Powerful. Dangerous. Male. Alexi Stepanov was everything thatpainful experience had taught Jessica Sterling to fear. Which was whyhe made the perfect protector for her dearest friend. What made bettersense than to counter a threat with maximum threat? Keep your enemiescloser...wasn't that the general wisdom? Only, Alexi was too close for comfort.... In honoring a vow, Jessica had resigned herself to a cold, lonely lifeas a wealthy widow, but Alexi warmed her world with his large, lovingfamily...and a heat he alone stirred. Once, a man's touch had meanttaking, but Alexi's touch was giving. And deceiving. For Alexi knewher friend had never been in danger.Jessica was.