The Protector Series by Erica Lupica

An arranged marriage. Abuse. Murder. Giuliana De Marco experienced it all. Giuliana had made her family a promise to marry Vinnie Rossi. But, the constant abuse was too much to honor the family obligation. After careful planning, with the help of her two best friends, Giuliana decided to run from her forever. When Giuliana boarded a plane to escape her reality, she never expected Cole Forte to turn her life upside down. She was drawn to him, but had to protect herself... moreAn arranged marriage. Abuse. Murder. Giuliana De Marco experienced it all. Giuliana had made her family a promise to marry Vinnie Rossi. But, the constant abuse was too much to honor the family obligation. After careful planning, with the help of her two best friends, Giuliana decided to run from her forever. When Giuliana boarded a plane to escape her reality, she never expected Cole Forte to turn her life upside down. She was drawn to him, but had to protect herself. His persistence eventually pushed Giuliana to open her heart and consider a life beyond the turbulence of her past. Cole knew right away that she was the one. He had vowed to never be in a committed relationship again, but one look from Giuliana changed him forever. Will secrets from the past throw them together or rip them apart? They both have to make decisions; should they listen to their hearts and take a chance at love or possibly face a lifetime of loneliness? They eventually chose love, but never expected the turbulence that comes with their choice. This books ends with a cliffhanger. The third book, Concede, continues the story. less

Bronte Alcott…is escaping her existence as she knows it. This is her one chance of functioning as a human being. If she continues to stay in her home town she will just wither up and die. Ryder Montgomery…control is all he knows and all he ever desires until Bronte enters his life. He suddenly finds himself wanting to take care of her and pushing his dominance to the side to protect her from what she thought she left behind. He knows too much and she hides her past... moreBronte Alcott…is escaping her existence as she knows it. This is her one chance of functioning as a human being. If she continues to stay in her home town she will just wither up and die. Ryder Montgomery…control is all he knows and all he ever desires until Bronte enters his life. He suddenly finds himself wanting to take care of her and pushing his dominance to the side to protect her from what she thought she left behind. He knows too much and she hides her past. Once the truth is known, where will their relationship go? Dictating Control is the second book in the Protector Series. less