instigator, had simply chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Relax," he had drawled. "I was just messing around. No need to get violent."

Alec hadn’t moved. His glare could have burned through steel.

"Stay. Away. From her."

Brandon had finally backed off, flashing Ivy a wicked wink as he strolled toward the door.

Just before leaving, he had thrown one last parting shot over his shoulder.

"Careful, sweetheart," he had mused. "You’re making me jealous."