Claimed by the Hartfords

of it all as she moved across the dance floor with Nico. The lively jazz notes from the band reverberated through the room, and the wa

spun her around, making her laugh. "You know, Elena, for some

could I not be?" she replied, flas

she caught glimpses of other guests whispering, perhaps watching them. It felt exhilarating to be the ce

in, his voice low with mischief. "How about

uard. She let out a surprised laugh, clutching his shoulder as he held her, just a little closer than necessary. When

lena whispered, still catching her breat

e replied with a wink, clea

, they found themselves surrounded by a small crowd of

man gushed, clutching her pearl necklace

d, blushing at the attention. "But I thin

t, feigning humility. "Ah, I'll

nded as a photographer snapped a few shots of her and Nico together. The photographer, a wiry ma

ore for the morning edition?" he called, al

. Nico simply grinned, pulling Elena close and thro

side," Nico quipped, earning a

night began to wind down. She was left with a sense of elation and a lingering warmth from the dance, t

no time to worry about Rachel, surely she could find her way to the guest room pu

-----

pulled herself out of bed, glancing at the clock. It was early, and she

achel's voice, lo

ly to be greeted by Rachel holding a newspape

d, grabbing the paper

e made it look like they were in a heated embrace, with Nico's hand firmly on her waist

d His Mystery Muse: A Love

dened in horror

lar focus on the "unexpected romantic chemistry" between Nico and her. It was writt

ing to suppress a laugh.

s a disaster! People are going to think... and

think that Nico's movin

eping up her neck. "It wasn't like that at all! We were just...

could respond, it opened to reveal Nico himself, holding

y famous," he said, holding up the pape

r hands. "Please tell me th

ou should be flattered. Most people don't get their first Hartford he

second, added, "Honestly, E

nt and disbelief. "I can't believe you two are findin

a deep voice behind them

adable. He held his own copy of the newspaper, but his gaze wasn't on the head

his face, "care to explain why our family's c

ug. "What can I say? The pre

int of amusement in his usually s

p even more, tried to interjec

misunderstanding, Alex. But honestly, if they think I'

tened as he glanced at Elena. "Well, let's hop

umor of the situation. "I can't believe I

g. "Welcome to the Hartford world, Elena. Wh

ntleness that made her heart skip a beat. "Just be careful around this one

tanding there with Nico, her cheeks still burning as