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

Dark eyes meet mine.  "Bella," he cajoles, "you have my word that I won't touch him.  But there are words that need to be said and I would prefer them to be discussed in private."


"Does it have something to do with me?" I ask even though I know the answer.


I fold my arms across my chest, the overnight bag still hangs from my shoulder.  "I'm not leaving.  If you have something to say to Dominic, I'd like to hear it."


My refusal exasperates him.  He's not used to me fighting him.  All he usually has to do is flick his obsidian gaze in my direction or trail his fingers over me, and I fold like a house of cards, eager to do whatever he wants.


Brows drawn together, I repeat in a sharper tone, "I'm not leaving."


He watches me for a long moment and then shrugs.  In a soft voice, he admits, "I don't want you to hear this."


Chapter 59: Grace