Hard Ink by Ali Lyda

I don’t have the best history with older men.
When Mateo saw my last relationship implode, he was there to help.
He saved me.
Hopefully self-defense lessons will keep me from getting hit again.
I can’t ask for more of my friend.
Even dreaming of keeping him is wrong.
But when my ex makes things difficult, Mateo steps up again.
I don’t want a protector, but maybe it’s time to accept a little help.
For the first time in my life, I want something real.
What will it cost to keep the man I’m falling for?
Bryan needs a protector.
Those rich old guys that chase after him aren’t the answer.
All I want is to keep him safe.
I want to watch him grow into the strong man I know he can be.
Falling for him wasn’t the plan.
But now that I’ve had a taste, I can’t let him go.