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

Matteo's parents live about an hour north of Chicago.  The cosmopolitan, bustling city with all its high rises and concrete slowly gives way to wide-open spaces scattered with red-barned farms as the limo travels down the highway.  Trees in the middle of turning fiery red, breathtaking orange and deep, rich yellows dot the landscape.  It's an idyllic sight.  I'm reminded of how much I missed the change in seasons while living in Seattle.  Driving through the countryside during autumn is one of life's little pleasures.


Leaving the freeway, we head east on country roads toward Lake Michigan until we turn onto a private road flanked by mature trees.  We stop at the guardhouse to gain clearance.  The driver speaks with security before the gate is opened, and we're allowed on to the property.


Chapter 50: Grace