There’s nothing wrong with a harmless little crush, right?

And who better to crush on than the gorgeous man next door?

The one who would never look twice in my direction.

Except he does.

The first time he pins me in place with his dark gaze, I’m rendered speechless.  The first time he lays his hands on me, I melt.  And the first time he takes me, well…I fall to pieces, wondering if I’ll ever be the same again.

Everything about him screams danger.

And yet I’d be lying through my teeth if I didn’t admit that was part of the attraction.

Chicago is supposed to be a new beginning for me.  A chance to find my bearings and live again.  The man next door is the last person I should be getting involved with.

And yet, here I am.

A moth dancing too close to the flickering flame, hoping I don’t get torched.

Protecting What's Mine was created by Jennifer Sucevic, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author. 

Protecting What's Mine

When I head downstairs to go for a run the next morning, Matteo is waiting for me in the lobby.  I'm not going to lie, it kind of throws me off.  Being around all the gorgeousness isn't easy.  It takes some getting used to, and I'm not there yet.  He makes me feel self-conscious and awkward in a way I've never experienced before.  He has this way of watching me that sets my already frayed nerves on edge.  I feel tongue-tied when we're together.


I don't think we've exchanged more than a handful of words.


I can't say that I don't enjoy having him at my side.  He may jack me up inside, but I like being around him.  It doesn't make the least bit of sense.


What I find most amusing is the way women instantly perk up when they see him.  I'm talking every female we pass on the street.  It doesn't matter if they're pre-teens or middle aged, they all rubberneck.  And the looks they shoot my way after getting an eyeful of him are hilarious.


Chapter 15: Grace