One Night with the Protector Next Door

Rule #1: Never leave the bar with your hated neighbor.
Rule #2: Definitely don't sleep with him.
Rule #3: If you break rules #1 and #2, don't let him move into your house.

I had a weak moment—don't judge. One night. One mistake. Won't happen again.

Ryan's everything I swore to avoid: Dominant. Bossy. Always convinced he knows best.

Thanks to my stalker ex torching Ryan's house, he's now my self-appointed bodyguard and living in my guest room.

Did I mention he loves dogs?

Rosie, the traitor, burrows against him, safe and content, soaking up his easy affection.
And worse? I find myself doing the same.

Beneath the gruff exterior and relentless teasing, Ryan is steady. Protective. The only man who's ever made me feel safe.

The more time we spend together, the harder it is to remember why I shouldn't fall for him.

But safety is an illusion.

Because my ex isn't done with me yet.

And if Ryan keeps getting in his way… I might lose him, too.