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

The doorbell rings at six o'clock on the dot.  I lay a hand across my lower abdomen as a thousand tiny butterflies take flight.


Inhaling a deep breath, I tell myself to calm down.


A small thrill zings through me as I open the door.  Matteo's dark eyes slide over my body, giving me the once-over.  He never specified where we were going and I didn't want to open up a line of communication by texting him, so I chose an outfit consisting of white shorts, a navy-blue blouse, and silver sandals with a short heel.


I'd normally wear a skirt, but that option was a no-go after what happened in the limo the night he gave me a ride home from the club.  Wearing an extra layer is a weak defense mechanism, but I have to protect myself any way I can when it comes to this man.


Chapter 35: Grace