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

It seems easier to stay at Dominic's instead of going home.  I know Matteo will show up in the middle of the night, and I need time to digest everything I've learned today. 


When Matteo texts to ask where I am around midnight, I don't respond.  There are so many questions bubbling up inside me.


Can I trust him to tell me the truth when he's done everything in his power to keep me ignorant?


He texts once.  Then he calls.  I turn off my phone after the second attempt and roll over to try to fall asleep.  But I can't.  My mind is too filled with Matteo.  Like a specter, he haunts me for the rest of the night.


When I wake in the morning, my eyes feel gritty, and I'm exhausted.  As much as I would love to stay in bed for a few more hours, I can't.  I have two classes I can't afford to miss.  I need to hustle home and take a shower before heading to campus.


Chapter 46: Grace