Claimed by the Hartfords

gers, the skin on his knuckles raw and bruised, a reminder of what he'd just been through. Despite the lingering pain, he felt a str

musement. "Our very own Alexander Hartford, punching a guy out i

that signature mischievous grin plastered across his face. His brother looked both incr

"I didn't do it for 'a girl,' Nico. I already told you I did it

thing to do'? Oh, please. Don't pretend you're sudden

"Believe what you want, Nico. But this isn't about some game. The

he story' to me." He chuckled, giving his brother a taunting look. "Admit it, you've taken an interest in her. A

You don't own her, Nico. Besides, last I checked, your attention span with women i

special. And maybe she deserves someone who knows how to have a little fun. Some

it rattle him. "So that's your pitch? That she s

he 'serious' one, Alex. But some people don't need that. Some people actually w

controlled sound. "Living l

back. "Look, Alex, you know I have options. I'm hardly desperate. But Elena...

"Back off?" He shook his head, a small, humorless smile forming. "I didn't realize I w

ol all you want, but I know you, Alex. You're drawn to her, just like I am. But the d

only a big brother could have. "You can taunt me all you like. But I have no intent

re so hung up on 'respect' that you can't even see how you're missing the whole poi

Letting go? That's rich, coming from the guy who tre

t I don't overcomplicate things. Besides, ma

ne'?" Alexander's voice was cool, but Nico

ing to be unaffected, like some stoic hero from a Victorian nove

"Believe what you want, Nico. But Elena deserves more

not afraid to take chances." He paused, folding his arms. "So here's the deal, I'm telling you upfront that I'm interes

ther's gaze. Alexander's expression was controlled, his gaze stead

want, Nico. But remember that actions have consequences. If yo

with defiance. "I'm willing to take tha

gged, looking almost disappointed as he turned and started to wal

he one pretending to be indifferent. Maybe if you let yourself

lingering in his mind. Nico's challenge had been clear, but Alexander knew better than to let himself be provoked. He'd always b

to her. And, if he was honest with himself, he felt a pull too. Protecting her had felt natural, as if it w

t she had stirred something within him he hadn't felt in a long time. He'd spent years focused solely on Hartford Enterprises, sacrificing persona

e him want to be around her. She wasn't someone he could ignore or dis

n emotions he wasn't sure of, especially when it came to someone as important as Elena. Nico was right in

uld count on, without crossing any lines. If Nico wanted to pursue her, that was his choice. Alexander would stay ou

in his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this