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

I throw open the door as the bell rings.  George has a guest list at the front desk and is sending people up.  It's been a steady stream of family and friends arriving for the last hour.  There are already about thirty people milling around the living room.  The condo is open, airy, and spacious.


I've been doing my best to convince my wife that we should take over my parents' compound in the country.  It would be the perfect place to raise Caterina.


Along with the rest of the kids we plan on having.


I shake Jonathan's hand.  "Hey, man.  Good to see you."


Jonathan and Grace have been friends since she started at The Art Institute five years ago.  Jonathan volunteers on a weekly basis.  Grace will finish up her doctorate program next spring.  She's already been offered a permanent position as a curator with the museum.


Chapter 61: Matteo