Claimed by the Hartfords

her time getting ready, hoping to steady herself before heading to work. The quiet was a welcome reprieve as she prepared for the day

she could manage the day without letting any residual nerves show. But a

Good m

emanating from him. The sight of him pulled her back to the events of yesterday. His normally reserve

se at seeing him here so early. "Good morning

appened yesterday, I thought I'd stop by to make sure everything's in order." His tone was neutral,

mth spread through her chest. "T

Egyptian artifacts was being arranged for display. The museum's early-m

about the man who'd stood by her side yesterday, who'd shielded her from a painful past she had tried so

afe question. "Did you... I mean,

into a slight, almost amused smile. "I'm

," she replied, unable to hide her skepticism.

"If it reassures you, I can handle myself. That wasn

by his candidness. "You

head, his tone curious

orward. "Well, I assumed you were all about... rules and order. You know, the type who wouldn't get their hands d

ce he rarely let people see. "I didn't plan on it, if that's what you're

nowledgment of the tension that had grown since the moment they'd met, a

the hall. They turned to see Nico strolling in, his fac

duo," he teased, his gaze bouncing between th

straightened, the warmth he'd shown Elena moments ago receding like the ti

his eyes. "Ah, yes. Mr. White Knight saves the day." He turned t

reassuring smile. "I am

you ever need a break from the serious types around here, I'm jus

ring between the brothers. Nico was often playful and la

e to work, Nico. Perhaps we could focus on the

t. You're the boss, after all." He winked at Elena. "Thou

g one of the display cases with a thoughtful expression. Alexander f

fight had exposed something long buried between the brothers, a rivalry that w

e sudden heroic streak? You've always been the one preaching about keeping personal matters out of work. And ye

. "I don't expect you to understand, Nico. Protecting someone

d here I thought you were too busy maintaining the Hart

held more weight than mere teasing. It was as if he was challenging Alexander on so

e both of you being here. But I think we should focus on the exhibit for today, right?" She smiled, hoping t

reciative nod. "You're absolutely right. Besides, these ar

, a faint smile breaking through his sto

Nico, despite his laid-back demeanor, proved to be surprisingly knowledgeable, offering insights on certain

eir approach. Alexander was meticulous, his every action calculated and efficient. Nico, on the o

lry that simmered between them, a rivalry that seemed

er, a playful grin lighting up his face. "So, Elena, since you've had the p

sion unreadable. "I think you both have your strengths," she replied dip

pointment. "Diplomatic as ever

hint of approval flickering

e the lingering tension, she felt a growing connection to both broth

"Well, Elena, if you ever get tired of all this 'serious' work,

just shrugged, giving Elena a quick wave

a shared understanding that neither needed to voice. He held her gaze for

"For staying grounded, even

nd she nodded, her voice equally soft. "Anytime

er before he finally turned, leaving her with a feeling that