Can two broken men build one life? Ten years. That’s what Makai lost for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s been exonerated, but the abuse he suffered in prison isn’t so easy to leave behind. He heads to the one place he remembers being happy: Acker, Wisconsin, where he spent summers with his grandpa. Unfortunately, not everyone wants Makai there. Ten days. That’s how long Emil, now twenty-one, was held prisoner as a teenager. The mental and physical injuries he suffered at the hands of a drug trafficking ring still haunt him. Nightmares, anxiety, and PTSD challenge the connection forming between Makai and Emil, though together, they might find a way to move beyond their pain and into a future -- and a relationship -- that both had thought impossible. Now they just have to convince Emil’s father, the town sheriff. It won’t be easy with danger closer than they know ...

Makai hadn’t bought any spare toothbrushes, so Emil couldn’t brush his teeth and seemed annoyed about that. He knew the value in routines while you were recovering, though, and made a mental note to buy extra stuff just in case it would be needed later.


“I’d offer you mine, but that’s just weird,” Makai said, grinning.


“Thanks for the thought…?” Emil looked cute as hell in Makai’s T-shirt, especially with the pout he had going on.


Makai found Emil the extra pillow and blanket he’d need, and once the couch was set, they left a light on in the living room and went into the bedroom together.


They took the kittens and placed them on Makai’s bed, then sat there with the babies and a very affectionate Mouse, for a while, just chatting.


Chapter 53