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 rest of the afternoon creeps by.  All Jonathan has done is reconfirm Chloe's concerns.  I'd hope to dismiss these rumors as nothing more than outlandish gossip but now that I've heard a nearly identical story from a different source, how can I?


The thought of Matteo having me followed makes goose bumps rise across my arms.


As much as I want to dismiss everything I've heard from my friends, I can't.  Matteo is a Valentini.  Enough insinuations have been made for me to question whether Matteo is someone I should allow into my life. 


Jonathan is right.  There are three options for me to consider.  


I ride this out and enjoy the sex until we part ways.


Or I tell him what I've heard and pray he'll be honest with me.


Chapter 43: Grace