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

Eyes still fixed on mine, Matteo enunciates the words more carefully as if I don't speak English.  "I said, get in."


The man is delusional.  That's the only rational explanation I can come up with.  My spine straightens, and I imagine smoke pouring out of my ears as I stand on the sidewalk outside the club.


When I don't make a move to follow his directives, he sighs loudly in exasperation.  Even when I'm pissed, his accent still has the ability to make me weak in the knees, which irritates the hell out of me.


"Get in the car, Grace.  We're both going to the same place.  I'll take you home.  There's no reason for you to be on the street alone at this hour."


A shiver scuttles down my spine at the commanding tone.


Prying my eyes away from him, I pray for a taxi to come barreling down the street so that I don't have to get in the car.  One heartbeat, then two slip by.  And still there's nothing.


Chapter 18: Grace