KAI's POV

"She was always trouble, Adrian."

My voice was low, cutting through the noisy police station corridor. "You shouldn't have married Allessa in the first place. You should've followed your heart and married Hana like you wanted to. I warned you back then that you will regret later. Now see she nearly killed your twins. Such a woman doesn't deserve you."

Adrian stopped walking and turned to me, his face hard. "Kai, you know I couldn't say no to my grandfather. What if he decides to threaten my inheritance? You know I am not like you, that is useless to the family." He arrogantly sneered. "I have responsibilities for the whole family. I can't say no because she is a country side barefoot doctor."

"You know she doesn't deserve someone like you. You deserve someone like you that acts like you." I said, tapping his shoulders with a worried look."Brother, I feel so bad you ended up with such a woman that harmed your kids. Such an uncultured and bitter woman. Back then I knew why I warned you that she wasn't a good match."

He replied in a sad tone. "If not, you are useless to the family and don't contribute anything. You are a good brother to me so I won't treat you badly." he touched my shoulders. "Don't worry brother, I will buy you the latest motorbike. My mum blocked your card right?" he asked and I nodded. "Dont worry, I will unlock it right now, you can use some to gamble a bit. You know I am the only one that knows you best and cares for you."

So I hugged him, patting his back. "Ohhh, sweet brother, you are so good to me. I love you."

"I am going to check on Hana and my twins. They need me right now. Such a poor girl suffered all this because of me."

"Of course," I muttered. "Go play with your family. Hana must be sad without you. As for Alessa, I think I should bail her."

He stared at me with a frowned face. "Why? She must sleep here for a month before I release her. Do you know how she disrespected me at the hospital? Or are you siding with her?" His tone changed.

I smiled. "Haa..brother no..You know how much I dislike that woman." I shook my head, showing my disgust. "I am only thinking about you. Won't grandfather get angry at you for that? You know he will hate your Hana more if you keep Alessa locked up."

He smirked, and hit my arm. "I know you always think about my well being. Just do whatever you want to her. I told the police men to tame her a bit for me. A few slaps that will give her a red face for a week. Make sure they do that. Don't try to pity her, make sure they do that."

Adrian shot me one last warning look before turning and walking away, his expensive shoes clicking against the tiled floor like nothing in the world was wrong.

I stood there, fists clenched, chest heaving with rage I didn't know where to put.

Jace-my best friend and assistant stepped beside me, lowering his voice. "This your elder brother is so stupid. He thinks you are a little kid that he wants to spoil rotten. Imagine he is telling a 26 year old to gamble. Does he think you are a little kid that doesn't know right and wrong?" He shook his head. "But Kai, did you really have to talk about your brother's wife like that?" he asked quietly. "You know that was harsh. You always badmouth his wife in his pretense but nice to her when he isn't there. What is your gain doing that?"

I turned on him instantly. "Shut up, Jace. Mind your business."

He raised both hands. "I'm just saying...But you...."

I turned to him. "I said shut up." I turned and headed toward the waiting room.

And that's when I saw Allessa walking in. Her face was red and swollen.

A female officer was gripping her arm, dragging her forward like she was some kind of criminal. Her wrists were cuffed, red and already bruised.

"Move faster," the officer snapped and shoved her into the room.

That was it. I exploded out of my seat. "Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

The officer turned sharply. "Sir, sit down...Are you not the victim's brother? Who are you siding with?"

"Don't touch her like that!" I barked, stepping between them. My fists were clenched so tight my knuckles burned.

Allessa lifted her head then, her eyes meeting mine. They were glassy... tired... but still looked pretty and enticing that it melts my heart.

"Kai," she said softly but firmly. "Stop. Please."

Her calling my name so softly melted me. I froze, my ears standing.

"Don't make this worse," she whispered. "Just... let it go."

Let it go? How the hell was I supposed to let this go? My mind was beating so fast I was so eager to bounce on the woman and beat her black and blue.

I turned away, breathing hard. If I didn't step back, I was going to lose control. And that wouldn't help her.

I waited until the officer left, then went back to her slowly.

She was sitting now, small and fragile on the hard plastic chair. Nothing like the strong, confident surgeon everyone feared and admired. Just... Allessa. I never knew everyone she was nice to will turn their back on her.

I knelt in front of her and gently lifted her hands. The cuffs were too tight. Red marks circled her wrists.

My chest tightened.

I reached into my pocket, pulled out the small key I had stolen from the officer earlier, and unlocked the cuffs.

They fell to the floor with a soft clink.

She didn't pull away when I touched her hands. I held them carefully, like they were made of glass.

"Are you okay?" I asked quietly.

She laughed, not a happy laugh but a mocking one. "Okay?" she repeated.

Then she looked up at me, eyes sharp despite the wet eyes.

"Didn't you call the police on me?" she whispered. "Why are you acting all concerned now? You are just like your brother. The only difference is that you are handsome."

The words came suddenly and my cheeks burned red. "Handsome?" then the other words kicked in. I swallowed. "I am not like my brother. I will never be as stupid as him. Like I said he deserves someone as foolish as him. You deserve someone better. Remember, I sent you a letter on your engagement day. That he wasn't a good person or a good match. But you ignored it and went ahead so you can't blame me."

Her lips parted. "Why are you two faced Kai? When your brother is here you treat me like trash. When he is gone you..."

"N..noo..." I shook my head fiercely. "I just don't like foolishly in love women. I just wanted you to know his true colors. He never defended you when I said those things. Isn't that a sign that he isn't a good person? "

She pulled her hands back slowly, then raised one hand to caress my cheek. I placed my hand on her hand that was on my cheek.

"Kai, why say all this? Do you like me? The way you look at me isn't innocent at all? You know I am your brother's wife?" she brought her face closer to my face. Her lip an inch from mine. Her minty breath poured on my face.

Someone barged in, kicking the iron gate. "You little witch!!"

I flinched, flying away from her and I almost fell on my mouth. My step mom Lydia rushed to Alessa and slapped her once as she raised her hand again to slap her.

I instinctively held her hand without thinking. When I realized what I did it was too late.

KAI Wolfe's POV

Her hand lifted before I could even think.

I caught it midair.

"Don't," I said sharply, defending her.

Lydia froze, her eyes blazing as she stared at me, her fingers trembling in my grip. "Let go of me, Kai. Who gave you the guts to stop me?"

I released her immediately and stepped back, fear flashing through me before I could hide it.

"M...M..Mother... I'm sorry," I said quickly.

Her eyes narrowed, she stared at me surprised by my sudden outburst.

Before I could react, her hand flew again- this time landing hard against my face.

"Who is your mother?" she snapped, but suddenly softened her face.

The sting burned, but I didn't move. I did it to protect Alessa. In Lydia's eyes I was worthless and should remain a worthless stepson.

Then Allessa stood up.

"Mother... what do you want?" her voice was soft, but there was strength in it.

Lydia ignored her completely, pointing at me instead. "Why did you stop me from slapping her? Didn't you see what she did to your brother and his children? Or are you siding with her now?"

My fists clenched. "Grandfather is coming," I said quietly. "It won't look good if you hit her face. You know he protects her a lot. "

That was the only thing that made her pull away. Not because she felt wrong... but because she feared Grandfather. Her face changes when grandfather is around.

She turned to Allessa then, her lips curling in disgust.

"Allessa, we kindly brought you in despite your countryside background. We accepted you into this family. Is this how you repay me?"

Allessa's hands trembled, but she lifted her chin. "I never forced you to marry a countryside woman to your son. You should be happy I..."

The door opened suddenly.

"Grandfather Wolfe is on his way in," the officer announced.

Lydia's expression changed instantly. From rage... to calculation.

She grabbed Allessa's arm and dragged her closer, lowering her voice into something cold and deadly.

"When he comes in, you will say you knew about the surrogate and you supported it. You will say the surgery failed because of your medical accident. You will quit your job to atone for that sin. And it's not my son's fault."

Allessa's eyes widened. "What...?"

"If you refuse," Lydia continued calmly, "I will send you away. You will go back to that countryside where you belong. Without money!! Without protection!! Without this family!! Do you think you can survive without our help? I heard you have a step mom? Do you think she will welcome you with open hands?"

My blood boiled. "You can't...."

She shot me a warning glare. "Stay out of this, Kai. Be a good boy and listen to your mother."

Before I could say another word, the door opened again.

Two elderly men walked in.

Grandfather Wolfe... and beside him was Allessa's grandfather. Alessa's grandfather Smith was angry, his face said it all.

"Grandfather," Lydia said, forcing a polite smile.

But his eyes were sharp and angry, "Where is Adrian?" he demanded. "My grandson stands as husband to another woman while his wife is in police custody? How dare he lock his wife up?"

Silence in the cell fell like a bomb.

Allessa's grandfather rushed to her side, his old hands trembling as he held her shoulders. "My child... are you alright?"

Allessa's lips quivered. She shook her head but said nothing.

Grandfather Wolfe turned to Lydia. "Leave us."

Lydia stiffened. "Father...You know..my son is innocent."

"I said leave," he barked.

She hesitated, then stormed out, fury burning in her eyes as she passed me.

She closed the gate hard, almost falling down the building.

Grandfather Wolfe sighed heavily and turned to Allessa. "Child... I am ashamed of my grandson. You did not deserve this humiliation. It is all my fault for the failed upbringing of my grandson. What do you want? I will make it up to you." He saw her red face. Then he asked. "What happened to your face? Who hit you?"

Tears finally slipped from her eyes. Silent and Broken, she fell on her grandfather's shoulder.

"I raised my grandson better than this," he continued angrily. "Surrogate or not, a man does not disgrace his wife publicly. This family has failed you. I will make sure I will deal with my son."

Allessa's grandfather Mr Smith pulled her into his chest, patting her hair. "You will not be bullied here, my dear. Not while I'm alive. I will take you away right now. I can't let you stay here and compromise. I will make them pay for hitting you."

My chest felt like it was tearing apart. -Then Grandfather Wolfe looked at me.

"Kai."

I straightened immediately. "Yes, sir."

"You will take Allessa home," he said firmly. "Not to that house filled with poison. I don't want to anger her more. Take her to your place or a hotel for the night. I heard Adrain took that wicked woman home. I will go there and send her away. I don't want Alessa going there to see her. She needs to stay out for a bit."

Allessa gasped. "What? No...."

"Just for tonight Alessa," he said gently. "She needs rest. Tomorrow, lawyers will handle this matter. We know you are a good doctor. You treated my lame leg. What is a child you can't deliver?"

Alessa's grandfather held her. "Listen to your grandpa Wolfe. I am sorry it was my fault, I forced you into this marriage. Grandfather won't let anyone hurt you again."

Then she smiled, going for her seat. "Grandpa, I am fine. These little things don't hurt me. I fell on my face, nobody hit me okay? What about my father? Did you call him and inform him about this? Why did you travel such a long distance alone? You know your health isn't good."

He smiled reassuring his granddaughter. I stared at them and felt the love between them.

My grandfather turned to me. "Take care of Alessa. And I will take care of my friend.(Her grandpa)"

"Yes, sir," I said.

After everything, they turned away and left to bail her.

As I helped Allessa to her feet, her hand brushed mine. She flinched slightly... but didn't pull away.

Then she said softly. "Kai, my legs are hurting. Pull off my heels for me."

"Why? Why should I?" I asked, my eyes shone. I was happy, maybe she likes me touching her. But a part of me felt like Alessa wasn't seeing me as a man. She was seeing me as a little brother. "Why should I touch your feet?" I asked, angrily.

She looked away. "Well, if you don't want to forget it." She said turning away from me like I was a plague.

But I went on my knees immediately and slowly pulled off her heels. Her feet were slender, pale white like her face and beautiful. She smiled sweetly and enticingly. I wondered why my brother would cheat on such a beautiful woman. A woman I will die to have her for a second on my bed.

She suddenly patted my hair. "Kai, you are such a good boy!."

And I knew, with terrifying certainty, that from this moment on.. I wasn't just protecting my brother's wife anymore.

I was protecting the woman who was slowly stealing my heart

ALESSA POV

I didn't even remember how I got here. My mind wasn't with me.

One moment I was sitting on the back of Kai's bike, holding onto his jacket like it was the only thing keeping me upright... and the next, I was on his couch, staring at a wall that didn't belong to me.

His house smelled very nice, it was different from what I expected. It was very clean for a rough and dandy boy. His house didn't reflect his personality. Everything in the house was very expensive for a small biker like him.

"Kai..." I called softly.

He appeared in front of me with a glass of water. "Drink."

I took it, but my hands were shaking too badly to lift it to my lips.

My phone buzzed suddenly.

I almost ignored it... until I saw the message preview from Alicia.

Lydia Wolfe was attacked by two unidentified bikers...

My breath caught in my throat. I picked up the phone and viewed the message. I wanted to teach her a little lesson by sending Alicia my friend but she said she was already attacked.

I looked up at him slowly.

"Did you do it?"

He frowned. "Do what?"

"This," I whispered, lifting my phone. "Your stepmother was attacked on her way home."

Shock crossed his face, real and instant. "How did you hear it?"

I stared at him with raised brows.

His expression changed. "What? No. I didn't even know about that."

But my heart wasn't convinced. "Kai... was that you?"

His jaw tightened. "No. I swear."

Silence fell between us, he looked away. I knew it was him.

Then the words I had been holding back slipped out.

"Did you do it because she slapped me? Are you avenging me?"

His eyes darkened. "I would never hurt someone just because of you. Who are you to me? Why will I hurt my mother for you?"

I searched his face, trying to find a crack in his words. But all I saw was lies, he was trying to hide.

"Really?" my voice low, "everyone keeps saying you are the useless brother of the family with no backbone. But why do I feel you are a wolf claiming to be a sheep?"

"I can be a wolf for you if you want one." he blurted quietly but I heard it.

I smiled. "If you want to be my wolf, you will have to be a blood tasty wolf."

He sat beside me, close enough that I could feel the heat of his body. His ears burned red, I always like how his ears turn red for me.

"You shouldn't believe rumors about me," he said softly. "But more importantly... you shouldn't think I would ever use you as an excuse to hurt someone. You are nothing to me. I only brought you here because grandfather requested."

My chest tightened. "Yeah, I know."

His hand lifted before he seemed to realize what he was doing. His fingers brushed against mine.

The touch was gentle....and I stiffened. My heart skipped a bit for a little touch of him. He stared at me with pity in his eyes.

Why would he look at me like that? He pities me? Why?

Our eyes locked, and suddenly I was too aware of how close we were... of how his thumb was still resting against my skin... of how my breath was starting to match his.

I pulled my hand back, my heart racing and I stood up.

"I want to go to bed," I whispered.

"Yeah,you need to." he said hoarsely. "The room opposite mine."

But neither of us moved away. We stood still staring at each other. I felt like he had more to say.

I laughed weakly. "The room.is upstairs right?."

He said blankly. "Yes."

**********''''''''"

I turned around and wrapped myself around a hard log.

"Why is the pillow so hard?" I thought.

My face was pressed against a broad pillow. I moved my hand around, and it was a hard chest.

Slowly, carefully, I lifted my head.

Kai's face was an inch to mine. His forehead was pinned to mine.

I was in his bed!! curled against him like I belonged there. His arm was draped around my waist, his breathing slow and steady.

My heart slammed so hard, I was sure it would wake him.

Oh no... no, no, no...

I tried to move, but his arm tightened slightly, instinctively pulling me closer in his sleep.

His lip touched my forehead. Heat rushed to my face.

Why did this feel... right?

I held my breath, staring at his lashes, at the small scar on his eyebrow I had never noticed before. This was dangerous. He was so dangerously tempting.

And then...

His eyes opened.

For a second, we just stared at each other. He had no expression on his face. He moved his hand to my hair and tucked it behind my ear.

"Allessa...? You sleep walk again?" he murmured, voice rough with sleep.

"I..I..I'm sorry," I whispered quickly. "I think I was sleepwalking. I didn't mean to.."

He didn't move, didn't pull away. Just looked at me like he was afraid I might disappear. Suddenly he pulled away, almost pushing me down. His elbow hit my forehead as he stood up.

"Shit!!" I winced, touching my forehead.

"You okay?" he asked softly. "I am sorry.

"I should go back to the couch." I tried to sit up, but his hand tightened gently on my wrist. Not stopping me...he rubbed my forehead gently.

"Wait for me, let me go get an ice block," he said quietly.

My chest tightened. This was wrong!! I was still married. He was my husband's brother. This could ruin everything.

But I didn't move, my body instantly obeyed. He supported my head as I laid back on the bed.

And then the door burst open. "Kai, you won't believe what...."

Jace stopped dead. His eyes widened. "Oh... damn. I am sorry, I had no idea Alessa is here."

He tried to turn away but instantly turned back. His eyes shone. "What? Alessa!!"

I scrambled out of the bed instantly, heart racing. "It's not what it looks like!"

Kai sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Jace, knock next time."

"I did knock," Jace said slowly, still staring at me. "You just didn't answer... because you were busy sharing beds with your brother's wife?"

"I sleepwalked," I blurted.

Jace blinked. "That's... actually worse."

Kai shot him a warning look. "Why are you here?"

Jace's expression shifted. "Because there's something you both need to see."

He held up his phone.

"There's a video trending online," he said quietly. "Someone leaked hospital footage... and a fake health report."

My stomach dropped. "What report?"

Jace swallowed. "They're saying you are mentally ill. That you were treated in a mental home before. And now people are claiming you are unstable and dangerous. The Hospital said they mistakenly hired a mentally ill patient as a doctor."

My hands suddenly felt itchy, I scratched it helplessly. I whispered. "How did they know? Who leaked it? Who said it?"

Kai instantly grabbed my hands with a smile "Its fine Alessa. Its a false report. A fake news."

I pushed his hands off. I was taken aback. "You knew I was sick?" I asked surpirsed then I recalled what he said when he woke up. "You also knew I sleepwalk? How? When? Did you leak my report to them?"

He shook his head. "Alessa, its a fake report you shouldn't worry." Kai's hands closed around my shoulders. Firm and Steady.

Jace said softly. "You shouldn't worry about this yet. Your grandfather heard it and fainted from anger."