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 wish he would spit it out already.  The wait is killing me.


Glancing down, I realize that he's still holding my hand.


"You've always held a special place in my heart, Gracie.  I've watched you grow from a little girl with a curious mind into a beautiful, smart, engaging young woman.  What happened to your parents was a tragedy.  I've never dealt with such grief and to watch you go through it alone nearly broke my heart.  I think the only reason we survived was because we had each other.  I think our relationship is stronger, closer, deeper because we made it through hell together."


His words resonate in my head.  Feeling jittery, I jerk my head in agreement.  My mouth is so dry that I couldn't speak if I tried.


"But it feels as though our relationship has shifted.  It doesn't feel like we're uncle and niece anymore.  I think we have more of an adult relationship now."  He pauses before adding, "A friendship."


Chapter 31: Grace