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

Heart pounding, I shake my head.  "Not really.  He lives in my building."


His expression turns speculative, and I know I'm in trouble.  "Hmmm, I think you've been holding out on me."


"He's a neighbor," I say firmly, as if that will make it true, "nothing more."


"That's a shame.  Please, please, please, tell me he's not married."


"He's not married," I mutter.  Sucking in a breath, I repeat Matteo's own words, hoping they'll feel like a glass of cold water in my face.  My libido needs immediate dousing.  "He doesn't date, if you catch my drift."


"Oh, I catch it, all right.  And to that, I say who the hell cares?"


I've yet to pull my eyes from Matteo.  I don't think I can.  When he starts moving toward me through the crowd, nerves gather in the pit of my belly.


"I should give you two some privacy," Jonathan murmurs out of the side of his mouth, "but I'm not going to."


"Don't you dare leave me," I whisper harshly under my breath.  "I will literally kill you."


Chapter 22: Grace