Claimed by the Hartfords

ith Jared. She had hoped he'd stay away, that he'd understand they were done. But the way he'

s behind her, when she felt a strong hand grab her arm. Startled, she sp

ou could just walk away, did you?

her voice trembling with a mix of

nd she felt a pang of pain radiate up her arm. She tried to pull

rush me off," he whispered harshly. "You

them. Just then, a shadow moved into her line of sight, and she looked up to see Alexa

is voice low but powerful, each

n his grip on her arm. "Who do you think you

ides. "It concerns me the moment she says it does. And fr

e in their stature was obvious Alexander's calm, controlled strength versus Jared's impulsive aggression. But

ing forward, his hands balled into fi

unch, sending Jared stumbling backward. Jared regained his footing quickly and lunged at Alexander, throwing wild punches that Alexander blocked

his control, delivering sharp, strategic blows that soon had Jared reeling. In one final swing, Alexande

e bruised and swollen. Alexander towered over him, b

at had just happened. Before she could gather her tho

who's attempted to harm a member of our staff. Please send someone to pick him up immediately

sure, his willingness to stand up for her, even though he barely knew her. As the police arrived and took Jared into custody, sh

is knuckles and the slight wince he gave when he flexed his hand. Without

eaching out to inspect his swollen han

trying to hide the discomfort. "I

hank him, to ease even a small part of the pain he'd endu

ppeared, holding one in his hand. She thanked him and retu

" she instructed, gently cleaning the blood from his knuckles. She dabb

gh she could see in his eyes that her touch must have stung a bit. The atmosphere between them felt charged, the

fly before returning her focus to his hand. "I don

r face. "You don't have to thank me. I wasn't

d and looked up, meeting his g

o entering, his eyebrows raised as he took in the scene. His gaze flicked from Alexan

to his brother with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Di

as he looked at Nico. "I wouldn't call it a f

o you were playing the knight in shining armor? How ch

th Nico's teasing tone. Alexander's jaw tightened, but he said n

Alexander replied, his tone c

just surprised. Our dear Alexander, taking the direct approach. It's

words, unsure of how to respond. Alexander look

right. I'll stop. I just have to say, it's quite the scene. You

d look, his voice firm. "Eno

by a rare moment of sincerity as he met his brother's

ned as Nico reached over, clapping Alexander on the

of the Hartford brothers that few people ever saw, a closeness bur

a smile directed at Elena. "At least you can

ling some of the tension ease.

"And to think, you didn't take my offer for a ride this m

t her smile was genuine.

er, his voice gentle. "Elena, if anything like th

e care she sensed beneath his words

boyfriend or what. Cause if he was then he w

larly liked to discuss. "Thank you so much for the help Mr Hartford. I ne