Chapter 1 Are You Trying To Seduce Me Again

A bolt of lightning slashed through the rainy night, illuminating a woman huddled against a stone pillar in the courtyard.

Brayden Davis paused briefly, his gaze indifferent as he stepped over her.

"Brayden, please, you're my brother," a soft familiar voice pleaded, the woman's fingers tugging at his pant leg.

He glanced down at her, his expression cold. "Kayley, I've told you, Roselyn is my only sister. You don't belong here."

Kayley Spencer's heart sank, but she couldn't refute his words.

She was a burden, an unwanted stepsister. She'd lost her place within the Davis family when her mother died.

Besides, Brayden had never acknowledged their familial bond.

"I'm so sorry. I just... I need help," she stammered, her voice trembling.

Brayden didn't respond. Through a flash of lightning, he saw her pale, fragile face clearly. Despite her pitiful appearance, she still looked undeniably beautiful... just as he remembered.

As he silently gazed down at her, Kayley tentatively withdrew her hand. "I..."

He had made his stance clear. She would have to pick up what remained of her dignity and face this alone.

With a forced smile, she pushed herself up, ignoring the pain in her ankle. "Sorry to bother you, Mr. Davis. I'll leave now..."

Before she could finish, he scooped her up and carried her into the villa.

He pushed his bedroom door open and tossed her onto the bed, his hands accidentally brushing against her injured ankle.

Kayley winced, instinctively grabbing his suit, but stifled a cry.

Brayden's eyes flashed. He cruelly squeezed her ankle.

She yelped. Tears streamed down her face as she begged, "Please stop, it hurts!"

Brayden withdrew his hand and stood up, looking down at her.

Kayley had thought her pitiful state might evoke his sympathy, but all she got was a mocking laugh. "How pathetic. After leaving the Davis family, you actually ended up like this."

Kayley clearly heard the taunts in his words but chose to ignore them. She braced herself and asked for his help, choking. "I can't dance anymore. My leg was broken. The injury healed but the nerves are still damaged. The doctor said it can't fully heal."

Tears flowed freely as she vented her shattered dreams. "Dancing is all I have left. It's the only way I can relive memories with my mother. Please, you're the best surgeon in the country. I believe you can cure me. Please..."

Brayden remained expressionless after hearing her pleas. He then sneered and asked, "What's that got to do with me? Go to Aaron Harding."

Kayley's eyes widened. How could Brayden possibly know about Aaron?

Had he been keeping an eye on her even after she left the Davis family?

Confusion filled her as she glanced at Brayden. When he offered no explanation, she awkwardly admitted, "We broke up. Aaron cheated on me with some rich woman."

He was behind her injury too, but revealing that would only invite more ridicule.

"Oh." Brayden's enigmatic smile held no clues. "I stopped doing surgeries three years ago to focus on the family business," he stated. "You should find someone else."

Feeling flustered, Kayley lunged forward, grasping his arm, pleading, "Brayden, please! You're the only one who can help me. I'll do anything."

His gaze swept over her hand on his arm, a sneer twisting his lips. "Trying to seduce me again, like three years ago, huh?"

His words were a dagger to her heart. She quickly pulled back, stammering an explanation. "No, I'm just..."

"Kayley, is that all you can do?" he interrupted, his eyes locking onto hers. A possessive intensity flared in his gaze, as if he wanted to consume her whole.

Shock washed over Kayley. Did he want her to continue?

But... she thought he despised her.

She had a lot of questions but no answers. There was only one way forward if she wanted to heal her leg. She stood on her tiptoes, her lips brushing his.

Brayden neither welcomed nor rejected her kiss. His Adam's apple bobbed as her moist lips awkwardly fumbled around his.

Seconds ticked by, and Kayley faltered, unsure of the next move. She pulled away, her voice tinged with despair as she asked, "Is this okay?"

"What do you think?" His tone was cold, mocking. "Your kissing hasn't improved one bit. No wonder Aaron left you."

Pain shot through Kayley. She bit her lip, determination hardening her resolve as her hand moved to his chest.

"Brayden, are you home?" a voice called from outside. It was Roselyn Davis, his sister.

Panic surged through Kayley as she tried to escape, but Brayden's grip held her fast, pinning her to the bed.

His hand cupped her chin as his lips descended forcefully, invading her mouth.

A hand slipped beneath her clothes, touching her with a possessive fury.

Kayley's entire body trembled as she struggled against his overpowering strength.

"Brayden, you're back, aren't you? I saw your car. Why didn't you even close the door?" Roselyn called again, her voice getting closer.

There was a brief knock on the door.

Terror seized Kayley's heart. She couldn't be seen by Roselyn - not like this.

Kayley grew increasingly terrified and struggled desperately, but the difference in strength was too great. She couldn't break free from under Brayden, only watching helplessly as the door handle turned.