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

I open the door as Chloe raps her knuckles against it.  Her eyes skim down me and fill with concern.


Her question throws me off.  "I feel great."  My brows pinch together in confusion.  "Why?"


I think Matteo pounded the last six months of stress right out of my now limp-as-a-noodle body.  Maybe even a year.  I feel lighter and brighter than I have in a long time.


She gives me another hard look and says, "Because it's one o'clock on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and you're sitting around wearing sweat-pants and a T-shirt.  That's why."


I glance down at my outfit before correcting her.  "Actually, they're yoga pants.  Completely acceptable attire."


One perfectly manicured brow gets cocked.  "That doesn't make it any better."


Chapter 27: Grace