All the Brayton Brothers Want Me

Chapter 6: Callum’s Warning

Diary Entry:

Date: September 8th

Time: 10:30 PM

Dear Diary,

Callum is terrifying. He doesn’t flirt like Brandon or smirk like Alec. He just stares at me like he’s waiting for me to mess up. Today, he pulled me into his office and told me to stay out of his way. Like I needed another reminder that I’m walking on thin ice.

I’m scared of him. And I hate that he knows it.

-Ivy

The text came without warning.

Now.

Just one word. No explanation. No room for argument.

Ivy’s stomach twisted as she stared at her phone screen. The sender: Callum Brayton.

Alec was cold. Brandon was reckless. But Callum? Callum was dangerous in a way that didn’t require words or grand displays. It was in the way he watched, the way he stayed quiet while everyone else revealed too much. He didn’t bother with charm or theatrics. He didn’t need to.

Now he wanted to see her.

Ivy hesitated outside his office, pressing her palms against her sides to keep them from shaking. The room inside was massive, sleek, and as devoid of warmth as the man who ran it. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city skyline, making the space feel even bigger than it already was.

Callum didn’t look up from his paperwork when she entered.

“Close the door.”

The sharpness of his voice made her jump. She did as she was told.

For a long moment, the only sound was the quiet scratch of his pen against paper. Then, finally, he lifted his gaze. His gray eyes locked onto hers, cool and unreadable.

“I don’t know what Alec’s game is,” he said, voice calm but razor-sharp. “And I don’t care. But you’re already causing problems, and I don’t tolerate problems.”

Ivy’s pulse hammered. “I didn’t do anything.”

Callum leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable but somehow still unnerving. “Not yet. But you will. And when you do, I’ll be ready.”

He stood up, walking around the desk with slow, deliberate steps, stopping just in front of her. He was tall, broad, his presence alone enough to make her feel backed into a corner.

“Stay out of my way,” he said softly. “And stay out of the spotlight. Because if you bring more problems here, I’ll handle it my way.”

Ivy swallowed hard, her nails digging into her palms.

She turned on her heel and left the office, her breath unsteady.

Then she ran straight into something solid.

Strong hands gripped her arms, steadying her. She looked up and met Alec’s dark eyes. His expression was stormy.

“What did he say to you?” His fingers tightened around her arm. “Are you okay?”

Ivy let out a shaky breath, trying to ignore the fact that, for the first time since she walked into that office, she actually felt safe.