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."  My voice cracks as his name spills from my mouth.


He shoves past Dominic, taking the stairs two at a time.  When he's close enough, Matteo yanks me toward him.  I flinch as his arms wrap around me.


Hearing my hiss of pain, he loosens his grip.  His fingers slip under my chin and tip my face toward his.  "Sorry, bella.  I didn't mean to be so rough."  His lips brush over mine.


My breath comes out in shaky puffs.  My heart drums against my ribcage.  I thought I'd have more time before facing him.  I'm nowhere near ready for a confrontation.  I hope Dominic will give me the courtesy of telling Matteo what happened in private.  The last thing I need is an audience.  I already know that Matteo will be livid.


"It's okay," I whisper.  "I'm okay."  I just want to inhale his masculine scent and pretend that the last twenty-four hours never happened.


Although I want to run my hands over his face, I keep them to myself.  


Chapter 58: Grace